The Addams Family Values

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After watching the 1991 classic that is Barry Sonnenfield's 'The Addams Family', it seemed only natural to next watch its equally as popular 1993 sequel from the same director. I think, funnily enough, I've actually watched this one more than the first film - it's certainly the one I remember watching more as a teenager. Either way, I certainly recall enjoying it quite a bit.

Unsurprisingly, considering the continuity in cast and crew between the two films, there was a lot of similarity in the visual aesthetic between this sequel and its predecessor. The strong gothic style, from the costumes to the set design, was as delightfully macabre as ever, although I also enjoyed the stark juxtaposition posed by some of the other environments visited in the film.

The two main plots in the film were as silly as they were absurdly fun. The main arc, thanks to a terrific antagonist, was extremely memorable and entertaining, while the key subplot with the children was just as enjoyable in a wildly different way. I love that the film even found time to criticise the revisionist white settler version of the Thanksgiving holiday, which is always a joy to see.

Raúl Juliá and Anjelica Huston once again portrayed the perfect on-screen couple - their characters truly are 'couple's goals', as they say. The chemistry between the two was undoubted, as was the strength of their respective performances, with both mixing comedic and melodramatic acting wonderfully. I really believe that these two were perfectly cast for these characters.

Christopher Lloyd and Joan Cusack were a double act to die for. They were so funny together in every scene they shared. Their characters and performances offset and complimented one another's absolutely brilliantly, making for some genuinely hilarious moments. Lloyd's energy, as ever, was infectious, and Cusack's sinister man-eater persona was irresistibly charismatic.

Christina Ricci has a far more substantial role in this sequel, and deservedly so. She is great as Wednesday Addams in both of these films, but particularly this one. She owns the screen as this character, and her interactions with her fellow young co-stars are great. Speaking of whom, David Krumholtz and the returning Jimmy Workman do a fairly good job in their own rights, albeit most definitely playing second fiddle to Ricci.

As far as other performers went, there were a number of those in the supporting cast who deserved at least a mention, even if a few of them had very small roles. Carol Kane, Peter MacNicol, Christine Baranski, Carel Struycken, and the very briefly appearing Nathan Lane, all add to the audience's enjoyment with their respective contributions.

Overall, I always find so much joy in rewatching this comedy classic, and, as such, it remains a sentimental favourite of mine today. I always struggle to decide which of the two Sonnenfield films I prefer; to me, a sign of how good both of them are. They're lighthearted with a dark twist and effortlessly funny - ideal for both child and adult audiences to enjoy. I almost wish there was another one.