Hotel Transylvania

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Hotel Transylvania
HotelTransylvania.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky[1]
Produced by Michelle Murdocca
Screenplay by Peter Baynham
Robert Smigel[2]
Story by Todd Durham
Daniel Hageman
Kevin Hageman
Starring Adam Sandler
Andy Samberg
Selena Gomez
Kevin James
Fran Drescher
Steve Buscemi
Molly Shannon
David Spade
Cee Lo Green
Music by Mark Mothersbaugh[3]
Editing by Catherine Apple
Studio Sony Pictures Animation
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
Release date(s)
  • September 8, 2012 (2012-09-08) (Toronto International Film Festival)
  • September 28, 2012 (2012-09-28) (United States)
Running time 92 minutes[4]
Country United States
Language English
Budget $85 million[5]
Box office $346,462,874[5]

Hotel Transylvania is a 2012 American 3D computer-animated comedy film produced by Sony Pictures Animation and distributed by Columbia Pictures. It was directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, the creator of Samurai Jack, Dexter's Laboratory, and Sym-Bionic Titan, and produced by Michelle Murdocca. The film features the voices of Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, Fran Drescher, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, David Spade and Cee Lo Green.[6]

The film tells a story of Dracula, the owner of Hotel Transylvania, where the world's monsters can take a rest from human civilization. Dracula invites some of the most famous monsters, including Frankenstein's monster, Mummy, a Werewolf family, and the Invisible Man, to celebrate the 118th birthday of his daughter Mavis. When the hotel is unexpectedly visited by an ordinary 21-year-old traveler named Jonathan, Dracula must protect Mavis from falling in love with him before it is too late.

Released on September 28, 2012, the film was met with mixed critical reception, while the general population received it very favorably. Despite mixed reviews, Hotel Transylvania set a new record for the highest-grossing September opening weekend ever, earning a total of $346 million on a budget of $85 million. The film was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film. A sequel, titled Hotel Transylvania 2, is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 25, 2015.[7]

Contents

Plot[edit]

In the aftermath of the death of his wife Martha (Jackie Sandler) who died in a house fire caused by an angry mob, Count Dracula (Adam Sandler) designs and builds a massive five-star hotel in which to raise his daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez). Famous monsters such as Frank (Kevin James) and his wife Eunice (Fran Drescher), Wayne and Wanda Werewolf (Steve Buscemi and Molly Shannon) and their massive immediate family, Griffin the Invisible Man (David Spade), and Murray the Mummy (Cee Lo Green) often come to stay at the hotel which is completely human free and safe for monsters.

On her 118th birthday, Dracula allows his daughter to leave the castle in order to explore the human world, but he sets up an elaborate plan using his zombie bellhops disguised as humans to make them seem intimidating and frighten her home. The plan works, but the zombies inadvertently lure a 21-year-old human named Jonathan (Andy Samberg) to the hotel. Dracula frantically disguises him as a Flesh Golem and passes him off as Johnnystein, a distant cousin of Frank's right arm. Johnny soon encounters Mavis and the two "Zing" (a form of magical attraction). Unable to get Johnny out of the hotel without notice, Drac quickly improvises that Johnny is a party planner, brought in to bring a fresher approach to his own traditional and boring parties. Johnny quickly becomes a hit to the other monsters, especially Mavis, and even begins to gain Dracula's respect. He tells Johnny the reason he hates humans is because the death of his wife at the hands of an angry mob shortly after Mavis was born, and is surprised at Johnny's understanding and knowledge of the lore.

Johnny attempts to leave after his confession, but is brought back by Mavis. After showing her the beauty of a sunrise, she is re-inspired to give humans another chance. Meanwhile, Quasimodo (Jon Lovitz) learns that Johnny is a human and kidnaps him in order to cook him. Dracula intervenes and magically freezes Quasimodo to keep him from telling anyone that he is a human. The party is a great success, but when Mavis kisses Johnny, Dracula overreacts and in his outburst confesses to deceiving Mavis with the town. Quasimodo, still frozen, bursts in and The Fly (Chris Parnell) translates his frozen language that reveals Johnny's humanity, but Mavis is undeterred by her attraction and wants to be with Johnny, even though he is human. But Johnny rejects her out of respect for her father and leaves the hotel. Mavis tragically resolves to remain at Hotel Transylvania for the remainder of her life.

