The iconic family brings darkness into our lives with their brand of dark, creepy, and kooky humour – the total opposite of any ideal American family, to be honest.
We’ve had plenty of TV and movie spin-offs over the years, and in 2019, a new take on the beloved mysterious family is here.
As a fan of the original 'Addams Family' sitcom which premiered way back in the 1960s, here’s what we think of the new reboot of the macabre family.
#1 Star-Studded Cast, A-list Performances
One thing we didn’t expect from this film was the cast members – it was a packed with A-listers! ‘The Addams Family’ are voiced by ‘Star Wars’ actor Oscar Isaac (Gomez), Charlize Theron (Morticia), Chloe Grace Moretz (Wednesday) and ‘Stranger Things’ star Finn Wolfhard (Pugsley).
The four of them embodied the true Addams Family characters and their tone seamlessly, but it was Theron who stole the spotlight after sounding almost unrecognisable, thanks to her sultry, monotonous voice tone. She’s definitely the hot mama to look out for as she has some serious maternal vibes which reminded us of Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maleficent.
Besides the four, Snoop Dogg, Pom Klementieff, Bette Midler, and Nick Kroll will also be in the film, so keep an eye on their characters!
#2 A Fresh storyline
‘The Addams Family’ has been around since 1938, so it’s only sensible if the producers want to spice it up a little bit to appeal to the current generation. And the 2019 version did just that, bringing a fresh new twist to the table with a sprinkle of humour.
Wednesday is currently in her rebellious teenage phase and she’s lashing out like a typical 13-year-old with questionable taste in fashion in a world surrounded by smartphones and social media.
Her brother, on the other hand, is dealing with a coming-of-age family tradition half-heartedly – which both Gomez and Morticia have to deal with on top of being on the verge of getting exiled by a cookie-cutter society AND their dreaded family reunion.
Perhaps they should send both of their kids to live with an Asian family for a few months and threaten to disown them in order to discipline them (which would actually make a great movie premise).
Anyway, the new take on their family tale seems to appeal more to the younger generation, and although we’re glad that they’re still a bunch of macabre oddballs, a little more darkness, mystery, and some PG-13 gore wouldn’t hurt the franchise, we feel.
It’s missing that morbid zest, one that’ll get your adrenaline pumping.
#3 Good Values
One thing we’d like to commend the film for doing so effortlessly without appearing to shove their agendas on a hard-sell platter is the values taught in the movie. Every storyline connects to one another and the issues are very relatable, especially in our digital era.
Fake news is something we come across almost every other day and it’s something that can negatively impact a person’s life. Just like how your old aunties and uncles are susceptible of sharing that chain of fake messages on WhatsApp which can provoke sentiments, this film shows the exact outcome of it.
Instead of fitting in, the Addams Family also wants you to stand out in the crowd so that you can be yourself and live your life according to how you want it to be; not dictated by your parents or conform to society’s expectations.
Adults and kids who are struggling with their identity will definitely appreciate the themes highlighted in the film. Oh, the film also did a pretty good job highlighting the importance of taking care of your own family.
#4 A Banging Soundtrack
What’s an iconic family without an iconic soundtrack, right? The infectious Addams Family theme song is complimented with a few new tunes.
First, you’ll be treated to a hauntingly beautiful opening song sang by Christina Aguilera titled "Haunted Heart", before another song titled "My Family" performed by Migos, Karol G, Snoop Dogg, and Rock Mafia gets you dancing to your heart’s content.
The song, we feel, is an exciting spin on the classic Addams Family theme song.
We definitely can’t wait to hear what the full soundtrack sounds like!
VERDICT
Overall, ‘The Addams Family’ remains ever creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky despite being placed in a cookie-cutter society setting in a neighbourhood painted like a fiesta of colours.
We love the fact that we get to see different sides of the characters that we grew up with (even the Addams' extended family members)! The A-list cast members provided an A-grade performance, and with a new storyline, the movie will definitely appeal to the younger generation.
You’re in for a few laughs with their brand of subtle dark jokes along the way, but you’ll also find yourself hoping for something more dramatic and darker.
But hey, we aren't complaining because 'The Addams Family' is a pretty solid movie to watch with your family.
‘The Addams Family’ premieres in cinemas nationwide on 31 October 2019.
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