Review of Transylmania (2009) by Lotti K — 10 Nov 2009

Despite outward appearances, "Transylmania" is a biting comedy packed with plenty of amusing absurdity.

"Transylmania's" trailer piggy-backs off the success of the "Twilight" franchise, giving the appearance that the movie is a direct spoof of those films. That cannot be further from the truth as "Transylmania" avoids such cheap opportunities and instead sinks its teeth into its own unique brand of outrageous humor.

Full Circle Releasing's "Transylmania" is actually the third installment of National Lampoon's "Dorm Daze" film series in disguise (although National Lampoon carries no association with this chapter). It features a cast of young actors portraying eccentric college students who embark on a semester abroad in Romania.

Once there, the young men and women discover that Razvan University is home to a band of vampires. While a few of the students get mixed up in an ancient curse on the blood-suckers, others attempt to save their friend from a Frankenstein-like procedure.

The subplots get interwoven with each other and, soon, cases of mistaken identity threaten the students' plans for a fun-filled semester. As the film's official synopsis states, if the partying doesn't kill them, the vampires just might.

Like its two predecessors, "Dorm Daze 3" ... er ... "Transylmania" features a consistent collection of laughs leading to a truly riotous finale. Every coincidence falls into perfect place and hilarious misunderstandings bounce off one another in rapid fashion to create a rousing cinematic experience.

Moreover, the road to the explosive grand finale is just as engaging. This is not the year's most brilliant comic material on the big screen but it is some of the most screamingly funny. Directors David and Scott Hillenbrand make full use of Patrick Casey and Worm Miller's screenplay by allowing the characters to freely roam about the movie's setting.

"Transylmania's" eccentric characters amplify every side-splitting line of dialogue and visual gag. The filmmakers deserve kudos for sticking with these characters to this installment, which is hands-down the best of the franchise.

However, it is also important to note that a moviegoer need not have seen either of the "Dorm Daze" flicks prior to "Transylmania." It stands on its own justifying the title change. Although, folks who are familiar with these characters will likely appreciate the movie's scintillating stupidity slightly more than newcomers.

The stunningly gorgeous Jennifer Lyons is given room to stretch her acting abilities and manages to emerge as one of the film's brightest stars. Oren Skoog and James DeBello are also terrific here, emoting extra-large reactions at every corner. Such over-acting is part of "Transylmania's" charm.

"Transylmania" is an all-out comedy extravaganza. It may not be the ideal form of entertainment for all moviegoers but those who know how to let loose and enjoy 90 minutes of pure alacrity will find it to be a gut-busting good time.