Discovering that Mavis and Johnny shared a Zing, Dracula manages to convince Frank, Wayne, Griffin, and Murray (who are now trying to leave the hotel) to help him find Johnny and reunite them and they learn he is bound on a flight out of Transylvania soon. They head to the airport and encounter a Monster Festival along the way, instead of being frightened by the real monsters appearing, they instead help Dracula by providing him shelter from the sunlight so he can get to the airport quickly only to see Johnny's plane taking off. He takes the risk and gives chase, burning in the sunlight. After getting Johnny's attention, Dracula makes his way to the front of the plane, using his mind-controlling power to control the pilot (Brian Stack) to help him apologize for his actions. Johnny accepts Dracula's apology and Dracula manipulates the pilot to return to the Transylvanian airport for a refuel and Dracula returns Johnny to Mavis, who confesses that their Zing was mutual and the two kiss, making Dracula realize his little girl is all grown up and can make her own decisions.

The film ends with Dracula and his friends being shown in traditional animation (in the style of Genndy Tartakovsky's cartoons) during the credits, as well as a few paintings of Johnny and Mavis on their travels together.

Cast[edit]

Production[edit]

Hotel Transylvania has been in development since 2006, when Anthony Stacchi and David Feiss were set to direct the film.[12] In 2008, Jill Culton took over the directing position,[13] and around 2010, Chris Jenkins,[14] with Todd Wilderman.[15] In February 2011,[16] Genndy Tartakovsky took over as the sixth director[17] to direct his feature directorial debut.[8][15]

In less than a year, Tartakovsky rewrote the script and reimagined the film to follow the energy, organic-ness and exaggeration of the 2D animation, particularly of the Tex Avery's cartoons.[18] "I took all the aesthetics I like from 2-D and applied them here," Tartakovsky said. "I don't want to do animation to mimic reality. I want to push reality."[17] "I wanted to have an imprint so you'd go, 'Well, only Genndy can make this.' It's hard, especially with CG, but I feel there's a lot of moments that feel that they're very me, so hopefully it'll feel different enough that it has a signature to it."[19]

In November 2011, it was announced that Miley Cyrus would voice Mavis, Dracula's teenage daughter,[6] but in February 2012, Cyrus left the film. It was later announced that Selena Gomez would replace Cyrus.[20]

Music[edit]

Release[edit]

Hotel Transylvania premiered on September 8, 2012, at the Toronto International Film Festival.[4] Distributed by Columbia Pictures, the film received a wide release on September 28, 2012.[2] Since October 26, 2012, the film's showings in Regal Entertainment Group Cinemas have been exclusively accompanied by a new traditionally animated short film, Goodnight Mr. Foot. Based on Hotel Transylvania, the short was directed and animated by Genndy Tartakovsky.[25]

Marketing[edit]

The film's first international trailer was released on March 27, 2012.[26] The US domestic trailer debuted on April 24, 2012,[27] and was attached to The Pirates! Band of Misfits.[28] The second trailer debuted on June 21, 2012, and was seen on some prints of Brave.[29]

Home media[edit]

Hotel Transylvania was released on Blu-ray (2D and 3D) and DVD on January 29, 2013. It was accompanied by the short animated film, Goodnight Mr. Foot.[30]

Reception[edit]

Critical response[edit]

Hotel Transylvania received mixed reviews from critics, praising the direction and animation, but criticizing its script. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 43% of critics gave the film positive reviews, with an average rating of 5.3/10 based on 136 reviews. The site's critical consensus reads: "Hotel Transylvania's buoyant, giddy tone may please children, but it might be a little too loud and thinly-scripted for older audiences."[31] Another review aggregate, Metacritic, calculated an average score of 47 out of 100, based on 32 reviews.[32] CinemaScore polls conducted during the opening weekend revealed that the average grade cinemagoers gave Hotel Transylvania was an A- on an A+ to F scale.[33]

IGN editor Geoff Chapman rated the film 9 out of 10 and wrote "This is a fun film, full of quirky gags and lovable characters. There are a few songs that smack a bit like soundtrack marketing for the kids, and the story is of course fairly predictable, but this movie is about enjoying a fun journey with great characters. It's a romp that kids and families will all enjoy. Hotel Transylvania is definitely somewhere you'll want to check in."[34]

Box office[edit]

