It’s check in time at the Hotel Transylvania

Paul O’Rourke

THERE are a lot of interesting contrasts at the movies right now. Two hotel films that couldn’t be more different and two kids movies that offer very distinct experiences. 

‘Hotel Transylvania’, unlike the somewhat similarly titled ‘Hotel Artemis’, is most definitely aimed at youngsters (don’t bring your toddlers to Artemis although it’s great adult fun). 

The third installment in this kiddie comic story of Count Dracula and his oddball family sees the hard working monster pack head off on a well earned summer vacation. 

Little does the Count know, however, that also on board is his arch enemy and vampire hunter, Doctor Van Helsing. As far as the story goes, there isn’t much more to talk about. This is simple, child friendly fare with colourful visuals and fart jokes never far away. 

The usual team of voice actors are back including gravelly voiced Adam Sandler in the lead role, Selena Gomez as Mavis and a nice cameo from Mel Brooks as Vlad.   

We attended a kids’ screening and the little tikes certainly seemed to enjoy the humour on offer although there is little here to keep the adults entertained. 

The final sequence with a DJ battle featuring famous dance hits, did leave everyone with a smile on their face however, and we saw kids literally dancing in their seats. For that alone, it’s probably worth the ticket price and will provide an enjoyable 90-minute break from the beating summer rays. We award it a review score of three junior stars. 

If you want something a little less Hollywood, with more of a story, but equally child friendly, check out ‘The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales’. 

From the team that brought you Oscar nominated ‘Ernest and Celestine’, comes three short animated stories of animal misfits in the French countryside. 

This is simple animation, but at its heart is clever and amusing storytelling, providing a nice alternative for your reflective and artistic child who may be more into books than big bright visuals.  

Other releases: ‘Mission Impossible Fallout’ – 4 Stars, ‘Hotel Artemis’ – 3.5 Stars