Despite having most of the original cast, this was not remotely the same as the original. I can see why they didn't continue it as a series. The writer and director are different, so maybe that had something to do with it. But it's like they never watched the show. The set is too modern looking, and the overall tone has an almost 70s sci-fi feel to it. The original could be silly, but it had an endearing charm that is lacking here. This is like a satirical, campy version with a plot that's just stupid instead of charmingly silly and which, in the end, doesn't make sense. The villains start out with surveillance equipment that is pretty high tech, particularly for the 70s, and they focus a lot on "deciphering the code" of the Addams' language, but they turn out to be ordinary thieves. It's like the writer started with a different plot and then changed it. The subplot regarding Gomez and his lodge was out of character for the show, particularly in his reaction. Part of that endearing charm the show had was the Addams' naivety and their way of always painting things in a positive light. Also lacking is the chemistry between the characters, even between the original actors. Part of the appeal of the series was the relationship between Gomez and Morticia, the way they worshipped each other. Even when Morticia would rebuff Gomez for being too passionate at the wrong time, the attraction was there underneath. Here, what's underneath feels like irritation. I'm wondering if Caroline Jones was ticked off at John Astin. Or maybe she was ticked off that the new powers that be had ruined what had been a really great show. Then there are the other characters. Lurch is all wrong; he was always incredibly shy and reserved. He would never have even asked a woman to dance, much less been forceful. And then there was that ridiculous, pointless obsession with pterodactyls. It wasn't even used as a plot device for catching the criminals. Itt's costume is cheap and the voice is awful. I can't imagine the original series had much of a budget, but Itt was not only realistic but had beautiful hair that was probably envied by much of the audience. But the worst part was that the voice was nothing like the original. Since that voice was created through a special effect that would have been easy to duplicate, it shows laziness and a lack of concern for details, as does the fact that the party is supposed to be attended by their relatives, but there were no oddities among the guests. Not all of their relatives are abnormal in appearance, but considering the number that are, there should have been a few. The casting of the grandmothers was terrible, and what was the point of the two "junior" children? That just felt weird, especially since they were like clones of the other two, even having the same names. The thing with the flute was never given an explanation, and it also didn't fit within the show. This is the Addams family; there are number of better options. Even just dumb luck would been more in keeping with the established narratology. Add to all of that a lack of cohesion and continuity with the overall progression of the story, and the result is a very disappointing movie.
