Hotel Transylvania 2

Hotel Transylvania 2 is a 2015 American computer-animated comedy film produced by Sony Pictures Animation. This hilarious, high octane, and heartwarming sequel continues the fun-filled journey that commenced with the first movie. The film is directed by Genndy Tartakovsky and features a star-studded cast, with voice talents including Adam Sandler (Count Dracula), Andy Samberg (Jonathan), and Selena Gomez (Mavis).

The film picks up just after the original Hotel Transylvania, where we saw Dracula's rigid non-human-only policy finally relax, allowing his daughter Mavis to marry her human love, Jonathan. The second installment is a delightful journey of love, family, acceptance, and the efforts of a well-meaning, if overprotective, vampire dad who is coming to terms with his half-human, half-vampire grandson, Dennis.

Adam Sandler masterfully lends his voice to Count Dracula, bringing together elements of humour, wit, and fear to make a quirky, loving father figure. With Dracula's zany personality and relentless drive, Sandler helps to create a unique, memorable character that sticks with you long after the movie ends. The count has shown impressive growth since the last film, but he is, understandably, finding it hard to let go of the ways of the past.

Andy Samberg (Jonathan) gives a wonderful performance as the laid-back, fun-loving human who is navigating the not-so-simple dynamics of his monster-in-law family. He is juggling his new role as a husband and father, while trying to find a common ground amidst the contrasting human and vampire worlds.

Selena Gomez voices Mavis, Dracula's strong-willed and fiercely protective daughter. Her character provides a refreshing contrast. She's stuck between the human world, thanks to her love, Jonathan, and the familiar comfort of the vampire world she's known all her life. There are several heartwarming scenes where, as a new mother, she shows her protective side and is determined to ensure a safe life for her son Dennis.

A central plot of the movie revolves around whether Dennis, the cute half-human, half-vampire toddler, will grow up to be a vampire or a human. Count Dracula hopes for him to take up the family's vampire legacy. However, as the days go by without any signs of fangs, Dracula grapples with increasing concern alongside everyone else's changing notions about identity and lineage.

This movie builds further on the spooky, lively world created by the first film and introduces new locations beyond the confines of the titular hotel. It features some thrilling adventures along with a slew of new and old monstrous characters. Comes with the timely arrival of great-grandfather Vlad, voiced aptly by Mel Brooks, who is a traditionalist and exhibits an archaic understanding of the human-monster relationship.

The film has been praised for its lush and vibrant art style that effortlessly juggles a diverse cast of monsters, beings, and locations, each buzzing with energy and animated personality. With an exciting mix of comedy, action, and light-hearted suspense, the film offers plenty of fun for all ages.

Hotel Transylvania 2 explores themes of understanding, accepting differences, and pushing past traditional beliefs to create a new normal. It's a unique tale filled with warmth, venom-less scares, and a generous dollop of laughter that makes for an engaging family film. It takes the experiences of the first movie and evolves the narrative, offering an exciting, endearing expansion of this spooky universe.

The movie also captures the stark contrast and integration between the old 'scary' ways and the new, more understanding world. It manages to tackle serious and mature themes while keeping the essence of the movie light and humorous. With its charming visual style and a funny yet poignant story, Hotel Transylvania 2 translates into an immersive cinematic experience, further solidifying the series' place in contemporary animation. This fun-packed sequel successfully blends the fantasy and real-world elements, making it an unforgettable follow-up, offering something for everyone in the audience.