So I thought this was going to be God awful like most Netflix adaptations, but I found myself laughing and appreciating the camerawork, the clothes, the colors, the acting etc. The way everything is colorful and vibrant while Wednesday is just colorless and unemotional makes Wednesday stick out so much from being so out of place. You almost can feel how much she dislikes almost everything. She's smart, witty, and honestly kind of scary. Catherine Zeta Jones made me a believer in her from her performance. From start to finish this was a easy and fun watch. It almost flew by too fast and now I want more.
1,354 Reviews
Wednesday gives me hope for Netflix
justair25 November 2022
Once in a while a show comes along on there that I go wow... yes, this is what I am paying for. Now give me more. The season is contained but short. Ortega's Wednesday is exceptional, you will grow to love her and her supporting cast. The music and scenes set a great tone... (yes, I am listening to APOCALYPTICA: Nothing Else Matters as I write this)
It's dark, with some clever word play to give it a lighter tone at times as a nod to the older shows but...it's not a comedy. Regardless, It kept me engaged right to the end and I look forward to more. I'd love to see a bit longer seasons...
A binge worthy endeavor on the part of Burton and crew. They have done a masterful job with this series.
It's dark, with some clever word play to give it a lighter tone at times as a nod to the older shows but...it's not a comedy. Regardless, It kept me engaged right to the end and I look forward to more. I'd love to see a bit longer seasons...
A binge worthy endeavor on the part of Burton and crew. They have done a masterful job with this series.
Jenna Ortega Kills It As Wednesday
zaywhat27 November 2022
Loved the show. Didn't care much for Uncle Fester as he seemed like an unnecessary distraction. There were a few moments where her attitude felt tedious but overall, a perfect rendition of the wit, ability and fearlessness of the Wednesday Addams character. Jenna Ortega did a masterful job as the stoic young woman where slight nuances of facial expression were subtle but expressive moments of character development. I enjoyed all the performances and the story line was engaging enough. I remember watching the original Addams Family TV show and this in depth story on Wednesday was a worthy rendition of those characters and a lot of fun to watch.
A Child Of Woe
GomezAddams66624 November 2022
As a life long fan devotee of Charles Addam's creepy and kooky family, I will be very judgmental of every adaptation that comes our way, and I have to say this mysterious and spooky series is amazing.
Jenna Ortega shines as the oldest Addams' daughter, it's almost as if she was born to play the child of woe. Ortega transformation into Wednesday seems effortless, she has all the quirks, coldness and mean insults associated with her, but in such an expert hands, Wednesday does not seem cartoonish nor one-dimensional, she is portrayed with incredible depth.
The series is also directed by Tim Burton, and his love for the macabre and Hammer Horror us incredibly noticeable here, and so is his dark sense of humor.
The supporting cast is incredible as well, specially Emma Myers as Enid, her colorful personality are a surprisingly well match for our color deprived protagonist.
If you were a fan of Wednesday Addams before you will love the series, id the character is new to you this series will make you fall for her.
A Gothic murder mystery with a twist of irreverent dark humor, there are not enough words to praise this series.
Jenna Ortega shines as the oldest Addams' daughter, it's almost as if she was born to play the child of woe. Ortega transformation into Wednesday seems effortless, she has all the quirks, coldness and mean insults associated with her, but in such an expert hands, Wednesday does not seem cartoonish nor one-dimensional, she is portrayed with incredible depth.
The series is also directed by Tim Burton, and his love for the macabre and Hammer Horror us incredibly noticeable here, and so is his dark sense of humor.
The supporting cast is incredible as well, specially Emma Myers as Enid, her colorful personality are a surprisingly well match for our color deprived protagonist.
If you were a fan of Wednesday Addams before you will love the series, id the character is new to you this series will make you fall for her.
A Gothic murder mystery with a twist of irreverent dark humor, there are not enough words to praise this series.
Unexpected
marzy-8367523 November 2022
I don't usually make reviews, part of the reason is that i'm bad at it.
But the last time i was so hooked on a Netflix series was Arcane and i felt like it was due, taking all 8 episodes in one go.
No doubt that Jenna Ortega carries the show, but the show is supposed to be about Wednesday, so that is not necessarily a bad thing.
This show won't be for everyone, especially fans of the original Addams Family universe, but for anyone who is just expecting an entertaining show, with a sprinkle of mystery and melancholic feel over it, then you'll enjoy it.
Looking forward to a possible season 2.
But the last time i was so hooked on a Netflix series was Arcane and i felt like it was due, taking all 8 episodes in one go.
No doubt that Jenna Ortega carries the show, but the show is supposed to be about Wednesday, so that is not necessarily a bad thing.
