The Addams Family (2019) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Addams Family (2019) is an animated reimagining of the beloved, spooky, and kooky family that has captured the hearts of audiences since their inception in Charles Addams’ cartoons in the 1930s. Directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan, the film brings the Addams family back to the big screen with a fresh, animated style and a modern twist. With a voice cast featuring Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Finn Wolfhard, the film pays homage to the original, blending macabre humor with heartwarming family values. This review will dive into the film’s key elements and let you know where you can stream The Addams Family online, especially for viewers in the U.S.
Plot Overview: The Addams Family Moves to the Suburbs
The Addams Family (2019) introduces viewers to the creepy yet lovable family as they move to New Jersey after being driven out of their old home by angry villagers. The family, including Gomez (Oscar Isaac), Morticia (Charlize Theron), Wednesday (Chloë Grace Moretz), Pugsley (Finn Wolfhard), Uncle Fester (Nick Kroll), and the rest of the gang, find solace in a haunted, dilapidated mansion atop a foggy hill, which they make their new home.
The plot revolves around their attempts to host a grand family celebration, all while dealing with the suburban town below, led by the perky home improvement TV host Margaux Needler (voiced by Allison Janney). Margaux views the Addamses as a threat to her picture-perfect neighborhood and sets out to turn the town against them.
While the Addams family sticks to their bizarre, gothic lifestyle, they must learn to navigate the pressures of fitting into a world that views them as outsiders, while also maintaining their unique identity.
Animation Style and Visuals
One of the standout features of The Addams Family (2019) is its bold animation style. The characters are designed to look much closer to Charles Addams’ original cartoons, with exaggerated proportions and quirky features that add to their charm. Gomez, for example, is shorter and rounder, with a cartoonish mustache, while Morticia is impossibly tall and elegant, moving in an ethereal, almost ghostly way.
The film’s color palette is dark, but not overwhelmingly so. The mansion is filled with cobwebs, old furniture, and gothic architecture, but it contrasts nicely with the bright, colorful suburban neighborhood just beyond the gates. This juxtaposition of light and dark creates a visual metaphor for the film’s central theme of being different in a world that celebrates sameness.
Voice Cast and Performances
The film’s all-star voice cast delivers strong performances, breathing new life into these iconic characters. Oscar Isaac is perfectly cast as Gomez Addams, bringing an enthusiastic charm and deep love for his family that makes his portrayal both endearing and comical. Charlize Theron’s Morticia is equally well done, with a voice that exudes grace, elegance, and just the right amount of sinister undertones.
Chloë Grace Moretz as Wednesday Addams is one of the film’s highlights. Her deadpan delivery and biting wit make her stand out, and her storyline—where she befriends a local girl in the town and begins to rebel against her family’s traditions—adds a layer of depth to the character. Finn Wolfhard’s Pugsley provides comic relief with his preparation for a dangerous family ritual called the “Sabre Mazurka.”
Allison Janney’s portrayal of Margaux Needler, the film’s antagonist, is delightfully over-the-top. Margaux represents the ultimate in suburban conformity, with her bright colors, perfect hairstyle, and obsession with control, making her the perfect foil for the Addams family’s chaotic, eccentric nature.
Themes of Family and Acceptance
Beneath the humor and spooky visuals, The Addams Family (2019) is a film with a strong message about family and acceptance. At its core, the movie is about embracing differences, both within one’s family and in the world around them. The Addams family may be strange, morbid, and misunderstood, but their love for one another is the glue that holds them together. They represent a refreshing take on the idea that it’s okay to be different and that true happiness comes from accepting who you are, rather than conforming to societal norms.
The film also explores generational differences, particularly through the character of Wednesday, who begins to question her family’s traditions and tries to fit in with the “normal” kids in the town. This adds a modern layer to the story, showing the tension between maintaining one’s heritage and embracing change.
Humor and Appeal for All Ages
While The Addams Family (2019) is undoubtedly a children’s movie, it manages to strike a balance between kid-friendly humor and jokes that will land with older audiences. The film is filled with the trademark dark humor that has always been associated with the Addams family, but it’s toned down enough to be appropriate for younger viewers. For example, there are several morbid jokes about death and danger, but they are delivered in a lighthearted way that makes them more funny than frightening.
Adults who grew up with the original Addams family TV show or the live-action films from the 1990s will appreciate the film’s references to earlier iterations of the characters, as well as its nods to the original cartoons. The film also has plenty of slapstick humor and visual gags that will keep younger viewers entertained, making it a great choice for family movie night.
Criticism and Audience Reception
While The Addams Family (2019) was praised for its voice cast and animation, it received mixed reviews regarding its storyline. Some critics felt that the plot was too predictable and that the film lacked the bite and cleverness of previous Addams family adaptations. Others thought that the film relied too heavily on modern cultural references and didn’t fully capture the quirky, gothic charm that made the original so beloved.
However, despite these critiques, the film was generally well-received by audiences, particularly younger viewers and families. Its box office success led to the release of a sequel, The Addams Family 2 (2021), indicating that the Addams family’s appeal remains strong for a new generation.
Where to Watch The Addams Family (2019) Online in the U.S.
For viewers in the U.S., The Addams Family (2019) is available on several streaming platforms, both as part of subscription services and for rental or purchase.
Streaming Services: Subscription Platforms
- Max (formerly HBO Max): The Addams Family (2019) is available to stream on Max. Subscribers to this service can access the film alongside other animated family-friendly movies.
- Peacock: Peacock also offers The Addams Family for streaming. While some content on Peacock is available for free, you may need a premium subscription to access the film.
- Hulu (with Max add-on): If you’re subscribed to Hulu, you can access The Addams Family through the Max add-on, giving you another option to stream the movie.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or purchase The Addams Family on Amazon Prime Video. Rentals typically start at $3.99 for HD, while purchasing the film will cost around $12.99.
- Apple TV: The film is available on Apple TV for rental at $3.99 or for purchase at $12.99 in HD.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play offers The Addams Family for rent and purchase, with similar pricing to other platforms.
- Vudu: Vudu provides both rental and purchase options, with rentals starting at $3.99 and purchases at around $12.99.
- YouTube Movies: YouTube Movies offers The Addams Family with rental and purchase options, following standard pricing for HD versions.
Conclusion
The Addams Family (2019) brings the spooky, quirky family back in animated form, with a strong voice cast, fun visuals, and a heartwarming message about family and acceptance. While it may not break new ground in terms of plot, it succeeds in reintroducing the beloved characters to a new generation, making it a fun watch for both kids and nostalgic adults.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly Halloween movie or just a lighthearted comedy, The Addams Family is an excellent choice, and with its availability on platforms like Max, Peacock, and various rental services, it’s easy to stream and enjoy at home.
