Great sequel (Addams Family Values (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Addams Family Values (DVD)
Date:	17/09/09 (2 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cusack's turn is unforgettable

Disadvantages: None

note: also appears in part on Flixster and The Student Room

The first Addams Family film, adapted from the famed TV show, was a big hit, and spawned this sequel, which injected a nice touch on the original concept, introducing Joan Cusack's brilliant babysitter character.

The film continues where the original film left off, with Gomez (Raul Julia) and Morticia (Anjelica Huston) now preparing to have another child. After Wednesday (Christina Ricci) and Pugsley begin to scare away every babysitter put in front of them, the parents have one final effort, with a strict but pleasant nanny, Debbie Jellinsky (Joan Cusack on top form), who seems to be able to whip them into shape. However, there's a twist - she's actually a serial killer called the Black Widow, who seduces men with her charm, then murders them and takes all of their money. The target this time is Uncle Fester (Christopher Lloyd), who has never felt the love of a woman and so is easily seduced by her.

A lot of people argue that this betters the first film - I don't think that's necessarily true, but it's at least as good thanks to the again superb set design and brilliant performances throughout. It's memorable largely because of Cusack's manic performance as the killer.

I absolutely adored the dark humour of the first film, and this film doesn't disappoint either. Joan Cusack puts in a great turn as the money-grabbing, murderous nanny, and everyone else is on top form as always. This film is very much about change - how Wednesday and Pugsley are trying to be changed at the camp, and how the newest addition to the Addams' clan has blonde hair. This film has a lot of heart, and it's a far better send-off for Raul Julia than Street Fighter...

Summary: A dark and daring comedy