This show won't be for everyone, especially fans of the original Addams Family universe, but for anyone who is just expecting an entertaining show, with a sprinkle of mystery and melancholic feel over it, then you'll enjoy it.
Looking forward to a possible season 2.
Exceeds my expectations
mfb-8813024 November 2022
Being a huge Addams fan (owning the books by Chas Addams, the tv series, the movies and, yes, even the cartoons) I've been looking forward to this new iteration since it was announced a year or two ago. I can tell you it doesn't disappoint and, in fact, delivers on all fronts. Following Christina Ricci's iconic performance is a tall order for anyone but Jenna Ortega knocks it out of the park with her portrayal of the titles title character. Her dead pan, sarcastic delivery is spot on but there's a sweetness to get poison tongue... You know, like ethylene glycol.
Rather than compete with the beautiful Angelica Houston, Catherine Zeta Jones brings her own interpretation to Morticia while Luis Guzman brings to life the Gomez Addams as he appeared in the original New Yorker Cartoons. This is a smart move because when it comes to the late, great Raul Julia.... Well, just don't. There's just no replacing him so sidestepping that issue was the best thing they could do.. Who is also here...Thing, that is. Along with Lurch, Pugsley and Uncle Fester.
There are also some surprises in the cast that I haven't mentioned.
Tim Burton has done a terrific job here of both updating and continuing the adventures of our favorite spooky family and I'm really looking forward to season 2.
Rather than compete with the beautiful Angelica Houston, Catherine Zeta Jones brings her own interpretation to Morticia while Luis Guzman brings to life the Gomez Addams as he appeared in the original New Yorker Cartoons. This is a smart move because when it comes to the late, great Raul Julia.... Well, just don't. There's just no replacing him so sidestepping that issue was the best thing they could do.. Who is also here...Thing, that is. Along with Lurch, Pugsley and Uncle Fester.
There are also some surprises in the cast that I haven't mentioned.
Tim Burton has done a terrific job here of both updating and continuing the adventures of our favorite spooky family and I'm really looking forward to season 2.
Jenna Ortega is amazing!!
hottiebootyboii25 November 2022
I can't imagine a more perfect casting for Wednesday. The plot is a little hard to follow and people expecting this to be an Addams Family reboot will not be happy, but the show stands on its own. It's enjoyable and unique and definitely worth the watch if only for Ortega's performance. The cinematography is beautiful as well, everything is catered around Wednesday, so she stands out in every scene, even in a school full of "outcasts". I especially enjoyed the juxtaposition between Wednesday and her bubbly roommate. People who enjoyed Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and Series of Unfortunate Events will love this show.
I feel like I'm the minority here
trimblecali3 December 2022
Don't get me wrong, Jenna Ortega's performance was absolutely fantastic. She captures Wednesday's essence perfectly. Pretty much everything else about the show falls flat for me. The plot really doesn't work for me. It reminds me of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Riverdale. It doesn't feel creative or inventive at all and just doesn't work for me. The whole "school for outsiders" thing plus murder mystery just wasn't a hit in my opinion. I also wasn't impressed with the casting of Morticia and Gomez and their relationship with Wednesday. Overall, it feels very YA so maybe it's just meant for a younger crowd.
I really enjoyed!
Ttdf12223 November 2022
Tim Burton's Wednesday is pure dark magic, and it's fantastic to watch. - Yes, I'm actually quoting another franchise, but it has to be said: "I guess you guys aren't ready for that yet. But your kids are gonna love it. Just a very entertaining watch buoyed by an incredibly magnetic performance by Jenna Ortega ... mark my words this girl is the future of Hollywood. While the show may not appeal to all, it's witty script and compelling mysteries should boost Netflix's 'Wednesday' to potentially becoming a cult classic. Without a doubt one of the best things Netflix has released in a while.
Definitely recommend.
Definitely recommend.
Maybe I'm the wrong age
mbell-562148 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Had high hopes for this as I enjoyed her character in the first Adam's Family movie, and because Tim Burton was involved in this series for Netflix. The first episode gave me hope that her character wasn't going to be messed with, as in watered down into a more friendly Wednesday. However, it turned out I was wrong, as by the end she was hugging her room mate.
That said it wasn't a bad series, it just felt watered down from what it could have been, as is the case with most of what Netflix produce. The story kept me interested throughout and kept me guessing till the end. But ultimately this is typical Netflix fare, nothing too demanding and nothing surprising or shocking. It might sound harsh to some, but Netflix really has become the streaming service of mediocre TV production.
