A movie like this, based on re-creating the ephemeral spirit of Charles Addams’s very twisted world, is hard to pull off, and director Barry Sonnenfeld doesn’t always make it. The plot is lame; the jokes are often broad, though if you have a weakness for dumb humor–or you’re under 10 years old–you’ll find them hilarious. But thanks to the delicate comic abilities of the cast– especially Anjelica Huston as Morticia, Raul Julia as Gomez, Christopher Lloyd as Fester and the wonderful Christina Ricci as the horrid child Wednesday–the movie doesn’t descend into camp. The fabulously grotty production design and great camera work make it a visual treat. This is the ultimate kids’ flick, a cheerfully evil excursion through stuff that’s more gross than scary (“Eat the eyes first,” advises Judith Malina as Granny, dishing up one of her mystery stews). Best of all, it offers the vicarious thrill of watching other children being bad-and getting away with it. “Pass the salt,” says nasty Wednesday. “What do you say, darling?” warbles Morticia sweetly. “NOW!” bellows Wednesday. Pass the popcorn. Now.
