Addams Family Values

The result, if you've seen the first effort, is utterly predictable throughout since the whole conception is stymied by the fact that this is a black comedy designed for a PG certificate, and thus only a very pale shade of gray.

Addams Family Values is a rare comedy sequel that actually improves on the original, and the reason, I suspect, is that Rudnick, who wrote the screenplay, has been allowed to run wild.

Addams Family Values is a slick, witty and mischievous delight, and one of those rare sequels which surpasses its predecessor. Not that the latter was a difficult task.

While this nudge-nudge deadpan style is skillfully adopted by Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston, most of the other actors just flounder.

[Director Barry Sonnenfeld] keeps the proceedings moving at a quick pace, which helps carry the story over its thinner spots. The acting of the top-notch cast also helps.

The writing in fact is much sharper on the sequel than it was on the first film and the laughs for those so disposed more frequent.

Addams Family Values becomes a veritable joke factory, where Lloyd’s physical comedy is unlocked, Ricci’s deadpan trends even deader, and Morticia and Gomez remain the platonic ideal of sexy goth parents.

There’s a lot about "Values" that I don’t think can be appreciated *as much* in adolescence, whereas the shifted perspective not only makes the film make more sense, but increases the appreciation.

A step up from its already-solid predecessor, Addams Family Values doubles down on the camp and macabre humor to wonderful effect, thanks in no small part to scene-stealing turns from Ricci and Cusack.

A more confident film than its predecessor. Very appreciative of the harsh satire about Thanksgiving and the substantial roles for female actors, particularly a very game Joan Cusack, who delivers an iconic camp performance as Debbie.