That said it wasn't a bad series, it just felt watered down from what it could have been, as is the case with most of what Netflix produce. The story kept me interested throughout and kept me guessing till the end. But ultimately this is typical Netflix fare, nothing too demanding and nothing surprising or shocking. It might sound harsh to some, but Netflix really has become the streaming service of mediocre TV production.
I'm Officially Done With Rotten Tomatoes
breneff27 November 2022
For the life of me I cannot figure out the absolute terrible takes that the rotten tomatoes website has on actually good TV shows and movies. They literally called this a CW show with Wednesday Addams. I was shocked because I'll be honest this is probably the best experience I've had watching a show on Netflix since the first season of stranger things. Not only is it one of the best shows I've seen this year but it's probably one of the best things that Tim Burton has done in a very long time. Jenna Ortega is the best part of the show but all the other characters are extremely likable as well and nobody is perfect. Which is also the thing that I like the most is that everybody in the show is flawed. It's not super over the top cartoony dark like some of the movies are but it takes a little bit more of a realistic approach with the Addams family personalities and relationships. The Burton monster elements are still there though and they are awesome to watch. If you look at it more through the angle of Wednesday trying to find empathy and a reason to care about the people around her you get a lot more out of it. So for me personally I really don't understand why snobby critics just accuse us of being a cheesy teen drama with a consensus that you would see on CW... because it has a lot more to say than those types of shows and it's also very smart in the approach that they have with the Addams family and their relationship with each other and the people in the town that this takes place in. Please give this a watch this is a good show!
Good acting, Bad writing.
hjalsayegh7 February 2023
I went into this one cold out of nostalgia for both the original Addams Family show and the movie.
Episode 1 however set my expectations. This is not even adjacent to that one let alone a spin off, sure some of the characters share the name and aesthetic but that's about it. It's a show for grade schoolers only packaged in a dark aesthetic. Think the new Sabrina mixed in with Riverdale.
Jenna Ortega (as Wednesday) was amazing and the saving grace of this show. She killed it every second she was on screen, most of the humor worked because of her delivery.
The costume and set designs were also striking... but then you have the actual plot and writing.
The character development is nada. The world building is so simplified that it's down right childish. Some of the lines were good but that was only because of Jenna Ortega delivery, more often than not the show dipped into cheesy and cringe territory. The CGI monster... was something else.
Overall this show is a 4/10, it gets two extra stars for the acting alone but that's about it.
Episode 1 however set my expectations. This is not even adjacent to that one let alone a spin off, sure some of the characters share the name and aesthetic but that's about it. It's a show for grade schoolers only packaged in a dark aesthetic. Think the new Sabrina mixed in with Riverdale.
Jenna Ortega (as Wednesday) was amazing and the saving grace of this show. She killed it every second she was on screen, most of the humor worked because of her delivery.
The costume and set designs were also striking... but then you have the actual plot and writing.
The character development is nada. The world building is so simplified that it's down right childish. Some of the lines were good but that was only because of Jenna Ortega delivery, more often than not the show dipped into cheesy and cringe territory. The CGI monster... was something else.
Overall this show is a 4/10, it gets two extra stars for the acting alone but that's about it.
I'm in between
rws_2024 November 2022
It was watchable but I didn't love it.
I'm not sure just how involved Burton actually was with this project, it doesn't feel like he was massively involved because this series really didn't scream "Burton-esque" to me. He supposedly directed the series, but a few different directors' names pop up in the credits?
I was excited to see it when I found out Tim's name was attached to it, but it ended up being far too "teeny high school drama" for my liking.
I did like Jenna Ortega as Wednesday, I thought she portrayed the character well and made it her own. Uncle Fester was okay as well. And Thing, but, ya know, he's a hand. The casting for the rest of the Addams however, I didn't like; they just didn't capture the essence of the characters in my eyes.
This series had its moments, but as a whole I just didn't get what I was hoping for and was left a bit disappointed.
I'm not sure just how involved Burton actually was with this project, it doesn't feel like he was massively involved because this series really didn't scream "Burton-esque" to me. He supposedly directed the series, but a few different directors' names pop up in the credits?
I was excited to see it when I found out Tim's name was attached to it, but it ended up being far too "teeny high school drama" for my liking.
I did like Jenna Ortega as Wednesday, I thought she portrayed the character well and made it her own. Uncle Fester was okay as well. And Thing, but, ya know, he's a hand. The casting for the rest of the Addams however, I didn't like; they just didn't capture the essence of the characters in my eyes.
This series had its moments, but as a whole I just didn't get what I was hoping for and was left a bit disappointed.
Just remember, the core focus of the show is in the title
doralhott22 November 2022
Have only seen the first episode but am aware of misintepretation here!
