Dracula has never been more frightened. The third installment of the Hotel Transylvania series brings new characters, new rivals, and new friendships as the lovable gang of monsters boards a cruise ship for their own vacation. This bright and colorful comedy certainly stands out in the franchise, with energetic plots, incredible visuals, and a unique climax that will have you laughing at its absurdity. Let’s take a closer look at our Hotel Transylvania 3 movie review.
Hotel Transylvania 3 opens with a flashback to an epic fight between Dracula and Van Helsing, as the suave vampire defeats his enemy. However, in the present, Dracula has become lonely as Mavis and Johnny are busy with their young son. While Dracula tries to connect with female monsters, he’s rusty and is more focused on being there for his family than finding love again.
Sensing her father’s blues, Mavis arranges a family vacation aboard a monster cruise ship where Dracula meets Erica, the seductive ship captain. As the other monsters embark on their own vacations, Dracula draws closer to Erica but Mavis grows suspicious of Erica’s intentions with her father.
The film is a high energy romp, with smart jokes and witty visuals. Unlike other children’s films on the market, this film doesn’t resort to crude or dumbed-down humor and keeps the jokes rolling at a lightning pace. The scenery in the film is stunning and immersive and plays well with the characters as they explore new locations. The lost city of Atlantis is a spot-on homage to grandiose Las Vegas and feels so authentic that it reminds me of my own vacations to that desert oasis.
While the main plot is a bit predictive, it’s the subplots and the random jokes that really tie the movie together. Each monster’s interpretation of a relaxing vacation is hilarious and genuine, and the grand finale of the film will leave you groaning and chuckling all at the same time. The only downside to this high impact movie is the character development of the film’s antagonist, and the tired “liar revealed” storyline. But it makes up for it with everything else. Hotel Transylvania 3 is a cool summer film that can be enjoyed all year round.
About Hotel Transylvania 3
Synopsis: Everyone’s favorite family of monsters embarks on an epic cruise to find the lost city of Atlantis. But while the rest of the gang is enjoying their vacation, Mavis grows suspicious of the cruise ship captain who has smitten her father Dracula.
Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
Writers: Michael McCullers, Genndy Tartakovsky
Stars: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, Jim Gaffigan, Kathryn Hahn, Kevin James, Steve Buscemi, & Keegan Michael-Key
Rated: PG
Runtime: 1 Hour, 37 Minutes
Laurel Way is a writer for film, television, websites, and blogs. She is based in Phoenix, Arizona in the U.S., and has two fat cats and a loving husband. Laurel is a geek to her core and loves all things within horror, sci-fi/fantasy, and more. When she is not writing films, she is watching them, and her go-to movie snack is popcorn and Milkduds.
