Holy adorable, Batman. Hotel Transylvania is the story of Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler, in his most perfect role), who runs a hotel for monsters. The hotel is a sanctuary because, historically, monsters have been hunted by humans. However, when a young man accidentally gets through all the hotel’s protections and “zings” with Drac’s daughter, Drac’s left to wonder if things haven’t changed over the last 118 years. (To “zing” with another, in monster-speak, is to fall in love at first sight.)
The “monsters” here are cuddly and silly, like the wry Steve Bushemi-voiced werewolf who has, like, 300 pups that are more “cyclone” than “wolf”; and the utterly silent Blobby, who just sort of blobbles about, bouncing with the flow (#teamblobby).
On the scary meter, this ranks at approximately a 0.5, and that’s only because, when vampires get angry or want to frighten, their eyes flash all red and they glare as menacing music fills the soundtrack.
This is an especially great flick because, taken at face value, it’s entertaining and sweet. But there’s a wonderful message of acceptance and “We’re not so different after all,” too. (There are two equally fun sequels.)
How to watch: Stream on Freeform and Sling TV, available for rent on Amazon Prime and at Redbox
