Frankensteins, Draculas and werewolves, oh my! But there’s nothing to be afraid of in this cutesy, coming-of-age animated film starring Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg, with great comedic support from Kevin James, Fran Drescher and Steve Buscemi, and singer and “The Voice” judge CeeLo Green.
Dracula (Sandler) owns a hotel for monsters; built to keep his daughter Mavis (Gomez) safe from the terrifying humans who lurk in every corner outside with pitchforks, torches and garlic (they even put it on bread!). Jokes may fly, but are tamer than what we’re used to hearing from Sandler.
When Mavis turns 118 (coming-of-age for vampires, apparently), she wants to go out and see the world. Overprotective Dracula changes her mind, but his plot allows a human named Jonathan (Samberg) to wander into the hotel. Jonathon and Mavis share a “zing,” and nothing can keep them apart…except her father and the underlying racial tensions between vampires/monsters in general and humans.
Gomez, 20, famous for her role as the witchy-wizard Alex Russo on “Wizards of Waverly Place,” has been leading her fans through her own coming-of-age story. She moved through the Disney ranks to score a role in “Ramona and Beezus” (2010). She went abroad in “Monte Carlo” (2011) with “Gossip Girl’s” Leighton Meester. In 2013 she will star in “Spring Breakers,” a film surely not appropriate for her younger fans. As “Hotel Transylvania,” Ms. Gomez’s Facebook pictures, and rumors that she could have a role in a possible “50 Shades of Grey” movie show, she is certainly growing up.
Co-eds can learn from Gomez’s transformation from Disney Channel star to a girl traveling abroad. The transition to, through, and out of college is a rough one with bumps along the way, but if you can handle it with even an ounce of the class Ms. Gomez has (unlike many of her contemporaries), you will make it through just fine!
With quirky jokes only adults will understand, a great story line for any age, a quick punch at the “Twilight” saga, and many “Aw” moments, “Hotel Transylvania” is a clear winner for any girl’s weekend.
Love Selena Gomez’s look? Check out this Look for Less article!
