1309. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Starring: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg

Director: Genndy Tartakovsky

Running Time: 91 mins

Hotel Transylvania is an American film about a getaway resort created by Dracula, designed for monsters to seek sanctuary from human persecution. However, when a human arrives unexpectedly in the hotel and catches the attention of Dracula’s young daughter, the entire place is thrown into chaos.

Over the last few years, there haven’t been too many top-quality kids’ animation movies. Of course, this doesn’t stand up to any of the Disney or Pixar classics, but Hotel Transylvania is undeniably good fun, with a great voice cast, a lively and energetic vibe, fun animation, and a heap of great jokes that will keep you laughing throughout.

Let’s start with what you’ll be most hesitant about going into this movie: Adam Sandler. This film may star Sandler and regular co-stars Kevin James, David Spade and Andy Samberg, but make no mistake: this is NOT an Adam Sandler movie. Instead, it’s a well-written, lively, child-friendly and simply enjoyable family comedy, the likes of which you’d never see in a generic Sandler movie.

And what’s more is that Adam Sandler, and all the other voice actors, are great. Sandler in particular gives a charming and enjoyable cartoon portrayal of Count Dracula, whilst others like Selena Gomez, Steve Buscemi and Andy Samberg all put in a good show that makes everything about this movie a lot of fun to watch.

Now, this film isn’t particularly proficient in providing a heartfelt emotional tale like some of the best family animated movies have done, but at least it knows that, and rather than trying for an overly sappy story, it just goes all-out with a barrage of jokes that more often than not land pretty strongly, which was fantastic to see.

As a result, you’ll be laughing right the way through. Sure, the jokes may not be the funniest you’ve ever seen, but as they work in conjunction with the quick-paced, lively atmosphere of the film, you’ll be consistently engaged and entertained from start to finish, and that’s why I’m giving Hotel Transylvania a 7.5.