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The Addams Family

(1991, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring Anjelica Huston, Christina Ricci, Raul Julia)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Dark comedy with macabre humor for teens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    There's a clear love of family and love for children. But some of the Addamses' antics appear mean-spirited. The children are often rude, and their rivalry is often a bit too intense.

  • Violence:

    Knives, swords, and other medieval weapons are frequently visible, but their use is rarely seen; a torture device is used on Morticia (to her pleasure), and Pugsley is strapped into an electric chair. A hand gun is visibly pointed at Gomez. The children, especially Wednesday, use weapons and other sources of pain to try to hurt each other as part of their everyday play. In the end no one gets hurt (although it's unclear if the bad guys are dead at the end).

  • Sex:

    Strong sexual innuendo, especially between Gomez and Morticia. The couple can be heard having an orgasm while in public. There are several subtle references to sadomasochism, and a quick reference to child molestation relating to Uncle Fester. Much of this will go over the head of young viewers.

  • Language:

    Quite mild for PG-13, including "damn" and "hell."

  • Consumerism:

    Clear visible ads for Tombstone Pizza and Fedex. Sally Jessy Raphael is briefly featured.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Gomez is occasionally seen smoking a cigar. Brief adult consumption of hard alcohol.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Addams Family

Parents need to know that while this film is based on the classic 1960s sitcom, it's a much darker comedy with more sophisticated humor. While the movie is fun, it contains violent images and strong sexual innuendo. It also contains scenes featuring the use of various weapons and torture devices. Parents also need to know that while the characters are likeable, their behavior is sometimes mean spirited. Wednesday Addams' sadistic nature is rather disturbing. Parents should exercise caution and may want to preview before allowing tweens to watch.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about family relationships. What's it like to have a close family? When does sibling rivalry go too far? How are family differences settled? Families can also talk about the differences that occur when classic TV series are remade. Why are some things the same while others are presented differently?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    PatrickGraham
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Great Movie!!!

    This was a great movie for kids. Besides how the Addams Family look rich, this is a great movie for kids.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    NicoleReeves
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Family Time.

    Deffinitely good for a laugh, although maybe to dark for the younger child.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    milograamans
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative role models

    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    wednesdayaddams
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    i had a stomach cramps from laughing so much!

    gomez was a dream husband meets tim burton. morticia(his wife)was a gem. wednesday and pugsly(the childern)made me laugh. hurch(the butler)was creepy looking. uncle fester was hysterical. i've been watching the addams family since day 1 and it never gets old. 3 out of 5.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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