We’ve got a spook-tacular pair of cinematic offerings this week: the teen zombie horror/comedy/romance Warm Bodies lurches into theaters, while the silly animated monster mash-up em>Hotel Transylvania hits DVD shelves. Read on to find out what’s appropriate for the whole family.
What’s it about? Warm Bodies is the tale of a star-crossed love affair between a zombie named R (Nicholas Hoult) and Julie (Teresa Palmer), a human, who meet in the wake of a zombie apocalypse. It’s kinda like a certain Shakespeare play, only with more brain-eating.
Who’s it for? It’s rated PG-13 “for zombie violence and some language.” It’s based on a popular YA novel, and while it might be a little too intense for younger kids, it’s safe for teens.
Is it any good? Only a handful of reviews are in for Warm Bodies, but critics have so far given it the seal of approval, calling it a funny and charming twist on forbidden teen romance.
What’s it about? At a remote hotel, Frankenstein’s monster, the Mummy, and a bunch of other horror VIPs gather for Dracula’s daughter Mavis’ birthday celebration. But the ghoulies’ placid idyll is threatened when a Mavis falls for a human and her dad gets really overprotective.
Who’s it for? It’s rated PG “for some rude humor, action and scary images.” Yeah, it’s about monsters, but aside from a couple surprises, it’s almost certainly safe for ages seven and up.
Is it any good? Critics say Hotel Transylvania looks great, and it has a buoyant, giddy tone that may please children, but it largely fails to balance the yuks with its attempts at sincerity.