The show is called WEDNESDAY for a reason - it's the adventures of Wednesday as she navigates unfamiliar territory. It's a character study with some appearances of the rest of the family. If, as some reviewers, you turn up expecting a straight reboot of the 60s sitcom, you'll be disappointed. However, the show seems lovely and Ortega, Christie, and Myers are excellent, there are some wonderful recurring and guest stars and one very delightful blast from the past on the cast.
Also, shout out to the cast and crew - I knew you filmed this during a tought period in Eastern Europe when the war in the Ukraine broke out.
The show is called WEDNESDAY for a reason - it's the adventures of Wednesday as she navigates unfamiliar territory. It's a character study with some appearances of the rest of the family. If, as some reviewers, you turn up expecting a straight reboot of the 60s sitcom, you'll be disappointed. However, the show seems lovely and Ortega, Christie, and Myers are excellent, there are some wonderful recurring and guest stars and one very delightful blast from the past on the cast.
Also, shout out to the cast and crew - I knew you filmed this during a tought period in Eastern Europe when the war in the Ukraine broke out.
Soooo Good...!
Idle_Hands0823 November 2022
Directed by Tim Burton... Music by Danny Elfan... The look of the frame, the acting and story all remind me of the two now classic 90s Adam's Family Feature Films... Wednesday was my favourite character in the films, especially the second one when she and Pugsley got sent to Summer Camp...
Christina Ricci in those films as Wednesday was floorless, and it was great to see her appear in this too. Ortega's turn as the main character was excellent she is quickly becoming a great actress. I think you need to give the series time to develop and remember that it's target audience is quite wide, I don't think it's meant to be too dark. Just like the 90s films it plays on the dark and morbid humour, but with the teen angst mixed in.
Definitely worth watching if you are intrigued, but remember that it's not an 18+ rated adult only tale... it's a modern tale on these ever classic characters, think along the lines of the Netflix Sabrina series... If you liked that, then this should be right up your alley.
Christina Ricci in those films as Wednesday was floorless, and it was great to see her appear in this too. Ortega's turn as the main character was excellent she is quickly becoming a great actress. I think you need to give the series time to develop and remember that it's target audience is quite wide, I don't think it's meant to be too dark. Just like the 90s films it plays on the dark and morbid humour, but with the teen angst mixed in.
Definitely worth watching if you are intrigued, but remember that it's not an 18+ rated adult only tale... it's a modern tale on these ever classic characters, think along the lines of the Netflix Sabrina series... If you liked that, then this should be right up your alley.
Woefully brilliant
mklarsen-5189527 November 2022
I walked into watching this thinking it was going to be great, bring back some much loved childhood memories and amaze me. Jenna Ortega managed to make Wednesday into a far more interesting character and her recital on the rooftop was brilliant not to mention the Nothing Else Matters overture at times.
Even if you have never watched the original material, anyone can pick this show up and have a woefully great time. Thing for example manages to amuse, entertain and leave questions "Where the hell is the rest of him?" not to mention "How do they get Thing to be alive?"
Well worth watching and I look forward to more.
Even if you have never watched the original material, anyone can pick this show up and have a woefully great time. Thing for example manages to amuse, entertain and leave questions "Where the hell is the rest of him?" not to mention "How do they get Thing to be alive?"
Well worth watching and I look forward to more.
NOT an old Addam's family comedy. It's just a great, extremely dark, series.
RockyMtnVideo24 November 2022
I'll make this short, and not divulge any spoilers.
I really enjoyed this a lot, and certainly hope that it gets additional seasons. The sole (minimal) levity in the whole series relates to a few situations involving "Thing". Beyond that, pretty much everything else revolves around a dark story line, and dark events (monsters, killings ,etc.), with the main character (Wednesday) determined to figure out what is going on. Ortega provides a stunningly great performance as Wednesday, and there is a great supporting cast, who also do an excellent job, to complement Ortega's performance.
This is really just a horror series, although, for the most part, considerably more subtle than the typical horror outing. It's Ortega's consistent character that keeps the viewer embedded in the ongoing activities, and not allowing it to slip off into some lesser (silly) genre. It's definitely an interesting binge.
I really enjoyed this a lot, and certainly hope that it gets additional seasons. The sole (minimal) levity in the whole series relates to a few situations involving "Thing". Beyond that, pretty much everything else revolves around a dark story line, and dark events (monsters, killings ,etc.), with the main character (Wednesday) determined to figure out what is going on. Ortega provides a stunningly great performance as Wednesday, and there is a great supporting cast, who also do an excellent job, to complement Ortega's performance.
This is really just a horror series, although, for the most part, considerably more subtle than the typical horror outing. It's Ortega's consistent character that keeps the viewer embedded in the ongoing activities, and not allowing it to slip off into some lesser (silly) genre. It's definitely an interesting binge.
