Though definitely stretching the definition of horror, The Addams family has, since it’s inception, been one of the most beloved families in horror. From the original cartoons to the classic TV show, it’s always been a delight. Nowhere is this more evident than the two cinematic outings from the 90’s, The Addams Family and Addams Family Values.
From a first time director (Barry Sonnefield) and featuring what can only be described as one of the best ensemble casts in cinema history, both movies are just delightful. Though I think the second one is slightly better, they’re both still extremely enjoyable.
A big reason for this is the acting. The central leads of Gomez and Morticia, played by Angelica Huston and the late great Raul Julia, are every bit as romantic and over the top as they have to be. Julia in particular gets some great lines in the first one (“I would die for her. I would kill for her. Either way, what bliss”). Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester is also having a huge amount of fun and it’s just infectious.
I’d be remiss to not mention probably the fan favourite performance of Wednesday by Christina Ricci. Enough has been said about her portrayal that I feel I’d just be echoing it but she nails it big time and for such a young actress is just incredible.
Anyone else have fond memories of these movies growing up? Any favourite lines or scenes? Discuss.
I just finished watching Presumed Innocent starring Harrison Ford for the first time, and I gotta say, the only thing I remember Raul Julia from before that was playing M. Bison in Street Fighter, in which he was the highlight of the film for me.
I must say that he was an actor who was taken away from us too soon. His screen presence in Presumed Innocent was palpable, and I can only imagine how many amazing roles he would have performed if he remained with us. He was like the Javier Bardem of the 80/90s.
Anyway just thought I'd make a post here for those who haven't seen his films. Worth checking out!
Both of these villains are played by acclaimed actors taking roles in films many would assume are below their talents largely because their kids were fans of the source material (and, or course, in Julia's case, to help provide for them after his passing). Both movies are, to put it mildly, viewed as so bad their good campfests at best and were disappointments at the box office. And yet it's universally agreed that regardless of the quality of the films, the villains are the high point of both. Langella and Julia both took the opportunity to deliver masterful, scenery-devouring villains that command your attention every time they're onscreen and obviously relishing the opportunity (Langella still proudly speaks of Skeletor as a favorite role of his). Both proof that a great villain played by a great actor can redeem a film no matter how flawed the rest of it is.
I only caught the last minute. Julia was chasing a kid in New York city. He seemed like a bad dude. The kid escapes. What movie is this?
https://reddit.com/link/my9omw/video/mmasya6i0cv61/player
Though definitely something of an acquired taste, The Addams family has, since it’s inception, been one of the most beloved families in horror. From the original cartoons to the classic TV show, it’s always been a delight. Nowhere is this more evident than the two cinematic outings from the 90’s, The Addams Family and Addams Family Values.
From a first time director (Barry Sonnefield) and featuring what can only be described as one of the best ensemble casts in cinema history, both movies are just delightful. Though I think the second one is slightly better, they’re both still extremely enjoyable.
A big reason for this is the acting. The central leads of Gomez and Morticia, played by Angelica Huston and the late great Raul Julia, are every bit as romantic and over the top as they have to be. Julia in particular gets some great lines in the first one (“I would die for her. I would kill for her. Either way, what bliss”). Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester is also having a huge amount of fun and it’s just infectious.
I’d be remiss to not mention probably the fan favourite performance of Wednesday by Christina Ricci. Enough has been said about her portrayal that I feel I’d just be echoing it but she nails it big time and for such a young actress is just incredible.
Anyone else have fond memories of these movies growing up? Any favourite lines or scenes? Discuss.
