Movie Information
Release Date: September 25, 2015
Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
Writer: Adam Sandler (screenplay), Robert Smigel (written by)
Cast: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, Steve Buscemi, David Spade, Keegan-Michael Key, Asher Blinkoff, Fran Drescher, Molly Shannon, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, Dana Carvey, Rob Riggle, Mel Brooks.
MPAA Rating: PG
Runtime: 89 minutes
Production Company: Columbia Pictures, LStar Capital, Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Digital, Sony Pictures Imageworks (SPI), Sony Pictures Releasing
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
Language: English
Country: USA
Budget: N/A
Director Genndy Tartakovsky is back with another family fun adventure with all his talented voice actors. He picks up right where he last left off, but delivers a different form of entertainment. This time it leans more toward comedy than the heart-warming story of the first movie. It also has some of the same beats and despite not being refreshingly original, it still has enough to make it worthy of the craze it enjoys. It has a cute message toward the end, and is worth your time if you enjoyed its prequel.
Adam Sandler’s movies have been hits or misses lately, but this role as Dracula was meant for him. He handles it so well, one would believe that he was born to portray this role. Dracula’s love for his daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez) is unconditional, which gives us a warm and cozy feeling each time their relationship is shown on screen. He just wants the best for his family and will stop at nothing until that’s achieved. While he did not care too much for his now son-in-law Jonathan (Andy Samberg) the first time around, this time his character took a turn for the better. He’s now a mature father, and appears to be a great one at that. All characters stood out in grand fashion, but these two were my favorites by far.
The first film had a positive message of accepting the unknown and being open to change. It created a decent story that carried the film along to the end. The story isn’t as strong this time, unfortunately. It’s just not interesting, but everyone aspires differently. As the trailers promote the ongoing mission of the movie, which is about growing into yourself, and being what you’re meant to be. The notion feels forced and gets rather boring. Dennis (Asher Blinkoff) is half vampire, half human, and he hasn’t sprouted his fangs yet. This seems interesting to watch on screen, but it isn’t; and I frankly couldn’t care any less. For such a great story the first time, this is surely a step down.
What saves the movie by far, from the boredom of the story is the comedy. I laughed my ass off from beginning to end. The first film wasn’t this funny by a long shot, and I say that with no hesitation. Every single character in the movie – main or side – had some funny line, reaction, or recurring joke that tickles you repeatedly. The funniest character, in my opinion, was the green glob blobby. With no lines and only big white beady eyes, his mannerisms are to die for. He’s innocent and comes across as stupid, but I think he uses that to his advantage. He can barely emote, and is beat on throughout, and I found it hilariously entertaining. The film also had a good number of mature-themed jokes to spread the laughter around. It’s great to say that both children and adults have material for them to make this a worthy trip to the theater with the young ones.
I was still recovering from all the laughing, though I found the ending of the movie a bit washed up. I love action in a film, but the way it was used here was forced and didn’t complement the already weak story. It was an unnecessary few minutes that got lost within itself, but at least still had all the characters to make you smile. The message of not being prejudiced is loud and clear, and is just a classy as the first film. Overall it’s as entertaining as the first giving you a different flavor. I had fun and will recommend it to others, but isn’t anything you need to rush and see.