Jenna Ortega is exceptional so is the directing
UniqueParticle27 November 2022
Perfectly morbid, superb acting throughout and smooth! I enjoy anything with Jenna Ortega is quite talented and she's great as Wednesday based on Adam's Family. Tim Burton is masterful at weird/intriguing characters that are excellent to watch. The bulk of the time I use other services, this is a perfect reason to use Netflix. I love that this is focused on young folks, anything bizarre and beautiful 4K quality colors. Quite surprise form Tim Burton a lot of his projects didn't have much horror, mostly Sci-Fi, adventure, and drama. Wednesday is a pleasant surprise after all the promotions I've seen I highly recommend it!
Meh
xgeorgiiax3 December 2022
Honestly it fell flat at times and somewhat cringey. I wasn't creeped out once, it felt very directed towards young teenagers. I enjoyed myself during some scenes, but it just felt like there was always something missing?
There definitely could have been a stronger plot and more effort put into the creepy scenes. I liked most of the characters, but some were just quite irritating and didn't really add much to the story. I recommend watching this if you have nothing else to watch. Hopefully in the next season they won't try so hard to be edgy. 'Wednesday' played her role well and I enjoyed her character development.
There definitely could have been a stronger plot and more effort put into the creepy scenes. I liked most of the characters, but some were just quite irritating and didn't really add much to the story. I recommend watching this if you have nothing else to watch. Hopefully in the next season they won't try so hard to be edgy. 'Wednesday' played her role well and I enjoyed her character development.
Better than I even Imagined!
MisterThorpe23 November 2022
#SixSeasonsAndAMovie please!
Netflix, pick this series up for more episodes because holy cow, you hit it out of the park this time.
Ortega is PERFECT as Wednesday, I loved her in X and I love her in this.
The title says it all: WEDNESDAY! This is her picture, her character always steals the scenes both on the small screen and in the Tim Burton films, this series time jumps us to her late teens and hits the ground running with mysteries, adventure, and spooky macabre humor.
Tim Burton directs the first four episodes, and the score is by Danny Elfman!
I am enamored with this series and can't wait for it to get picked up for more seasons, and the potential spin offs of the other lesser featured (this is Wednesday's show of focus, after all) should get fans hyped for an eventual Addams cinematic universe using this cast. The casting is perfect across the board, and I love Christna Ricci's character, such a sweet nod to the OG!
Netflix, pick this series up for more episodes because holy cow, you hit it out of the park this time.
Ortega is PERFECT as Wednesday, I loved her in X and I love her in this.
The title says it all: WEDNESDAY! This is her picture, her character always steals the scenes both on the small screen and in the Tim Burton films, this series time jumps us to her late teens and hits the ground running with mysteries, adventure, and spooky macabre humor.
Tim Burton directs the first four episodes, and the score is by Danny Elfman!
I am enamored with this series and can't wait for it to get picked up for more seasons, and the potential spin offs of the other lesser featured (this is Wednesday's show of focus, after all) should get fans hyped for an eventual Addams cinematic universe using this cast. The casting is perfect across the board, and I love Christna Ricci's character, such a sweet nod to the OG!
It's not my Addams' vibe
bunknownv7 December 2022
Don't get me wrong the actress and the visual are good But it's not my Addams! Nothing spooky, psycho and nothing of the sweet weird family that love each others! The actors were also so wrong! I mean Gomez and Camilla afraid of a murder !? None of them fit. Gomez lost his charm and the mom was boring and not at all spooky. I normally love this actors but they were mot fitting. The oncle was the worse and ridiculous. Wednesday were good but I could not recognized her psycho and weird self, she played more like a introvert who likes black. The story was also too focus on the mystery and at the end the school was more Hogwarts for weirdo. I guess I am too old and this show is more for teenager or people who did not know the previous movies.
What a surprise!
Tww6055123 November 2022
Wednesday has the toxic and acidic humor of the adams family, the wonderful performance of jenna ortega, great soundtrack and the perfect aesthetic of tim burton. There are some things adapted for the current teenager to enjoy, but it's very subtle and just right, loving it .
I really don't know how there's a lot of people said the acting is not good , I really thought that the actors and the acting is perfect.
I enjoyed every part of the s series, and I was shocked when I saw it I didn't expect that good quality of production and amazing visual and great vibes .
And we don't forget the fantasy elementary was very good .
10/10.
I really don't know how there's a lot of people said the acting is not good , I really thought that the actors and the acting is perfect.
I enjoyed every part of the s series, and I was shocked when I saw it I didn't expect that good quality of production and amazing visual and great vibes .