Hotel Transylvania earned $148,313,048 in North America, and $198,149,826 million in other countries, for a worldwide total of $346,462,874.[5] Officially reported budget for the film was $85 million,[5] although some reports claimed that the film actually cost $100 million.[35]

It topped the box office with $11 million on Friday, and $42.5 million domestically and $50.6 million worldwide for the weekend, breaking the record for the largest-grossing September opening ever, ahead of Sweet Home Alabama ($35.6 million).[35] It is also the highest-grossing debut for Sony Pictures Animation, beating The Smurfs' opening ($35.6 million).[36] According to the Sony's president of worldwide distribution Rory Bruer, Sony was very satisfied with the film's performance: "Hotel Transylvania is performing beyond anyone's imagination, and the holds are ridiculous. It exceeds expectations in every new market it opens in."[37]

Accolades[edit]

Award Category Recipient Result
Annie Awards[38][39] Best Animated Feature Nominated
Character Design in an Animated Feature Production Carlos Grangel
Carter Goodrich
Directing in an Animated Feature Production Genndy Tartakovsky
Music in an Animated Feature Production Mark Mothersbaugh
Production Design in an Animated Feature Production Marcello Vignali
Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production Adam Sandler
Editorial in an Animated Feature Production Catherine Apple
Golden Globe Awards[40] Best Animated Feature Film Genndy Tartakovsky
Visual Effects Society[41][42] Outstanding Animation in an Animated Feature Motion Picture Lydia Bottegoni, James Crossley, Mike Ford, Daniel Kramer
Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture Bill Haller, Tim Pixton, Jorge Vigara (for Dracula)
Kid's Choice Awards[43] Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie Adam Sandler (as Dracula) Won

Video games[edit]

A social game based on the film, titled Hotel Transylvania Social Game, and made by Sony Pictures Interactive, was released on August 15, 2012. The game allows players to create their own Hotel Transylvania, where they must take care of the hotel's guests.[44]

Another video game, titled Hotel Transylvania, developed by Way Forward and published by GameMill Entertainment, was released on September 18, 2012, for Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS at retail.[45][46] The game was also released in the Nintendo eShop in North America on November 15, 2012.[47]

A mobile game, titled Hotel Transylvania Dash, developed by Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. and PlayFirst, was released to iTunes App Store on September 20, 2012. The game is a variation of Hotel Dash mobile game and features the film's art and characters.[48]

A mobile digital storybook app, titled Hotel Transylvania BooClips Deluxe App, developed by Castle Builders and Sony Pictures Animation, was released to iTunes App Store, Nook Store, Google Play for the Android, iBookstore, Microsoft's Metro, and for the PC and Mac via www.BooClips.com, both in English and in Spanish, on September 20, 2012.[49]

Goodnight Mr. Foot[edit]

Goodnight Mr. Foot is a traditionally animated short film based on Hotel Transylvania, featuring Bigfoot from the film. Premiering as a Halloween treat on October 26, 2012, the short was shown exclusively before the theatrical shows of Hotel Transylvania in Regal Entertainment Group Cinemas. As Sony Pictures Animation's first traditionally animated film, it was written and directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, who also drew every key frame of the short. Animated in the style of Bob Clampett, Tex Avery, and Chuck Jones,[25] Tartakovsky created the short in four weeks during the final production stages of the main film.[50] Bigfoot (who has a non-speaking role in Hotel Transylvania) was voiced by Corey Burton while the Witch Maid was voiced by Rose Abdoo. Both voice actors provided additional voices in Hotel Transylvania.[51]

Taking place before the events in Hotel Transylvania, the short stars Bigfoot, whose rest in Hotel Transylvania is being constantly disturbed by an overly enthusiastic witch maid.[25]

Sequel[edit]

