Watch Dracula: Dead and Loving It

Dracula: Dead and Loving It is a comedy horror film from 1995 directed by Mel Brooks and starring Leslie Nielsen, Peter MacNicol, and Amy Yasbeck. The film is a satirical take on Bram Stoker's classic novel 'Dracula,' and parodies numerous films in the horror genre. The movie primarily takes place in Transylvania, where the newly appointed real estate agent Renfield (played by Peter MacNicol) travels to Castle Dracula to finalize a property deal with the Count (played by Leslie Nielsen). However, things quickly turn sinister as Renfield learns of Dracula's true nature as a vampire.

Mel Brooks, known for his hit movies such as 'Spaceballs' and 'Blazing Saddles,' brings his trademark wit and humor to this film. Leslie Nielsen, famous for his comedic roles in the 'Naked Gun' series, delivers a hilarious performance as Dracula. He perfectly captures the essence of a suave and sophisticated vampire, while also spoofing the traditional portrayal of the character. Peter MacNicol, who received critical acclaim for his role in 'Ally McBeal,' plays the role of Renfield with great comedic timing and physical humor.

The film features several scenes that poke fun at the horror genre. From Dracula's exaggerated facial expressions when biting his victims to the exaggerated sound effects of a creaky door, Brooks successfully turns horror into comedy. The cast is also joined by Steven Weber as Jonathan Harker, Dracula's first victim, and Amy Yasbeck as Harker's fiancé, Mina. They provide some of the movie's more serious moments, but also participate in the comedic aspects of the film.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Dracula tries to hypnotize Renfield. However, Renfield's eagerness to please Dracula leads to a hilarious, over-the-top scene that involves Renfield acting like a chicken. Another scene that stands out is when Dracula throws a ball for the Transylvanian elite. Brooks uses this scene to parody the classic horror trope of the innocent young woman who falls in love with the vampire. Dracula repeatedly tries to seduce Mina, but she rebuffs his advances, leading to some comical misunderstandings.

Despite its humorous nature, the film still manages to deliver some effective horror moments. The visual effects used to show Dracula turning into a bat or taking on his bat form are well done and genuinely creepy. The makeup used to create the grotesque vampire brides is also impressive. The claustrophobic nature of Castle Dracula is also used to great effect, creating a sense of tension and unease throughout the film.

Overall, Dracula: Dead and Loving It is a hilarious parody of the horror genre. Brooks manages to create a film that's both a tribute and a sendup of classic horror films, while Nielsen's performance as Dracula is one of his best comedic roles. The film is recommended for fans of both horror and comedy, and is sure to leave audiences laughing long after the credits have rolled.

Dracula: Dead and Loving It is a 1995 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.