And we don't forget the fantasy elementary was very good .
10/10.
Great potential but awfully mediocre story
fellanrastrom21 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Alright, lets adress the elephant in the room. The acting, camerawork and editing is out of this world and it is very unexpected to see a reboot of the Addams Family but its done really well in a modern setting and the overall universe and worldbuilding is great but where this show lacks is the story.
You have your average teen drama characters and storyline and it actually does turn the clichés around to provide some humor but I can't say the same for the "detective story". The twist that Thornhill and Tyler were the bad guys wasn't executed that well. From the first scene you see Thornhill you could smell she was the bad guy through the screen. They try to decive you with the psycologist and xavier but it really does not work that well either.
I really feel like there is potential a second season if they dont play it as safe and try to actually experiment a little with the story.
Tl;dr amazing acting and visuals but a generic meh story that has already been done too many times.
You have your average teen drama characters and storyline and it actually does turn the clichés around to provide some humor but I can't say the same for the "detective story". The twist that Thornhill and Tyler were the bad guys wasn't executed that well. From the first scene you see Thornhill you could smell she was the bad guy through the screen. They try to decive you with the psycologist and xavier but it really does not work that well either.
I really feel like there is potential a second season if they dont play it as safe and try to actually experiment a little with the story.
Tl;dr amazing acting and visuals but a generic meh story that has already been done too many times.
Goth girl goes to Hogwarts
Filip_Pruncu2 December 2022
I've rewrote this review because 1) I finally finished the season and 2) Because I came to a better understand.
Now, of course, I could've been even more cruel and title this review "Scooby Doo goes to Hogwarts to meet the X-Men" but I'm trying not to offend anyone (too much). After all, there is a connection of Scooby Doo and the Addams Family as far back as the 70s.
With the promise I made to my 10 year old niece, I forced myself to finish the first season. In the original review I wrote here, I was saying that: "I'm at episode 3 and it is painful. It was a struggle to watch the first episode, but the more it goes on, the worse it gets."
But before I (and others) come to conclusions, I (we) need to understand some things clear: This is a coming-of-age series made for the adolescents of today. It is not for adults specifically, it is not R-Rated and most of all, we must understand that the new generation of teenagers are different from the teenagers we were. The difference in generations must be taken into account. After all, those who are fans of the 90s movies (like myself) will also see the 60s series differently, and the 60s fans (such as our parents) will see the 90s movies differently. I'll come to this subject again later in the review.
Now my thoughts.
While this has all the necessary 'tools' to be great, it just isn't (in my opinion). We have a cast with great actors such as Christina Ricci, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman, Gwendoline Christie and the new star Jenna Ortega who is really really good. We have Tim Burton who directed four episodes. We have music of Danny Elfman on four episodes. We have Romania, who could've been used as it is, instead of turning it into an American land. Even with all of this, it just couldn't deliver (to me).
It has nothing to do with the madness of the Addams Family tradition, it's more like a fantastic world of J. K. Rowling after listening to Bauhaus, while at the same time talking in teenage internet language. Painfully cringe, many times predictable. All the goth stuff you can think of, it's here, but presented in a way that is, like I said, cringe. I'm expecting that in a future episode we'll see Wednesday drinking absinthe in a cemetery and reading Poe's poems, or maybe using some Book of Shadows, Ouja Board and some occult-themed stuff (which wouldn't be new, but lets see how predictable this show will be). The grandiose moment when Wednesday pronounces "mansplaining", you know you got a Netflix production.
While the Addams family of the 90s (both the movies and the animated series which I loved as a kid) had a darker humor that made you laugh, here I didn't even smirk. Maybe I'm just one of the old generation that is lost in the past and can't connect with today's generation, and I'm stuck with the rather more offensive, darker humor of those movies. The humor in here is just too mainstream, too gentle, too cliché. Looking at the high praises given here in the reviews, and then going to the profiles of the people who wrote them, I understand that this is a tv series that is great for the teenagers of today. The generations differ, that is clear in many aspects, and this is one example. That doesn't mean I'm right and they are wrong, of course. The same is for me, who as a 90s Addams Family fan can't really enjoy the first shows from the 60s to the fullest, or even the 1998 adaptations which were truly horrible (even though Nicole Fugere was great and I was in love with her when I was a kid). I didn't even bother to watch the 2019 and 2021 animated movies. So Wednesday 2022 is not the worst.
Even so. You can't even tell it's a Tim Burton movie. I don't know what happened to Burton, but after Sweeney Todd he seems to have lost his brilliance. Yes, Dark Shadows and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children might have a bit of his touch, but not in the way we think of him. When you say Tim Burton you say Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Big Fish, Corpse Bride and even though not directed by him, the classic Nightmare Before Christmas. Adding an Addams Family would've been a must-have in his profile, but this one just didn't work out.
