16.The Addams Family

Welcome to week 2 of October's spooky reviews!

This week we will take a look at a film that is very dear to my heart, The Addams Family.

Now this is a film which resonates within me. I too am creepy and kooky and a lil spooky. I so want a love like Gomez and Morticia as well, they are the epitome of happiness and healthy relationships, I want what they have.

I also know this film by heart. In months to come you'll see an explanation on my party trick, I think it's during the review of National Treasure, and how I can basically memorize a film if I see it a handful of times. Despite knowing this one and it's sequel, The Addams Family Values, off by heart, I still am pleasantly surprised at the fact I notice something new upon every single viewing. Details just unravel before me that I never noticed before. Timeless. This movie is timeless.

I think the staple for every slightly gothic entity is Morticia Addams. She is grace and elegance, and yet mystical darkness incarnate. Absolute goals. I think this film is basically the basis for my life. When it comes down to it, all of my style choices are either impacted by The Addams Family or Tim Burton and sometimes I struggle between them. Do I choose gothic elegance or wacky individuality? If we look closely, this movie proves it can be both. Sometimes the macabre can be classy too.

I think the most quotable scene in the whole film is when Wednesday replies to Margaret 'I'm a homicidal maniac, they look just like everybody else." This is basically her bluntness in a nutshell. She is taught not to judge the fact people can be different. In the Addams' eyes, everyone else's normal is their weird. And what I find most inspirational is the fact they are completely un-phased by this, they know they don't conform to society's view of normal and they just don't care. 

Fun fact: I have an Uncle Fester. He is not actually my uncle, nor is his name really Fester but he is a close family friend and Fester is his nickname due to his likeness to the character so therefore I have an Uncle Fester. Just thought that was relevant.

Coming back to the fact The Addams Family being a staple Halloween movie, I feel like there isn't enough hype. I've made a lot of pop culture references in my time, and I once said to a potential date 'I want a Gomez for my Morticia is that so much to ask?' and he legit turned back to me and questioned what on earth I was referring to. After explaining The Addams Family it finally clicked, 'oh but that's old' he said, 'I didn't think you'd reference old stuff." I would just like to add there was a small age gap between us of 5 years and it seems I was the more mature of the two of us despite being the younger. When I mentioned my old soul he chuckled. It is safe to say we were not suited. 

Back to that original note though, where is the hype? There is hardly any Funko Pops, hardly any spooky merch, especially regarding the 2000 era films. We dig these movies out of the box every single year and yet leave nothing to show for it. I want to be able to discuss this movie in length with my people, I want to be loud and proud about it, sporting some sort of physical evidence to show my dedication, is that so much to ask?

Speaking of dedication, Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston did not have to go that hard for us. True acting legends, am I right? I know it is easy to type cast someone after a particularly influential role, just take Harry Potter for instance, our main trio spent their entire childhood together and literally formed one of the biggest fandoms in the world, it is so close to our hearts we will never refer to them as anything other than Potter, Hermione, and Ron. The entire cast, while cherishing their roles, have done everything they can to move away from that, to be something other than a witch or wizard. I feel like Julia and Huston didn't really get that. They were made for the role, that is plain to see, Gomez and Morticia fit them like a glove and you shouldn't be able to see them as anything else, but despite their hard work we still can. Huston is the Grand High Witch that terrified many, that is her role to be remembered by, and I think that is a champion example of the lengths actors will go to, they are chameleons who if they try hard enough can become someone else and I respect that so hard. Despite the entire casts hard work in this movie, they are equally as dedicated to everything else so we will never pinpoint them to a certain role. Beautiful.

Can we also take a moment to recognise the great talent that is Christina Ricci? Now this is a gal who my soul resonates with. Spooky by nature she has been chucked into a great many roles which lean on the spooky side, but that hasn't dissuaded her. Boo-tiful! If you don't appreciate my puns you shouldn't be here, just fyi...

I don't know what else we could ever ask for with this movie. The aesthetic is envious, gothic beauty galore. The details are stunning, have you seen the Graveyard? hard to believe it was just a set. The cast is phenomenal, we honestly could not have asked for a better portrayal, this movie is underrated to its core. 

On that note my darlings, before I give you my verdict, I have some homework for you. Spread the word about The Addams Family, tis spooky season after all, hype up that movie. Tag me, or don't, but regardless I would love to see the outcome of our hard work. 

Onto the bit we have all been waiting for, I give our favourite Halloween treat a scrumptious 8/10. This movie is my happy place and one day I will find my Gomez. The good news is I can chill and watch this over and over until then, realistic expectations are key, my friends. 

As always my spooky little darlings, be safe, have fun, and I'll see you all next week for the pre-Halloween kicker!