It
might be a step down from the pleasure that was
The Addams Family, but this sequel doesn't miss too far off the mark.
Although darker in nature, with a more adult vibe (this one kicks the rating up
to PG-13), once the plot gets rolling, the momentum returns. While never
great, there are some fun moments to be had, especially due to the performances
of the lively main players.
In this one, Uncle Fester (Lloyd,
Back to the Future Part III) ends up
falling for Debbie (Cusack, Working Girl),
the Addams' new nanny taking care of their new addition, Pubert. Unbeknownst to
him, Debbie is really a gold digging murderess, out to marry Fester and snatch
his cash, after she's finally done him in. While the adults are clueless, the
kids are hip to her schemes, but they can't do much about it, since they've been
shipped off to summer camp, where the happy-go-lucky nature of the place doesn't
jibe well with their dark personalities.
It's hard to go wrong with all of the main
players back, and even without a good story, the strength of the original film's
visuals continues here. The main plot is sporadically entertaining,
becoming interesting mostly when Christina Ricci (The
Opposite of Sex, Pecker) or Christopher Lloyd
take center stage. The new Addams is meant to give this sequel a new
element of cuteness, but this is probably the least effective subplot of the
film. Also on the down side is that, while the Addams Family has always
been dark in its humor, there is an element of vicious mean-spiritedness that
undercuts some of the scenes, particularly when the siblings are trying to kill
one another. Obviously, they won't be successful, given the commercial
family film nature of it, but these scenes are never as funny as first-time
screenwriter Paul Rudnick (In & Out,
Marci X) must have thought they would be.
Even with some of the substantial
downsides, Addams Family Values maintains an interest level throughout.
The quality of the humor wildly varies, but there is just enough going for it to
justify the time spent. Needless to say, if you didn't care for the
original, you aren't likely to think this an improvement in any capacity,
leaving this recommended strictly for those viewers that just can't get enough
Addams Family antics.
-- Followed by a direct-to-video sequel,
Addams Family Reunion.
Qwipster's rating:
©2006 Vince Leo
