Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

Director Genndy Tartakovsky wasn't going to make a third "Hotel Transylvania" and I respect that because he wanted to do something original. He changed his mind after going on his own family vacation and looked to National Lampoon for further inspiration. Animation speed was a flaw with the first film but that is Tartakovsky's trademark. Pace and silliness were problems with "Hotel Transylvania 2". I think the pace was slowed down for "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation" but there was even more silliness. I according rate this sequel as good as the last film but I like the second movie a little better because it has some genuine humor and cuteness. This third film had gags for the kids but barely anything for the parents to laugh about. As with a lot of so-so kids movies, the visuals and gags were the focus. The franchise wasn't known for its balance between heart and humor but now the imbalance is very askew.

This franchise was such that a second film had the potential to also be funny and it was. By the time we get to the third movie in this case however, the potential for smart comedy has run its course. We have gradually moved from family entertainment with "Hotel Transylvania" to kids entertainment with "Summer Vacation". We also see a decrease in the strength of the "core" with each passing instalment. What I mean by "core" is the source of drama because I believe that to be the most important part of a lot of movies. There are some exceptions but nearly every entertaining kids movie containing lasting value has a strong sense of drama that is contrasted and complimented by genuine humor. The first movie in the "Hotel Transylvania" franchise was a daddy/daughter story while the second movie explored the challenges of a young family caught between two worlds. While this new "core" in "Summer Vacation" is likewise relatable, that of a single parent falling in love again, the focus was less on it than ever before. At least the relationship development between Drac and Ericka was on par in terms of this franchise. Abraham Van Helsing by the way is from the original Dracula novel. What got the limelight this time around in the franchise were attractive settings like Atlantis as well as childish gags. That made me feel a bit let down by the end of the show. This time every cast member reprised their roles, even the kids who voice Dennis and Winnie. I was hoping Vlad would get more screen time than he had in the second film because he was only in the end "Hotel Transylvania 2". Instead, the great Mel Brooks was robbed of his talent once again. One of the Jonas brothers performs the Kraken and Tartakovsky plays Blobby. None of the writers of the first film worked on "Summer Vacation". Adam Sandler co-wrote the second movie but Tartakovsky and Austin Powers writer Michael McCullers wrote this newest show instead. This could be the reason why I didn't care too much for "Summer Vacation"

The first film was decent and the second one became too childish in the climax but was at least funny and cute throughout. "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation" was just for the kids, devoid of anything adults could truly enjoy. While it was nice to see the pace of the franchise slow down and to have a relatable story, the focus on the film should have been on relationships instead of slapstick. It is very hard to create a third film and have it be great so I guess I am not surprised.

3 Stars out of 5