The school for weirdos is actually more normal than the school I was at. The principle of the school (Gwendoline Christie) is out of character and more of a 'normie' than a 'weirdo'. The other actors are so plain that I can't even remember their names. There were those two teenagers in the bookshop trying to flirt as in a 80s teen movie. I don't remember their names, but that moment was so cringe I felt like screaming and slamming my face in the monitor. I guess I can be Wednesday too. I think that Thing has the best acting. Oh, and Christina Ricci is doing a good job at... whatever she's supposed to do/be in the film (later edit: found out her role in film and it's good, but her character's final discovery was made in a mediocre style). With all the respect I have for Catherine Zeta-Jones, she just doesn't make you feel like she makes a good Morticia, as for Luiz Guzman, again, not a good fit for a fantasy style movie (he will always be El Cid for me: from Oz). However, the worst character and actor here is Fred Armisen/Uncle Fester. When the guy came out I thought that he's like a villain from a Fox Kids/Nickeldeon/Nick Jr. Production who happened to steal Cruella de Vil's motorcycle while having Raiden's electric superpowers. What-is-this?! Compare Fred's Uncle Fester with Christopher Lloyd's Uncle Fester and you'll see the HUGE difference.
There are some good things here and there, and the dance scene is indeed great, Jena's moves and stare are perfect! The scene when she speaks in German to the tourists is also great, and it's something that really brings the real character of Wednesday as known in the Addams Family tradition. The piranha scene is also characteristic to Wednesday we all know and love. The scene when she plays the cello is also amazing, it actually gave me chills (good ones). The sword fight is great as well, her fighting skills in general are great. "Thing" being portrayed very human-like in character/personality (like he's one who likes to take care of his skin) is really cool as well.
Yes, goth girl goes to Hogwarts. This is so much like Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Harry Potter, Scooby Doo and X-men that is so far from the original idea and charm of the Addams Family. Drop some teenage hormones, since it's a Netflix production, and there you have it. Enjoy the stew!
Now, of course, I could've been even more cruel and title this review "Scooby Doo goes to Hogwarts to meet the X-Men" but I'm trying not to offend anyone (too much). After all, there is a connection of Scooby Doo and the Addams Family as far back as the 70s.
With the promise I made to my 10 year old niece, I forced myself to finish the first season. In the original review I wrote here, I was saying that: "I'm at episode 3 and it is painful. It was a struggle to watch the first episode, but the more it goes on, the worse it gets."
But before I (and others) come to conclusions, I (we) need to understand some things clear: This is a coming-of-age series made for the adolescents of today. It is not for adults specifically, it is not R-Rated and most of all, we must understand that the new generation of teenagers are different from the teenagers we were. The difference in generations must be taken into account. After all, those who are fans of the 90s movies (like myself) will also see the 60s series differently, and the 60s fans (such as our parents) will see the 90s movies differently. I'll come to this subject again later in the review.
Now my thoughts.
While this has all the necessary 'tools' to be great, it just isn't (in my opinion). We have a cast with great actors such as Christina Ricci, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman, Gwendoline Christie and the new star Jenna Ortega who is really really good. We have Tim Burton who directed four episodes. We have music of Danny Elfman on four episodes. We have Romania, who could've been used as it is, instead of turning it into an American land. Even with all of this, it just couldn't deliver (to me).
It has nothing to do with the madness of the Addams Family tradition, it's more like a fantastic world of J. K. Rowling after listening to Bauhaus, while at the same time talking in teenage internet language. Painfully cringe, many times predictable. All the goth stuff you can think of, it's here, but presented in a way that is, like I said, cringe. I'm expecting that in a future episode we'll see Wednesday drinking absinthe in a cemetery and reading Poe's poems, or maybe using some Book of Shadows, Ouja Board and some occult-themed stuff (which wouldn't be new, but lets see how predictable this show will be). The grandiose moment when Wednesday pronounces "mansplaining", you know you got a Netflix production.
While the Addams family of the 90s (both the movies and the animated series which I loved as a kid) had a darker humor that made you laugh, here I didn't even smirk. Maybe I'm just one of the old generation that is lost in the past and can't connect with today's generation, and I'm stuck with the rather more offensive, darker humor of those movies. The humor in here is just too mainstream, too gentle, too cliché. Looking at the high praises given here in the reviews, and then going to the profiles of the people who wrote them, I understand that this is a tv series that is great for the teenagers of today. The generations differ, that is clear in many aspects, and this is one example. That doesn't mean I'm right and they are wrong, of course. The same is for me, who as a 90s Addams Family fan can't really enjoy the first shows from the 60s to the fullest, or even the 1998 adaptations which were truly horrible (even though Nicole Fugere was great and I was in love with her when I was a kid). I didn't even bother to watch the 2019 and 2021 animated movies. So Wednesday 2022 is not the worst.
