I think I recall “Dear Dracula” airing on cable television back in 2012, but I never paid it much attention. It’s too bad because considering its obviously small budget, “Dear Dracula” is a fun and funny animated film. Maybe it’s because I can relate to young hero Sam and his love for characters like Dracula and the Wolfman over characters like Santa or the Tooth Fairy.
Young Sam is a horror geek whose grandma indulges him in his hobby. As a way to celebrate the impending Halloween, he decides to write a fan letter to Dracula. Dracula, meanwhile, is sad because he’s no longer feared but comes across his fan letter. Anxious to meet young Sam, he travels with his sidekick Myro to visit Sam and his grandma. The two become unlikely friends as Dracula decides to help Sam deal with some local bullies and learn to celebrate Halloween.
For its short run time, “Dear Dracula” is very good Halloween entertainment that has some fun with the character of Dracula. The writers run with the whole fish out of water trope, making Dracula somewhat insecure about his own reputation. The American cast that voice the European production are very good, with the late, great Ray Liotta playing Dracula, and Emilio Estevez portraying the Igor-like Myro. There’s also Marion Ross, Nathan Gamble, and Ariel Winter, respectively.
Liotta in particular does a bang up job as Dracula, making his voice almost recognizable as the Romanian vampire. For the most part, “Dear Dracula” entertains as a charming bit of gateway horror, and Halloween background ASMR. It’s hard to not like Liotta who is obviously enjoying channeling Bela Lugosi, when all is said and done.