There are some commercial brands that are not only appealing to audiences, but are often retooled for newer generations to embrace with such an example being The Addams Family. Originally created as a cartoon in 1938, it later spawned a 1964 TV series along with two 1990's live-action films with a third being direct-to-video, a 2019 animated re-imagining that gives the series a modern makeover and now, The Addams Family 2. With it being aimed towards a younger audience, the sequel to its passable yet underwhelming 2019 counterpart proves to be more kooky and enjoyable, despite not doing much to alter the franchises brand.
Addams Family 2's plot revolves around Wednesday Addams (Voiced by Chloe Grace Moretz) feeling dissimilar to her family, and parents (Oscar Isaac and Charlize Theron). Attempting to combat this, the Addams decide to take a family road trip in an effort to bring them together. They end up being followed and confronted by a scientist's representative, who insists that Wednesday is actually his daughter and was switched at birth. The 2019 Addams Family wasn't anything groundbreaking, but it proved effective in commercializing the brand for a new generation of young audiences. The film lacked the ghoulish energy of its live-action counterparts, but the spirit of its characters remained intact. The sequel builds off the newly established universe with Wednesday's character being the prime focus. Despite the story feeling paper-thin like its predecessor, it's serviceable enough for the audience to once again be drawn to the Addams world with the characters classic flavor being present. It may not distinguish itself much from the average animated film that's generally churned out, but as a family-themed adventure, the sequel works fairly enough to make for passable entertainment.
Much of Addams Family 2 fun-spirit comes from its talented ensemble cast, who bring the same level of energy to the story that charmed audiences previously. Both Charlize Theron and Oscar Isaac prove to be an ideal Morticia and Gomez Addams with them channeling their characters passionate romance. Chloe Grace Moretz is fantastic as Wednesday with her perfectly conveying her characters lack of emotion. Nick Kroll gives a hilarious performance as Gomez's brother Uncle Fester with Bette Milder as Grandmama Addams. Replacing Finn Wolfhard as Pugsley Addams from the original is Javon Walton, who proves to be a reasonable substitute. The sequels new casting additions all make the most out of their roles with Bill Harder playing scientist Cyrus Strange, who claims that he is Wednesday's biological father, Wallace Shawn as Cyrus lawyer Mr Mustela, Ted Evans as Cyrus and Mr. Mustela's hulking henchmen Pongo, Conrad Vernon as the Addams butler Lurch, and Snoop Dogg as Gomez and Fester's hairy Cousin It. The cast for Addams 2 ultimately make the story enjoyable to watch while adding a sizable amount of heart.
The directing by Greg Tiernon and Conrad Vernon injects Addams Family 2 with the same visual atmosphere that made the 2019 film appealing to audiences, along with incorporating the goth look that comes with the Addams. Both directors give the story a Tim Burton feel with the designing of the Addams environment, while contrasting the numerous locations throughout the families road-trip with flashy locations like Niagra Falls, Death Valley, and The Grand Canyon. The animation is well-handled with sharp imagery that'll dazzle young audiences along with rapid pacing that allows enough time for quiet character moments in between the Addams hilarious antics. Returning to compose the films score are Mychael and Jeff Danna, who do a fine job of incorporating music that compliments the stories kooky elements, along with adding some much-needed heart to an all familiar premise. On a technical level, both Tiernon and Vernon deliver the family-friendly atmosphere for young audiences to become engulfed by while making the Addams world one that's visually striking.
The films writing is serviceable, though falls within the level of being average. Addams 2's story is rooted within themes regarding family, being different, fitting in, and carrying an overall message that encourages children to own who they are. The screenplay includes fun bits for the audience including Uncle Fester unsuccessfully coaching Pugsley on how to approach girls with each effort failing miserably, as well as recurring humorous bits throughout the film involving a young couple in the middle of a proposal unintentionally falling victim to whatever major catastrophe that brews involving the Addams. The scripts strongest points are the bonding of the Addams klan with each family member getting their key moments to shine, despite the story being Wednesday oriented. Perhaps it helped that the previous film was lacking in story as the sequel feels more like a traditional kooky Addams adventure while emphasizing the importance of family. Though a road trip adventure first-and-foremost, the script offers fans a plot that's relatable even with it involving oddball figures such as the Addams. The writing may feel predictable, but kids will find themselves empathizing with Wednesday's feelings of alienation along with parents connecting with Gomez and Morticia's worry about their daughter, while pushing for more family togetherness as their children get older and become more independent.
Overall, Addams 2 provides a more satisfying experience than its 2019 counterpart despite ranking as being serviceably fun. As a film that's meant to entertain young audiences, The Addams Family 2 gets the job done with zero shortage of the franchises dark humor. The film works as being a charming family road trip sequel that promotes communication, and the value of a family's unconditional love. Audiences will get a kick out of seeing bits such as Uncle Fester hilariously deforming into an Octopus, but will find themselves connecting with the families bond. It may feel more like a generic animated film rather than one boldly trying new things with its classic characters, but The Addams Family 2 hits all the required beats in making for an overall silly sequel that fulfills its function to entertain families, even if it's bound to be forgotten afterwards.
Final Verdict: Stream It
Images Courtesy Of MGM
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