HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA (2022) 

I have a soft spot for the Hotel Transylvania trilogy, they have a phenomenal voice cast and a fun light hearted story that focuses on the classic monsters of the past. Even so, the trilogy remains forgotten on my Blu-ray shelf every time I go to watch an animated feature but I recognize the three are a delightful entry point for kids into the horror genre. 

 

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania will sadly be instantly forgotten outside the original trilogy with a recast Dracula at the helm. Let’s speak positively at first: the animation as always is still wonderful to look at, it depicts these classic horror characters in a brilliant way that will warm kids up to the subject matter with some colorful flair. 

 

Now onto the less positive. The story has a solid premise attached to it, however it’s in its execution that the “final” story in this franchise feels unnecessary. Having a less than desirable voice take over the role of Drac from Sandler felt like a poor decision on the filmmakers / studio’s part - it’s noticeable, very noticeable and it alienates a lot of the events of the film merely through distraction. 

 

Here’s the truth of the matter - the fourth Hotel Transylvania isn’t gonna be the one to turn any newcomer’s head, however for children (especially fans of the trilogy) this might just be the closure they needed with the Count and friends. But a transforming twist can’t save a predictable yet harmless film from being the worst of the set and an unworthy conclusion to Drac’s hotel escapades. 

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Amazon Studios will release HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA on Prime Video globally January 14, 2022