Film: Hotel Transylvania (U)

Director: Genndy Tartakovsky

Sometimes communities can get a little bit insular. You know everybody, all of the neighbours’ quirks, their foibles, supernatural proclivities – and that’s exactly how Mavis feels living at Hotel Transylvania with her Dad, Dracula, and Mum, the Mummy. So when all of their friends and relations gather at the specially ghosts and ghoulies-tailored hotel to celebrate her 118th birthday, she is more than pleasantly surprised by the arrival of a gatecrasher in the form of the perfectly human traveller Jonathan. Dad however, not so much with the pleased face.

Animated star-crossed pals, it would seem especially put together for the fast approaching Halloween, but with a certification allowing all the family to tuck in without fear of nightmares. This film comes from the surprising pen of Peter Baynham, previously best known for his work with the Alan Partridge and Borat characters. Cheekiness may be rearing its head. Don’t worry though, he has also cut his teeth on the very kid-friendly (and again holiday specific) Arthur Christmas, combining a storytelling versatility that should entertain all ages thoroughly.

Featuring a star-studded cast with Adam Sandler as Dracula, Selena Gomez as Mavis, Andy Samberg (currently seen winding Greg Davies up no end on BBC3’s Cuckoo) as Jonathan, and additional roles voiced by Kevin James, Fran Drescher, David Spade, Steve Buscemi and CeeLo Green.

Released Friday 12 October
Showing at Odeon and Cineworld