impossibledreamers Reviews

Halloween with the New Addams Family (1977 TV Movie)

Fond memories of watching this before Trick or Treating

[7/10 · 29 October 2007]

As stated by others, this is not as well-crafted as the more recent movies, but this was a pilot attempt to revive the original series in 1977.

Nearly all the cast returned, and new young children (Wednesday Junior and Puglsey Junior) were also added. Unlike the sound stage original, this special was shot on video in a real house, with props added, including good ol' Thing.

But, like many other shows that made the black and white to color transformation, the Addams' gallows dark humor seems lost in a bright colorful world of early video tape. Still, hats off to the performance of the original cast especially John Astin, Caroline Jones, Jackie Coogan and Ted Cassidy.

The Hitman (1991)

Not a great action flick, but there is a nice twist...

[6/10 · 28 March 2004]

Chuck's character in this go-round is an undercover cop who was supposed to have been killed by his corrupt ex-partner (Michael Parks).

But, his cover (a hitter for the Italian mob in Seattle) is so deep he actively is whacking French-Canadian thugs and a new Iranian threat while trying to put away the people he works for.

The twist is that Chuck's near-death experience gives his character an odd perspective on death. He's actually become less serious, more sensitive than his life as a cop. The few funny moments may not make up for it not being a great film but they're there.

Example - Chuck arrives in Vancouver to discuss a potential truce. After having his handgun taken from him, Chuck knocks a thug on his ass and the guy is looking down a double-barrel, over-and-under shotgun. Chuck quips, "You missed one."