Even so. You can't even tell it's a Tim Burton movie. I don't know what happened to Burton, but after Sweeney Todd he seems to have lost his brilliance. Yes, Dark Shadows and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children might have a bit of his touch, but not in the way we think of him. When you say Tim Burton you say Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Big Fish, Corpse Bride and even though not directed by him, the classic Nightmare Before Christmas. Adding an Addams Family would've been a must-have in his profile, but this one just didn't work out.
The school for weirdos is actually more normal than the school I was at. The principle of the school (Gwendoline Christie) is out of character and more of a 'normie' than a 'weirdo'. The other actors are so plain that I can't even remember their names. There were those two teenagers in the bookshop trying to flirt as in a 80s teen movie. I don't remember their names, but that moment was so cringe I felt like screaming and slamming my face in the monitor. I guess I can be Wednesday too. I think that Thing has the best acting. Oh, and Christina Ricci is doing a good job at... whatever she's supposed to do/be in the film (later edit: found out her role in film and it's good, but her character's final discovery was made in a mediocre style). With all the respect I have for Catherine Zeta-Jones, she just doesn't make you feel like she makes a good Morticia, as for Luiz Guzman, again, not a good fit for a fantasy style movie (he will always be El Cid for me: from Oz). However, the worst character and actor here is Fred Armisen/Uncle Fester. When the guy came out I thought that he's like a villain from a Fox Kids/Nickeldeon/Nick Jr. Production who happened to steal Cruella de Vil's motorcycle while having Raiden's electric superpowers. What-is-this?! Compare Fred's Uncle Fester with Christopher Lloyd's Uncle Fester and you'll see the HUGE difference.
There are some good things here and there, and the dance scene is indeed great, Jena's moves and stare are perfect! The scene when she speaks in German to the tourists is also great, and it's something that really brings the real character of Wednesday as known in the Addams Family tradition. The piranha scene is also characteristic to Wednesday we all know and love. The scene when she plays the cello is also amazing, it actually gave me chills (good ones). The sword fight is great as well, her fighting skills in general are great. "Thing" being portrayed very human-like in character/personality (like he's one who likes to take care of his skin) is really cool as well.
Yes, goth girl goes to Hogwarts. This is so much like Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Harry Potter, Scooby Doo and X-men that is so far from the original idea and charm of the Addams Family. Drop some teenage hormones, since it's a Netflix production, and there you have it. Enjoy the stew!
Better than expected.
fvrk24 November 2022
I was not expecting this to be any good, considering it's done by netflix, however I was greatly impressed with this show, think it just became my favorite of the year.
You will see lot of people saying "This is not for you" as if they know better and as in they take the decision for you, however, I would greatly recommend giving the show a try and decide it for yourself if you like it not.
Jenna Ortega is wonderful cast in the role, but pretty much everyone else just as well, the acting is great, the music, the effects - everything, I can't say I could think of any negative thing to say about it except the fact that I didn't enjoy how her father Gomez was introduced but is something I could easily get past since the show is about Wdnesday and not her family. (though nothing wrong with the actor or acting for Gomez either, just how he was written).
You should never let other people dictate what to watch, you cannot discuss taste or force people into liking the same things. Many shows released this year got a huge wave of hate and almost made me skip watching them just because others said they are bad...and guess what ? I ended up enjoying many of them.
As I write this review, the show is rated at 8.5 stars after 5,5k votes, which means those that dislike the show are in such low number that it doesn't even affect the show overall.
Happy binge day.
You will see lot of people saying "This is not for you" as if they know better and as in they take the decision for you, however, I would greatly recommend giving the show a try and decide it for yourself if you like it not.
Jenna Ortega is wonderful cast in the role, but pretty much everyone else just as well, the acting is great, the music, the effects - everything, I can't say I could think of any negative thing to say about it except the fact that I didn't enjoy how her father Gomez was introduced but is something I could easily get past since the show is about Wdnesday and not her family. (though nothing wrong with the actor or acting for Gomez either, just how he was written).
You should never let other people dictate what to watch, you cannot discuss taste or force people into liking the same things. Many shows released this year got a huge wave of hate and almost made me skip watching them just because others said they are bad...and guess what ? I ended up enjoying many of them.
As I write this review, the show is rated at 8.5 stars after 5,5k votes, which means those that dislike the show are in such low number that it doesn't even affect the show overall.
Happy binge day.
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