Hotel Transylvania

Hotel Transylvania

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres this Friday from director Genndy Tartakovsky and Sony Pictures Animation comes a Halloween treat for everyone who wants to vacation at HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA.

This film tells the story of Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler), heart broken over the loss of his wife, he decides to do whatever it takes to protect daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez). He decides to create Hotel Transylvania, a place were monsters can go to get away from, well, humans!

As Mavis’ 118th birthday approaches, Dracula plans a huge party to celebrate. The guests begin to arrive that include Frankenstein (Kevin James) and wife Eunice (Fran Drescher), Wayne Wolf (Steve Buscemi) and wife Wanda (Molly Shannon) along with their cubs and Murray the Mummy (CeeLo Green).

But as with any party there’s always one uninvited guest! Backpacker Jonathan (Andy Samberg) wanders into the hotel only to discover this isn’t exactly the destination he had in mind.

FINAL WORD: Sandler as Dracula brought fun into a fatherly role that would be unexpected from a guy with fangs. Instead we get to see a loving dad and a good friend with an all around warm heart – even for humans! It is also easy to hear Sandler having a good time, which comes across on screen.

Gomez as Mavis is the typical teenager who wants to see the world, granted most have before their 118th birthday! Gomez gives her character flair and fun with the added benefit of being very cute as a bat. Samberg as Jonathan is a laid-back world traveler who, once over the shock, isn’t at all disturbed by his hotel hosts. Instead he adds fun and, dare I say, light to a dark place.

The extended cast includes many of the actors that fans love both on screen and through voice work such as David Spade as Griffin, Jon Lovitz as Quasimodo, Brian George as Suit of Armor, Luenell as Shrunken Heads, Chris Parnell as Fly, and Jackie Sandler as Martha.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give HOTEL TRANSLYVANIA four tubs of popcorn out of five. This really is a fun film that not only has the animation that the kids will love and a story that is relatable for families but humor that mom and dad are going to enjoy.

The animation is wonderful that is so vibrant and fun. The action has a thrill element to it that just adds to the film entirely. The 3D isn’t really necessary to enjoy the film!

Sony Pictures Animation has once again provided family entertainment and takes the word “family” to heart. This is also the studio that brought fans CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS, THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS and, along with Aardman Animations, the award winning ARTHUR CHRISTMAS. 

In the end – this is where monsters go to get away from it all!