Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania - 2022

Movie Info

Rating: PG

Age-appropriateness: some scary images/sequences, crude jokes

Overview: When Van Helsing's mysterious invention, the "Monsterfication Ray", goes haywire, Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, and Johnny becomes a monster. In their new mismatched bodies, Drac, stripped of his powers, and an exuberant Johnny, loving life as a monster, must team up and race across the globe to find a cure before it's too late, and before they drive each other crazy. With help from Mavis and the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent.

Themes: family, friendship, father/daughter, being different, life transitions, change, acceptance, lying, broken world, honesty

The Quick 3

Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.

1. Acceptance. How can you accept other people, exactly as they are? Did you realize Jesus accepts you, despite all of your flaws, quirkiness, and sins?

In order to be accepted by Drac, Johnny agrees to transform himself into a monster through Van Helsing’s transformation monster ray. Jesus accepts you exactly as you are. There’s nothing you can ever do that would make Him love you less. Romans 15:7 says, “Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”

2. Optimism. How easy is it for you to see the positive side of things? When do you find yourself focusing on the negative?

Johnny challenge Drac by saying, “if you only see the worst in things, you’ll miss the best part.” Johnny explains how there’s usually a positive side of things, you just have to look for it. Optimism is having a positive attitude and seeing opportunities for good.

3. Being different. Can you think of someone who is completely different from you? Do you appreciate those differences, or are you frustrated by them?

Drac and Johnny are very different from one another. Drac can’t stand how Johnny is so different from him. Instead of appreciating their differences, Drac wishes Johnny was more like him

After The Movie Discussion Guide

Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.

1. In order to be accepted by Drac, Johnny agrees to transform himself into a monster through Van Helsing’s transformation monster ray. Jesus accepts you exactly as you are. There’s nothing you can ever do that would make Him love you less. Romans 15:7 says, “Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” How can you accept other people, exactly as they are? Did you realize Jesus accepts you, despite all of your flaws, quirkiness, and sins?

2. Drac decides to retire from the hotel and hand the keys over to Mavis and Johnny. He said it was time to end that chapter of his life and start something new. Any change results in a loss, and loss is painful. What have been the biggest moments of transition in your life? Why is change so hard?

3. When Deac turns into a human, he desperately wants to hide the truth to Mavis. Because he doesn’t want Mavis to know, Drac repeatedly tells his friends to lie to Mavis. Has someone ever asked you to lie for them? Did you choose loyalty to that person, or did you commit to always telling the truth?

4. Drac and Johnny are very different from one another. Drac can’t stand how Johnny is so different from him. Instead of appreciating their differences, Drac wishes Johnny was more like him. Can you think of someone who is completely different from you? Do you appreciate those differences, or are you frustrated by them?

5. Drac lies to Johnny about the “monster real estate law”, using it as an excuse to keep the hotel away from Johnny. Drac’s dishonesty hurt Johnny, making him feel excluded and lonely. When is it most difficult for you to be honest? In what ways does your dishonesty negatively impact other people?

Minute By Minute Guide

Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.

:09 Johnny said Drac never really made him feel “a part of the family”. Has anyone in your family ever made you feel this way? What makes you different from others in your family?

:13 Drac feels very nervous about announcing his retirement, so he changes his mind and pretends that the hotel is expanding. When was the last time you felt really nervous? Were you able to work through it?

:25 Johnny turned into a monster, while Drac turned into a human. Johnny was thrilled, but Drac was horrified that he was no longer a vampire. If you turned into a monster, what would you be feeling? What would be the coolest part about being a monster?

:35 As a human, Drac can now stand in the sun without getting destroyed. He comes to really appreciate the beauty, the “elegant splendor” of the sun. When was the last time you were able to appreciate something from a new perspective? What is something you now like that you used to dislike?

:47 Johnny learns that having claws is awesome. Drac acknowledges that “being a human is the worst”, referring to blisters and sunburn. We live in a world broken by sin, where things aren’t as they are supposed to be. What do you think are the hardest parts of being human? What’s the worst thing that sin has done to this world?

:55 Johnny challenge Drac by saying, “if you only see the worst in things, you’ll miss the best part.” Johnny explains how there’s usually a positive side of things, you just have to look for it. Optimism is having a positive attitude and seeing opportunities for good. How easy is it for you to see the positive side of things? When do you find yourself focusing on the negative?

1:08 The monster inside of Johnny kept growing and growing until it was out of control. Sin has a similar affect on our lives. When given control and freedom to run free, the sin in our hearts creates more and more destruction in and around us. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Why is the sin in our hearts such a big deal? How can we deal with it?

1:16 Mavis and Johnny rebuild Hotel Transylvania. It’s similar to the old version, with a few upgrades. In the same way, Jesus promises to come again one day and bring in the new heaven and the new earth. All brokenness with be restored and things will be perfect with God again. What do you think will be different with the new earth? What are you most looking forward to about heaven?

Here's an article about How to Talk to Your Kids About Heaven.