Hotel Transylvania MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +2

Voices of Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, Andy Samberg. Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a human boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teen-aged daughter.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Because moviegoers are bombarded with things that go bump in the night, much like they are overwhelmed by entertainment that is incredibly secular and often crude and obscene in nature, I want to be sensitive to those parents who think we shouldn’t watch anything spooky. To them I say, okay, we’re dealing with a cartoon featuring Dracula and the other classic horror stars, but I don’t think anybody is going to get lured into the dark side by viewing this 3D comedy.

It’s actually about an overprotective parent and his learning to trust his child, and not seeing just the faults of mankind, but their better side. It’s also a film about sacrificing in the name of love. At one point the Count almost dies as he is willing to go out into the sunlight in order to do something for his child’s happiness. Though I hesitate to call it deep, you can find metaphor in the story about accepting others different from yourself.

The film is often witty, though admittedly some of the gags are bloodless – many of them, actually. But the pacing is hyper, which should keep the little ones settled in their seats. And by little ones, I mean children of the age where sudden jolts and the sights of cartoon movie monsters don’t send them into fits (which did happen to a couple of tiny tikes at the screening).

The 3D is well used (unnecessary, but efficient) and the art direction – the look of the film – is terrific (award worthy).

Is Hotel Transylvania in the same league with Bolt, WALL-E, or UP? No. Not even close. But it is a fun Saturday matinee.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Columbia Pictures