Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so adaptation isn't spooky, kooky enough; a few scares.
Parents Need to Know
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The Addams Family
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 28 parent reviews
Parents say that the 1986 movie adaptation is not suitable for young children due to its dark themes, sexual innuendos, and some scenes that may be frightening or confusing. While some enjoyed its humor and messages about acceptance, many criticized the animation quality, deviation from the original storyline, and the overall lack of engagement, leading to mixed feelings about its appropriateness and entertainment value for families.
- inappropriate for children
- dark themes
- mixed reactions
- poor animation
- humor for older kids
- not engaging
Summarized with AI
Based on 54 kid reviews
Kids say the animated remake lacks the charm of earlier adaptations, with mixed reviews ranging from it being a good family movie for younger audiences to complaints about its boring plot and inappropriate humor. While some enjoyed its humor and positive messages, many found it disappointing and criticized its animation quality and storytelling coherence.
- boring plot
- inappropriate humor
- good for kids
- mixed reviews
- disappointing adaptation
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE ADDAMS FAMILY begins with young newlyweds Morticia (voiced by Charlize Theron) and Gomez (Oscar Isaac) being driven out of the "Old Country" by an angry, torch-wielding mob of villagers. Along with their loyal helper, Thing (a sentient severed hand), they decide to flee to New Jersey and take up residence in an abandoned asylum. Gomez and Morticia proceed to raise their two children, Wednesday (Chloë Grace Moretz) and Pugsley (Finn Wolfhard), in their secluded mansion. As a family rite of passage approaches for Pugsley, the Addamses run into trouble with a new neighbor down the hill, home improvement guru Margaux Needler (Allison Janney), whose perfectly planned community called "Assimilation" just needs one final touch—a better view that involves the Addams family redecorating their creepy home to fit in.
Is It Any Good?
With its star-studded voice cast and name recognition, audiences will expect more laughs—or frights—from this unremarkable reboot of the legendary macabre comedy. Unfortunately, The Addams Family's storyline about obsessively controlling home improvement icon Margaux creating a cookie-cutter community is bland and underwhelming. Wednesday's foray into junior high, where she befriends Margaux's daughter, Parker (Elsie Fisher), starts off promisingly but quickly falls flat with predictable antics. Yes, there are a few laughs, mostly involving the extended family—including Uncle Fester (Nick Kroll) and Grandma (Bette Midler)—and the requisite New Jersey jokes, which kids might not even get. Moretz and Wolfhard are good at their bored, disaffected voices, while Isaac and Theron seem to pay tribute to the famous actors who previously portrayed Gomez and Morticia, particularly Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston.
There's a special place in pop culture history for The Addams Family, though it's possible younger viewers may not know much more than summer-camp spoofs of the legendary theme song. It's too bad this animated incarnation is only decent enough to get families (particularly those with nostalgic parents) to watch for seasonal Halloween fun, rather than to rebuild a franchise. Viewers would be better off seeking out other TV and movie depictions of the blissfully creepy family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Addams Family. Is it necessary to the story? How does the movie's comic tone affect the impact of the violent moments?
Are animated movies less frightening than live-action movies? Why, or why not? Do they impact younger viewers differently? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
The movie deals with assimilation vs. conformity and individuality vs. eccentricity. How do the Addamses stand apart from their neighbors? Why are people who rebel against social standards often seen as threatening?
What do both the Addamses and the townsfolk learn about judging based on appearances? How do they both judge each other in their own ways?
Do you consider anyone in the movie a role model? What character strengths do they display? Which characters show curiosity and empathy? Why is family so important to the Addamses?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 11, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : January 21, 2020
- Cast : Charlize Theron , Finn Wolfhard , Chloe Grace Moretz , Oscar Isaac
- Directors : Greg Tiernan , Conrad Vernon
- Studio : United Artists Releasing
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Monsters )
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : macabre and suggestive humor, and some action
- Last updated : November 4, 2026
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