Wednesday

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.

I really liked the first season of this show. Even though he didn't direct every episode, Tim Burton's style was felt throughout the season. I can't say the same for season 2. Style-wise, his episodes were great, but the other seem like a poor-man's version. Also, the season is kind of a mess. Too many subplots, too many characters, too much that didn't have anything to do with the story...it's just all over the place. Even though it was three years later, story-wise it seems rushed...almost like the writers weren't ready when Netflix decided they wanted another season. Just my 1/50 of a dollar.

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.

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.

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.