Genndy Tartakovsky, the director of the film, commented in October 2012 the possibility of the sequel: "Everyone is talking about it, but we haven't started writing it. There are a lot of fun ideas we could totally play with. It's a ripe world."[51] On November 9, 2012, it was announced that a sequel has been greenlit, and is scheduled for release on September 25, 2015. Tartakovsky will not return for the sequel, as he is already directing a 2015 adaptation of Popeye.[7][52]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Hulett, Steve (2011-04-05). "Splashing Around the SPA". The Animation Guild Blog. Retrieved 2011-04-06. 
  2. ^ a b Sony Pictures Animation (July 9, 2012). "Check Into Sony Pictures Animation's Hotel Transylvania At Comic-Con International: San Diego 2012". PR Newswire. Retrieved July 10, 2012. 
  3. ^ "Mark Mothersbaugh to score 'Hotel Transylvania'". Film Music Reporter. January 27, 2011. Retrieved May 12, 2012. 
  4. ^ a b "Hotel Transylvania". TIFF. Retrieved July 31, 2012. 
  5. ^ a b c d "Hotel Transylvania". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved February 25, 2013. 
  6. ^ a b c d Vary, Adam B. "Miley Cyrus to voice Adam Sandler's daughter in 'Hotel Transylvania' -- EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 11-4-11. 
  7. ^ a b Schou, Solvej (November 9, 2012). "'Hotel Transylvania 2' scheduled for 2015 release". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 22, 2012. 
  8. ^ a b c d e f g "Adam Sandler To Lead Voice Cast Of Sony Animation's 'Hotel Transylvania'" (Press release). Deadline.com. 2011-07-05. Retrieved 2011-07-05. 
  9. ^ Malkin, Marc; Malec, Brett (February 10, 2012). "Selena Gomez Replaces Miley Cyrus in Vampire Flick". E! Online. Retrieved February 10, 2012. 
  10. ^ Lovitz, Jon (May 30, 2012). "Here's a picture of my character,...". Twitter. Retrieved May 30, 2012. "Here's a picture of my character, Quasimodo the Chef, from Adam Sandler's "Hotel Transylvania"" 
  11. ^ Luenell (April 3, 2012). "My 2nd movie w/Adam and the doorknob of her room Sandler". Twitter. Retrieved April 4, 2012. "My 2nd movie w/Adam Sandler, "Hotel Transylvania"! Comes out n 3-D thus Sept! I'm the shrunk
    en head hanging on the do" 
  12. ^ Davis, Erik (2006-07-31). "'Hotel' key to Sony toons". Variety. Retrieved 2011-06-14. 
  13. ^ Siegel, Tatiana (2008-03-06). "Jill Culton checks into Sony's 'Hotel'". Variety. Retrieved 2011-06-14. 
  14. ^ Hulett, Steve (2010-04-07). "Visiting the SPA". TAG Blog. Retrieved 2011-06-14. 
  15. ^ a b Connelly, Brendon (March 26, 2011). "Genndy Tartakovsky Taking Over The Hotel Transylvania?". Bleedin Cool. Retrieved July 31, 2012. 
  16. ^ Blair, Iain (December 1, 2012). "Tartakovsky: TV titan turns around Sony’s troubled ‘Transylvania’". Variety. Retrieved December 4, 2012. 
  17. ^ a b Keegan, Rebecca (August 25, 2012). "Genndy Tartakovsky gets 'Hotel Transylvania' open for business". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 26, 2012. 
  18. ^ Giardina, Carolyn (August 7, 2012). "Siggraph 2012: 'Hotel Transylvania' Previewed by Director Genndy Tartakovsky". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 8, 2012. 
  19. ^ Douglas, Edward (June 26, 2012). "A Preview of Sony Animation's Hotel Transylvania". Shock Till You Drop. Retrieved August 8, 2012. 
  20. ^ Ethan Minovitz, Ethan (12 February 2012). "Miley Cyrus checking out of "Hotel Transylvania"". Big Cartoon News. Retrieved 12 February 2012. 
  21. ^ a b c d e f "End Credits" Hotel Transylvania DVD & BluRay 2012. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Retrieved February 15, 2013
  22. ^ "Hotel Transylvania Music Video Call Me Mavy". Disney Dreaming. August 2, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2012. 
  23. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0IRPiHEQbo
  24. ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0837562/soundtrack
  25. ^ a b c Sony Pictures Animation (October 25, 2012). "No Trick, Big Halloween Treat from Sony Pictures Animation's HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA Director Genndy Tartakovsky". PR Newswire. Retrieved October 26, 2012. 
