Like a spider setting up an elaborate cobweb in an abandoned house, The Addams Family Values is one of those classic Halloween movies [1] that feels like it's existed as long as the holiday itself. The second film in the Addams Family [2] series, the 1993 movie is far from second best with its dark humour and the kind of wonderfully chilling plot line that would put Gomez and Morticia in the mood for a romantic waltz.
During the film, the Addams family receives a visit from Debbie Jellinsky, a serial killer and black widow who marries men with the intention of killing them and stealing their fortunes. Debbie tricks Uncle Fester into falling in love with her and takes him hostage when she realises he's more difficult to kill than she thought. At the same time, Morticia and Gomez have to deal with Wednesday and Pugsley being jealous of newborn baby Pubert, who they play deadly games with until Debbie suggests the kids head to camp for the summer.
From the murderous plot and the dark quotes to Gary and Becky being realistically irritating, the entire movie is a celebration of all things uncomfortable and eerie (in the best way possible). Also, considering this is a Halloween [3] movie set during the summer with a heavy focus on Thanksgiving, it's pretty much the perfect film to watch year-round.
At the end of the day, as much as I love the original Addams Family film, there's nothing like throwing a bag of popcorn in the microwave and spending the evening reliving every moment of Wednesday and Pugsley's revolt against camp counsellor Gary's distasteful Thanksgiving play. Read on to conjure up more memories of the classic Halloween [4] (or Thanksgiving) film here, and keep the holiday momentum going by finding out if Disney's Halloweentown still lives up to the hype [5] over 20 years later.
We Begin By Stepping Into the Addams Family's . . . Eccentric Home
And, Congratulations Are in Order For Morticia and Gomez as they Welcome Baby Pubert
During the Film, We Also Get a Glimpse at the Extended Addams Family, Including Newborn Baby What
But Everything Changes When Debbie Attacks, aka Makes Uncle Fester Fall in Love With Her
Even Baby Pubert Is Affected By Her Presence, Losing His Mustache and Growing Blond Curls
Debbie's First Attempt at Killing Fester Fails, but She's Quick to Try Again (Key Word: Try)
Oh No! Gomez Can't Handle Being Ignored by His Brother When Debbie Cuts Off All Communication
Meanwhile, Wednesday and Pugsley Are Getting Suspicious of Debbie, So She Sends Them Away to Camp
And, Of Course, We Get to Experience Gary's Terrible Thanksgiving Play (Yep, During the Summer)
Like a True Addams, Wednesday Makes Sure to Put on a Show Nobody Could Ever Forget
Little Amanda Buckman Didn't Know What Was Going to Hit Her When Wednesday Took the Stage
And . . . It Looks Like Gary and Becky Didn't Either — So Much for the Happy Hut
And We Get to See Wednesday Experience a Few Haunting Yet Romantic Moments With Joel
But, C'est La Vie — At Least the Addams Family Lives to See Another Millennium of Mischief
