Movie Review: Hotel Transylvania 3

(c) Columbia Pictures.

Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation takes our favorite monsters away from their beloved hotel as they go on to open waters for the ultimate monster cruise. The story is ambitious as it introduces a pivotal character in the story in the form of Ericka Van Helsing (Kathryn Hahn) as the cruise's captain and the descendant of Drac's archnemesis; Abraham Van Helsing (Jim Gaffigan). 

In case you didn't know Abraham Van Helsing in Bram Stoker's "Dracula" (which I read and led to many sleepness nights) is the doctor who leads the group that defeats Count Dracula. Because of course in the original story its Dracula who is the bad guy.   

Things get complicated when Drac "zings" with Erika! 

Now I know that Zing's are supposed to be a 'once-in-a-lifetime' thing and I was disappointed (again) that apparently they can happen twice. I know its a bit too ideal and I want Drac to be happy and all (Yes I take these things very seriously) and this is coming from.someone who also lost a parent (my Dad) at an early age. So I totally get why Mavis (Selena Gomez) was a bit suspicious of "Captain Erika". 

This is true, especially when your dad's prospective date is the great granddaughter of his mortal enemy and is trying to kill him in between appetizers. 

(c) Columbia Pictures

Its an ambitious storyline as it takes Drac (Adam Sandler) and the gang out of their element and comfort zone. You can say that its a good thing because its something new but I felt the humor went down a notch, along with Drac himself who I thought was a bit "too silly in love". Johnny (Andy Samberg) and Mavis were at least able to hold themselves together. 

There were some plot holes for me too, like some of the characters were literally locked in a closet for the entire duration of the cruise. Also, if Drac's father is supposedly really strong were was he when the big battle went down?  Of course your kids won't mind these plot holes and are not exactly looking for character development. So that's just me and maybe a few adults. 

I also missed the more intimate focus on the family that was in the previous films. Buuut I did like the animation! The improvement in technology can easily be seen on the details and the characters movements and to see that on the big screen was a big delight. Plus points for the story introducing the value of accepting differences, hopefully the parents reinforce this to their kids. Favorite part was the ultimate music match at the end which featured Joe Jonas as an easily influenced kraken. 5/10. Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Adventure is now showing! 

Looking for the ultimate monster staycation with your family? Look no further! Novotel Manila Center in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc., is offering fans of the movie the chance to stay Superior themed-rooms branded with the “Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation” from now until October 31, 2018. You can read more about it here.