The Flaws of The Addams Family 2019: A Critique of Celebrity Casts in Animated Films
When The Addams Family made its debut in 2019, it garnered mixed reviews and a box office performance that grossed $204 million against a budget of $24 million. This financial and critical reception was often overshadowed by the film's reliance on a star-studded cast, which, in my opinion, went against the charm of the original source material. In this article, I will delve into the shortcomings of the film, with a particular focus on the casting choices and the impact they had on the overall legacy of the Addams Family franchise.
Stay True to the Source Material: Artwork and Audience Wonders
One of the strongest positives of the film was its commitment to the original artwork of its creator, Charles Addams. The visuals were vibrant, eerie, and stayed true to the unique aesthetic that has captivated audiences for decades. However, what was a visually captivating film fell short of the mark when it came to storytelling and character development. The movie was neither a devastating failure nor a triumph, embodying a mix of cute, dull, and slightly amusing moments. For a family franchise like The Addams Family, this level of mediocrity would be less forgivable compared to films like Ghostbusters (1984), Beetlejuice (1988), or Addams Family Values (1993) and The Brady Bunch Movie (1995).
A Celebrity Invasion: The Downside of Quality vs. Quantity
A key aspect that irked me the most about the film was the casting choice. The 2019 version of The Addams Family boasted a cast roster filled with A-list celebrities, a trend that has become increasingly common in modern animated films. In the past, animated films would typically seek talented voice actors who could bring their characters to life in a unique and compelling manner. Voice actors are more cost-effective and often more adept at performing the complex and quirky characters that define the genre.
Some of my favorite modern-day voice actors include Dan Castellaneta, Charlie Adler, Nancy Cartwright, H. Jon Benjamin, and the legendary Mark Hamill. These individuals have created memorable characters with their distinct voices and performances. For instance, H. Jon Benjamin, known for his work on Futurama, could easily have handled the role of Gomez Addams. The demands of his fee might not have been justified when compared to the relatively forgettable performances of Chloe Grace Moretz or Oscar Isaac.
The high-profile cast meant that the production team chose to prioritize quantity over quality. A-list celebrities might accept a film for the sake of their resumes, rather than the integrity of the role. This philosophical stance often results in performances that lack the nuance and depth found in the work of dedicated voice actors. Potential geniuses in voice acting like Snoop Dogg found themselves in a role that was so small and hastily edited that it seemed more of a publicity stunt than a meaningful contribution to the film.
Back to Basics: The Lost Art of Choosing the Right Voice
Reflecting on the past, it's clear that the production teams of previous Addams Family films chose the right voice actors who could truly embody their characters. In the original Addams Family Values (1993) , the casting of well-known but beloved actors like Anjelica Huston, Peter Boyle, and Christina Ricci brought the charm and humor that defines the franchise. These actors were not just celebrated for their presence but for their ability to bring out the essence of their characters.
For the 2019 film, it's unfortunate that the decision-making process seemed to prioritize celebrity over substance. The aural qualities of the actors' voices, as well as their ability to capture the eccentric and often dark humor of the characters, are crucial. In The Addams Family, subtle differences in tone and delivery can make or break the success of the movie. The simplistic and monotonous voice of Chloe Grace Moretz's Wednesday Addams is a testament to this. The role would have been so much richer and more detailed if a voice actor like Nancy Cartwright, known for her work on The Simpsons, had been cast.
Moreover, the casting of actual children like Finn Wolfhard and Chloe Grace Moretz for the roles of Gomez and Wednesday adds another layer of criticism. While there's nothing wrong with having talented young actors, it raises questions about why the producers didn't opt for children who could more authentically capture the childlike charm and wit that the roles call for. In the original filmed version of The Addams Family (1993), kids like Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Lloyd brought a naturalness and depth that the 2019 version lacked.
Lessons Learned from The Addams Family 2019
The lesson learned from The Addams Family 2019 is clear: the more A-list celebrities a film has, the more likely it is to disappoint. It's a trend that has impacted numerous animated films, leading to lackluster performances and a departure from the genre's tradition of craft and character. Instead of prioritizing the famous faces, production teams should focus on finding actors who can truly bring characters to life and imbue them with the spirit of the franchise.
In conclusion, The Addams Family 2019 was a missed opportunity. It could have been a brilliant homage to the original source material, but its reliance on A-list celebrities and uninspired performances hindered its success. The film serves as a stark reminder of the importance of substance over stardom in bringing beloved characters to the big screen.