The first "Addams Family" movie had the virtue of being a superior adaptation of the original TV series. But this sequel went one better in actually being better than its predecessor was.

The difference in Barry Sonnenfeld's direction for this second outing is quite marked. Overall this is a far tighter film, from the simpler but ever delightful set design to the sharp script and economical running time.

The plot is as brief and goofy as the first film but yet again is brought to life by the returning cast who are even more polished than before. The pairing of Raul Julia as Gomez and Anjelica Huston as Morticia evokes 50s Hollywood with the style and glamour that they bring to such essentially silly roles. Their zeal and passion are quite infectious and it's therefore no surprise that Morticia announces that she is having a baby - "right now".

The arrival of a moustachioed bambino by the grotesque name of Pubert (a name rejected by the TV series) brings disquiet to the lives of the deliriously sombre Wednesday (Christina Ricci) and Pugsley (Jimmy Workman). Worse still is the arrival of a viciously cloying nanny (Joan Cusack) who manages to get the two of them sent to summer camp. There they encounter forced happiness and sunshine that are hilarious to watch. But unfortunately the nanny is after Fester's fortune and soon has him wrapped around her finger as she weds and then attempts to dispose of him.

Silly stuff indeed but the relish of the cast, the tight editing and lavish feel to this film prove too much fun to go trying to find fault with such inconsequential details like plot.

"Addams Family Values" is on BBC1 at 9.35pm, Wednesday 20th September.