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. 

Movies: “Hotel Transylvania 3” Introduces The Van Helsings To The Monster Mash

Two new pivotal characters are introduced in Columbia Pictures’ adventure comedy Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation (now playing in Philippine cinemas).

They are Ericka (voiced by Kathryn Hahn) and Abraham Van Helsing (Jim Gaffigan).

The human captain of the ship, Ericka, is smart, adventurous and holds a secret that threatens to send Drac’s monster vacation off course.  She runs this “hotel on the water” and has no problem butting heads with Drac.

Movies: Joe Jonas Gets `Kraken’ In “Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation”

Pop superstar Joe Jonas lends his voice to The Kraken in Columbia Pictures’ adventure comedy Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation (in Philippine cinemas August 22).

Kraken is the ginormous beast who welcomes Drac and his friends to the lost city of Atlantis, the monster version of Las Vegas.  He may look threatening, he is full of charm and a heck of a singer – he loves to carry a tune!

In the film, the monsters vacation’s final destination is the lost city of Atlantis.  “It’s our version of Vegas,” says producer Michelle Murdocca.  “From the depths of the ocean arises a massive kraken – and just when you think this is it, he breaks into a swing-a-ding-ding Sinatraesque song, courtesy of Joe Jonas.”

Movies: Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg Back As Mavis & Johnny In “Hotel Transylvania 3”

Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg return to the roles of Dracula’s daughter Mavis and her human husband Johnny in Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation, after the great experience of working on the previous two films of the franchise.

In Samberg’s words: “I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the first movie, because it genuinely made me laugh and entertained me.”

“I agree!” follows Gomez. “I love the animation, and it’s nice to be a part of something that everyone can watch.”

Lifestyle: Your ‘Monster Vacation’ awaits in Araneta Center

Drac of ‘Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation’ checks in at Novotel Manila Araneta Centre and will stay at an HT3-themed Superior room  (photo courtesy of Novotel Manila Araneta Center)

Whether you are gearing up for a planned break or only have enough time for a quick staycation, you can have your own version of a ‘Monster Vacation’ with activities you and your kids will surely enjoy here at the Araneta Center.

“Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation” opens nationwide on Aug. 22, and this is the perfect time to take  your kids to the Gateway Cineplex or Ali Mall Cineplex to see Drac and his crew try and enjoy a wacky cruise. But what can you do after the movie?

In a global partnership that is only available here in Araneta Center, Novotel Manila Araneta 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.

Movies: Adam Sandler “Zings” Again As Drac In “Hotel Transylvania 3”

Comedy superstar Adam Sandler once again provides the fatherly voice of Drac in Columbia Pictures’ Hotel Transylvania 3:  A Monster Vacation.

Drac’s life seems perfect. He’s surrounded by his family and the hotel is busier than ever. The only thing he needs is a vacation!  He can’t wait to spend some quality time with Mavis, Dennis and the rest of his family on the world’s first ever cruise for monsters.  But little does Drac know, this cruise is actually a well-designed trap to wipe out all monster-kind!!  Will Drac be able to sniff out this plan or will he be distracted by his new found love of the high seas?

“Drac doesn’t want to get out of his comfort zone,” says producer Michelle Murdocca.  “He’s busy running the hotel, it’s super successful, and his whole family works there.  But he’s missing something.  All of his guests are coupled up, and he’s beginning to feel a little lonely.”

Movies: Drac’s “Monster Vacation” Turns Into Nightmare In “Hotel Transylvania 3”

For Genndy Tartakovsky, co-writer and director of Columbia Pictures’ Hotel Transylvania 3:  A Monster Vacation, returning to the Hotel Transylvania characters was not a simple decision. 

Simply put, there had to be a reason for him to come back and make another one – a seaworthy sequel.  “I love the characters, but if we were going to do a third film, we had to take them someplace they’ve never been before – both physically and emotionally,” says Tartakovsky. 

“That’s what we’re doing here.  Not only are Drac’s Pack out of the hotel and visiting fun, exotic locations on a monster cruise, but we’ve turned Drac and Mavis’s relationship on its head.  Instead of Drac being the concerned parent as his daughter falls in love and has a child, now Mavis is overly concerned as her father ‘zings’ for a second time.  Or maybe she’s not overly concerned – maybe he’s in real danger.”

Movies: Monsters Cruise Into Cannes To Launch A Sneak Peek rom “Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation”

CANNES, May 7, 2018 – Drac’s Pack splashed down in a dazzling and colorful parade to kick off their monster vacation at the start of the 71st Cannes Film Festival at The Carlton Pier on May 7, 2018.

(Watch the sizzle reel of the event here at https://youtu.be/4V2mq32oQIk.)

Following the aquatic procession and photo call along the French Riviera, director Genndy Tartakovsky, alongside some of the film’s international voice talent, debuted a new sneak peek from the upcoming animated film, “Hotel Transylvania 3:  A Monster Vacation” which may be viewed at https://youtu.be/1V_tmAQxgeU.

“Hotel Transylvania 3:  A Monster Vacation” opens in Philippine cinemas August 29, 2018.