Review: Hotel Transylvania “Bad Friday/Hoop Dreams”

Hotel Transylvania delivered a not half-bad pilot. Its second series entry of “Bad Friday/Hoop Dreams” is entertaining and fosters a sense of camp. Again, the episodes run together rather than remaining separate.

The Bad Friday subplot focuses on a Bad Friday celebration. The monsters play Screamie to celebrate. The object is pretty simple: try to scare the humans. Mavis (Bryn McAuley) attempts to carry on the legacy of her father Dracula (David Berni). Aunt Lydia (Dan Chameroy) challenges Mavis, but when Mavis ventures out to frighten a human, it’s her who ends up getting a fright. This plotline explores the difference in the monster and human universe.

Hoop Dreams concentrates on Mavis, Wendy (Evyn Rosen), Hank (Gage Munroe), and Pedro (Joseph Motiki) playing basketball. Although Mavis prides herself on an excellent gift giver, she’s not necessarily renowned for her gift giving. But to aid Hank in becoming better at basketball, she gives him a new set of hands. Unfortunately, the new pair of hands might be a bit too good.

The animation is pleasant. But for a series that throws back to the Universal and Hammer monster movies of old, retro artwork would have been great. There’s a small moment of toilet humor (quite literally) which feels unnecessary. However, it’s only a quick shot. Overall, Hotel Transylvania is quite engaging. It radiates a Teen Titans with monsters vibe. There’s excellent camaraderie between the kids.

I also appreciate the short musical numbers which pepper the series occasionally. The monster universe is simply delightful and well-crafted. The doctor which Hank and Mavis visit is the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Voice acting is phenomenal, and it’s the combination of artwork, monster imagery, and voice acting which makes Hotel Transylvania such an enjoyable series.