Animation Spotlight: "Hotel Transylvania" Channels Classic Movie Monsters

"I bid you welcome"

Many classic monster movie characters are brought to live via 3D animation in the recently released film Hotel Transylvania. The usual suspects, Dracula, Frankenstein, a mummy and a werewolf are featured, as are some unusual suspects, including Bigfoot, The Blob and a giant tarantula. The majority of the characters are based on monsters who appeared in motion pictures from the 1930's through the 1950's, but some are taken from folklore or created from general representations, such as a Cyclops and a human skeleton. The monsters are all guests of Count Dracula, who is throwing a birthday party for his "young" daughter, Mavis (who is about to turn 118).

The screenplay, by Peter Baynham and Robert Smigel, is clearly targeted at the younger demographic with its message of tolerance and acceptance, but older viewers who are familiar with the characters will likely appreciate their representations and smile at familiar references to their legacies. The central plot revolves around Dracula (Adam Sandler), who is afraid that his daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez), will leave the nest once she turns 118. He goes to great lengths to keep her close to him, especially since he is a single parent and is extremely protective. However, his efforts are sometimes deceptive, which causes problems between father and daughter when the truth is finally revealed. Adding to Dracula's misgivings is the arrival of a young man, Johnny (Andy Samberg), who is human and somehow finds his way into the "monsters only" hotel.

Dracula tries his best to make Johnny look like a monster and soon turns him into a mini-Frankenstein, so no one will realize that their monster ranks have been infiltrated. Adding to the Count's problems is the mutual attraction between Johnny and Mavis, who may be falling in love for the first time. These problems are difficult for a control freak like Dracula to handle, leading to many amusing moments. While the outcome of the various storylines are not difficult to figure out, the characters are well written, likable and beautifully drawn.

Hotel Transylvania is like heaven for a monster movie geek, as dozens are shown throughout the film. Among my favorites are The Fly (Chris Parnell), who is the hotel's fitness coordinator and, as you might expect, keeps throwing up on himself, The Invisible Man (David Spade), who is the victim of several practical jokes, and Quasimodo (Jon Lovitz), the hotel chef, who tries to cook Johnny when he discovers that he is a human. In addition, the animation is top notch and the use of lighting, particularly in the castle corridors, is reminiscent of classic horror movies and of the old View Master slides (for those old enough to remember them). Hotel Transylvania is a solid choice for Halloween viewing for parents/guardians and their children, who will all find something to smile about for the duration.