EP 26: ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES (1993) vs. THANKSKILLING (2009)
It's Thanksgiving week, so we gorge ourselves on the tasty holiday treats ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES (1993) and the modern classic THANKSKILLING (2009)!
It's a double-heaping-helping of macabre madness in our "Thanksgiving Special" episode of CULT AND CLASSIC FILMS Podcast!
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Host: Nate Wyckoff
Panelists: Tad Mastroianni, Amanda Longley, & Greg Johnson
More on ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES (1993):
Addams Family Values is a 1993 dark comedy film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld that serves as a sequel to the 1991 film The Addams Family. The movie follows the eccentric and macabre Addams family as they welcome a new addition, a baby boy named Pubert. However, their joy is disrupted by the arrival of Debbie Jellinsky, a black widow who marries Uncle Fester and attempts to murder him for his fortune. As Debbie tries to eliminate the obstacles in her way, the Addams children, Wednesday and Pugsley, are sent to a summer camp where they disrupt the saccharine atmosphere with their unusual behavior.
The film cleverly juxtaposes the ghoulish yet loving nature of the Addams family with the blandness and superficiality of the outside world. It delves into themes of acceptance, individuality, and the true meaning of family, all infused with a generous dose of dark humor. The standout performances of Anjelica Huston as Morticia Addams, Raul Julia as Gomez Addams, and a young Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams bring depth and charisma to the characters, while Joan Cusack's portrayal of the devious Debbie Jellinsky adds a compelling dynamic to the story.
Addams Family Values skillfully balances its macabre humor with moments of genuine heart, particularly as the Addams family rallies to save Uncle Fester from the clutches of the manipulative Debbie. The film's memorable scenes, such as Wednesday's rebellious Thanksgiving play at the summer camp and the chaotic yet endearing Thanksgiving feast at the Addams' mansion, have solidified its status as a cult classic. With its witty dialogue, clever satire, and a stellar cast, the movie continues to captivate audiences as a beloved portrayal of a uniquely unconventional family's adventures in a world that often fails to appreciate their special charm.
More on THANKSKILLING (2009):
ThanksKilling (2009)
In the horror-comedy film "ThanksKilling," a group of college students heads home for Thanksgiving break. However, their holiday plans take a horrific turn when they encounter an ancient, bloodthirsty turkey possessed by an evil spirit. This outrageous and over-the-top horror film takes the concept of a killer turkey and runs wild with it, delivering plenty of laughs and gore along the way.
The movie opens with a hilariously ridiculous scene featuring a topless pilgrim being pursued by the menacing turkey in the 1600s. Fast forward to the present day, the unsuspecting group of friends finds themselves facing off against the foul-mouthed fowl after it is unleashed from its ancient slumber. As they try to survive the turkey's murderous rampage, the film revels in its absurdity, throwing in cheesy one-liners, gratuitous violence, and a healthy dose of dark humor.
"ThanksKilling" pays homage to classic slasher films while embracing its own ludicrous premise. The turkey, armed with a variety of weapons, becomes an unlikely but memorable villain, dispatching victims in creative and outlandish ways. The film's deliberately campy and low-budget aesthetic adds to its charm, creating a cult classic appeal that has endeared it to fans of B-movie horror.
While "ThanksKilling" may not be everyone's cup of tea, for those who appreciate its tongue-in-cheek approach to horror and comedy, it offers a delightfully offbeat and entertaining experience. With its gleeful embrace of absurdity and its memorable killer turkey, the film has carved out a niche for itself in the realm of cult and classic horror cinema.
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