This weekend I was afforded the opportunity to attend the screening of Hotel Transylvania with my family on behalf of the Black and Married With Kids family. Since our five month old is too small for movies we ended up inviting my daughter’s best friend and lover of all things scary, to join us.
Those that know me, are well aware that fear is not my forte. I don’t do scary and unless they look cute and cuddly I don’t do monsters. Even so, I decided I would give the film a chance.
The event was put on by Street Food Cinema and held at the charming Aero Theater in Santa Monica, CA. Before the film started we were able to enjoy great food truck eats, pose with some of the film’s stars, and try out one of the many new apps made especially for the film. The fun thing about the apps is that anyone can download them! After making our way to our seats a skeptical me sat back and watched as the film transpired.
Following the film a Q and A took place with film’s director, Genndy Tartakovsky and producer, Michelle Murdocca as well as the artist behind the movie’s theme song “Problem (Monster Remix),” Becky G. It was a great chance for children to ask questions about the film and learn that many great things in life take patience, time and hard work — the film itself took approximately two years to create!
What I learned is that you don’t have to be a fan of monsters (although the ones in this film were hilarious) to be a fan of the message. The film tells a sweet story about a father who loves his daughter so much that he would do just about anything to keep her safe. It’s a notion to which many of us parents can relate. While our children can relate to the main character, Mavis’, desire to grow up. It is funny how kids are always in such a hurry to grow up.
We laughed and awed at what turned out to be a film that parents and children can enjoy together, more sweet and silly than spooky.
The takeaway for parents in my opinion is this, yes sometimes monsters are scary (except for the ones in this film!), but sometimes so is the fact that we love our children so much.
Hotel Transylvania comes out on DVD Tuesday, January 29th!
BMWK — Have you ever “zinged” before? For those of you who have seen the film you know exactly what I am talking about! To find out if you’ve ever zinged before be sure to check out Hotel Transylvania on DVD.
The opinions in this post are all my own. Special thanks to Street Food Cinema for hosting such a fun family event!