Addams Family Values is a 1993 American black comedy film, and the sequel to the 1991 film The Addams Family. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and written by Paul Rudnick, it features an all-star cast including Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Joan Cusack, Christina Ricci and Jimmy Workman. The film was a box office success and was met with mostly positive reviews from critics.
The story follows the misadventures of the eccentric Addams family as they attempt to thwart a plan by their distant relative Fester Addams (Lloyd) to steal their fortune. The family must also deal with their new baby Pubert (Workman), who has become the object of affection of two child-hating nannies (Cusack and Ricci). Meanwhile, Wednesday (Ricci) and Pugsley (Jimmy Workman) are sent away to summer camp where they face off against a group of snobby rich kids.
In terms of its comedic elements, Addams Family Values takes its cue from the first film in terms of visual gags and puns but amps up the laughs by introducing several new characters. Sonnenfeld also manages to deftly balance dark humour with lighthearted moments that allow for an emotional connection between viewers and the characters.
The cast is great in their roles with Anjelica Huston delivering a deliciously wicked performance as Morticia Addams while Raul Julia gives a heartfelt turn as Gomez Addams. Cusack and Ricci are scene-stealers as Debbie Jelinsky and Pubert’s other nanny Joan respectively while Christopher Lloyd is delightfully daffy as Fester.
So is Addams Family Values on Netflix? Unfortunately not; however, it can be rented or purchased on Amazon Video or iTunes if you’re keen to watch it again or if you haven’t seen it yet.
In conclusion, Addams Family Values is an excellent sequel that succeeds in capturing all that made its predecessor so beloved while adding plenty more laughs along the way. The talented cast make the most out of what could have been a one-note story while Barry Sonnenfeld’s direction ensures that even after multiple viewings there’s always something new to discover in this hilarious film.