New Movie Returns 'Addams Family' To New Jersey Roots

WESTFIELD, NJ - Charles Addams most famous creations are coming home this October. The new "Addams Family" animated film will see the offbeat family literally moving to New Jersey, the birthplace of their creator.

Born in 1912 and raised in Westfield, Charles Addams was one of the country's premier cartoonists, with his work prominently featured in The New Yorker. His most successful creation, The Addams Family, was inspired by his hometown surroundings. The characters that began as illustrations grew into a television series, a live action movie franchise, a Broadway musical, and the animated movie scheduled to hit theaters on Oct. 11.

In the trailer for the new film, the title characters are moving to an unspecified town in New Jersey where they run into some culture clashes. The cast features Oscar Isaac as Gomez Addams, Charlize Theron as Morticia Addams, Chloë Grace Moretz as Wednesday Addams,
Finn Wolfhard as Pugsley Addams, Nick Kroll as Uncle Fester, Snoop Dogg as Cousin Itt,
Bette Midler as Grandmama, Gomez and Fester's mother, Allison Janney as Margaux Needler,
Elsie Fisher as Parker Needler, Martin Short as Grandpa Frump, Morticia's father and Catherine O'Hara as Grandma Frump, Morticia's mother.

The movie's description says the Addams family's lives begin to unravel when they face-off against the 21st century and its treacherous, greedy, arrogant and sly reality TV host Margaux Needler while also preparing for their extended family to arrive for a major celebration.

In the trailer, the family runs into stereotypical "big Jersey" hair and Wednesday struggles to fit in at "Assimilation Middle School." Indeed, instead of dissecting frogs in science class, she reanimates them.

It is fitting that the movie brings the family home to New Jersey, where Westfield already celebrates them. For the second year in a row, Westfield is preparing AddamsFest for this October.

Following the success of its inaugural year, with over 12,000 attendees from 85 towns, AddamsFest will transform Westfield into a celebration honoring Charles Addams and his penchant for the macabre with a wide variety of events.

"The community is so excited for the return of AddamsFest, and we're thrilled to bring it back," said Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle. "Our inaugural year represented the very best of Westfield -- from celebrating one of our own historic icons as a community, to the enthusiastic participation of over 300 volunteers, to the collaboration between the police, fire, DPW professionals and the unpaid volunteers. Ultimately, the connectedness that the festival created among our residents was one of our town's key highlights of 2018."

Dates and details for new and returning events spanning the month of October will be announced later, including a newly envisioned art exhibit that combines original works of Addams alongside local student art influenced by his style. In addition, Morticia's Movies, Lurch's Lecture Series, and Paranormal Investigations will return, along with the Haunt Your House Contest and the Wicked Windows of Westfield displays throughout the downtown.

"This year's AddamsFest gives us the benefit of experience paired with the community's enthusiasm and anticipation," said Councilwoman Dawn Mackey, AddamsFest Chairperson. "Distributing the various events over a longer time period provides attendees with more opportunity to enjoy the festivities and get involved in this Westfield experience for the entire month of October."

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