  26. ^ Sony Pictures Animation (March 27, 2012). "Discover where monsters go to rest in peace...". Facebook. Retrieved March 28, 2012. "Discover where monsters go to rest in peace in this new international trailer for Hotel Transylvania! Which character are you excited to see on the big screen?" 
  27. ^ "Hot Trailer: ‘Hotel Transylvania’". Deadline. April 24, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2012. 
  28. ^ Sony Pictures Animation (April 27, 2012). "Catch the Hotel Transylvania trailer". Facebook. Retrieved April 28, 2012. "Catch the Hotel Transylvania trailer before The Pirates! Band of Misfits plays in theaters!" 
  29. ^ Sony Pictures Animation (June 21, 2012). "Spook your friends and share this new Hotel Transylvania trailer. It's monster-ously fun!". Facebook. Retrieved June 22, 2012. 
  30. ^ "Hotel Transylvania Blu-ray". Blu-ray.com. November 19, 2012. Retrieved November 20, 2012. 
  31. ^ "Hotel Transylvania (2012)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved October 10, 2012. 
  32. ^ "Hotel Transylvania". Metacritic. Retrieved October 10, 2012. 
  33. ^ Cunningham, Todd (September 29, 2012). "'Hotel Transylvania': Monster Debut Puts It on Pace for $38M Box-Office Weekend". The Wrap. Retrieved September 29, 2012. 
  34. ^ Chapman, Geoff (September 8, 2012). "Hotel Transylvania Review". IGN. Retrieved January 18, 2013. 
  35. ^ a b Finke, Nikki (September 30, 2012). "What A Weekend! Sony Has Best Ever #1 + #2 Films: Hotel Transylvania & Looper Set Records; Uni’s Pitch Perfect Tops Screen Average; Walden’s Won't Back Down Flops". Deadline. Retrieved September 30, 2012. 
  36. ^ "Sony Pictures Animation - Opening Weekends". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved October 1, 2012. 
  37. ^ Cunningham, Todd (October 22, 2012). "How "Hotel Transylvania" beat its better-reviewed rivals at the box office". Chicago Tribune. Reuters. Retrieved October 23, 2012. 
  38. ^ "Annie Award Nominations Unveiled". Deadline. December 3, 2012. Retrieved December 3, 2012. 
  39. ^ Beck, Jerry (February 2, 2013). "Annie Award Winners". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved February 3, 2013. 
  40. ^ "70th Golden Globe Awards Nominations". Deadline. December 13, 2012. Retrieved December 13, 2012. 
  41. ^ "Nominations for the 11th Annual VES Awards". ComingSoon.net. January 7, 2013. Retrieved January 7, 2013. 
  42. ^ "VES Awards: ‘Life Of Pi’ Wins 4 Including Feature, ‘Brave’, ‘Game Of Thrones’ Other Big Winners". Deadline. February 5, 2013. Retrieved February 7, 2013. 
  43. ^ West, Abby (February 13, 2013). "Kids' Choice Awards 2013 TV nominees- EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 16, 2013. 
  44. ^ Sony Pictures Interactive (August 15, 2012). "Sony Pictures Interactive Opens a Hotel Game on Facebook". PR Newswire. Retrieved August 16, 2012. 
  45. ^ "GAMEMILL ENTERTAINMENT GOES HOLLYWOOD WITH SONY PICTURES ANIMATION’S HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA; COMING SOON TO NINTENDO DS and NINTENDO 3DS". Gamasutra. July 23, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2012. 
  46. ^ "Hotel Transylvania NDS". Amazon. Retrieved August 11, 2012. 
  47. ^ "Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo Systems". Business Wire. Retrieved November 15, 2012. 
  48. ^ Zahed, Ramin (July 17, 2012). "Sony to Launch 'Hotel Transylvania' Mobile Game". Animation Magazine. Retrieved August 19, 2012. 
  49. ^ Zahed, Ramin (September 14, 2012). Builders - SONY Hotel Transylvania PR.pdf / "Sony to Launch 'Hotel Transylvania' Mobile Game". BooClips.com Press Release. Retrieved September 14, 2012. 
  50. ^ Beck, Jerry (October 25, 2012). "Sony Releases Genndy Tartakovsky’s new short "Goodnight Mr. Foot"". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved October 26, 2012. 
  51. ^ a b Alexander, Bryan (October 24, 2012). "New Bigfoot sighting in 'Hotel Transylvania' short film". USA Today. Retrieved October 26, 2012. 
  52. ^ Jardine, William (May 17, 2013). "Sony Pushes Genndy Tartakovsky's Popeye Back to 2015". A113Animation. Retrieved May 22, 2013. 

External links[edit]

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