The Addams Family
Weird Is Relative
Overview
When a man claiming to be long-lost Uncle Fester reappears after 25 years lost, the family plans a celebration to wake the dead. But the kids barely have time to warm up the electric chair before Morticia begins to suspect Fester is fraud when he can't recall any of the details of Fester's life.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Originally created by Charles Addams in 1938, The Addams Family was initially a series of cartoons that later became a successful television show in the late 60s. The 1991 film adaptation marks the first time the Addams Family was brought to life on the big screen and was met with critical acclaim and commercial success.
- The film showcases an exceptional ensemble cast, with Anjelica Huston's iconic portrayal of Morticia Addams, Raul Julia as Gomez Addams, and Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester.
- The dark humor and unique narrative style set it apart from other family-themed films of the time, making it a refreshing watch.
- The movie explores themes such as acceptance, individuality, and the importance of family bonds in an unconventional yet relatable manner.
Fun Facts
- In the movie, Morticia's maid is named 'Wednesday', which is also the name of the family's daughter. This subtle nod to character continuity is a delightful Easter egg for fans.
- The Addams Family mansion was built on a soundstage in Los Angeles, but its exterior was modeled after a real house located in Englewood, New Jersey, which still stands today.
- Christopher Lloyd, who played Uncle Fester, previously portrayed Dr. Emmett Brown in the Back to the Future trilogy. In The Addams Family, he brings his quirky energy to a character that shares some similarities with his role as Dr. Brown.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"Weird Is Relative"
Deutsch
DE
Title: Die Addams Family
"Verrückt sein ist relativ."
Italiano
IT
Title: La famiglia Addams
"La stranezza è relativa."
Español
ES
Title: La familia Addams
"Lo raro es relativo."
Pусский
RU
Title: Семейка Аддамс
""Странность Относительна""
Français
FR
Title: La Famille Addams
"Délirant. Décapant. Décoiffant."
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
A tonally loyal adaptation of the 60's TV show. Some nonsensical moments and lacklustre scenes but Huston and Julia steal the thing with such fervour you can't help but enjoy yourself at least a little.
_Final rating:★★★ - I personally recommend you give it a go._
I reckon central casting could have searched for an hundred years and never cast a better "Morticia" than Anjelica Huston in this enjoyable big screen adaptation of the television series. Happily married to "Gomez" (another inspired casting choice in Raul Julia), they live their nocturnally focussed lives with children "Pugsley" (Jimmy Workman),"Wednesday" (an almost unrecognisable Christina Ricci) and stoic, eight-foot tall, butler "Lurch" (Carer Struycken) in their Gothic mansion. Their idyllic existence is put under threat, though, when their erstwhile kindly uncle "Fester" (Christopher Lloyd) is duped by a couple of arch-cons to try and claim their family fortune - and home - and thus render them broke and homeless. Now, can "Gomez" thwart this cunning plan before his family are actually reduced to sleeping in graves - for real? The casting, writing and direction from a top-of-his game Barry Sonnenfeld make for an entertaining spoof of all thing macabre whilst still extolling a semblance of family virtues and loyalty - told in real time and using some amiable flashbacks from when they were all "younger". The visual effects are understated and effective - especially regarding their loyal retainer that is the disembodies "hand" and the script allows Lloyd in particular, but all in general to deliver a dialogue that raises a smile without raising an eyebrow. This is great fun and on a big screen, well worth a watch.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
COSTUME DESIGN - 1991
Ruth Myers
Media
Behind the Scenes
ADDAMS FAMILY miniature effects
Clip
Poison Lemonade Stand (Full Scene)
Trailer
Official Trailer