Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation parents guide

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation Parent Guide

This third visit to the Hotel Transylvania may not be the sweet entertainment getaway your family is expecting.

Overall C+

Everyone needs a holiday -- even if they are immortal! So Mavis (voice of Selena Gomez) surprises her dad Dracula (voice of Adam Sandler) by booking a cruise. However, the vacation proves to be anything but smooth sailing for the group that sets out from the Hotel Transylvania.

Release date July 13, 2018

Violence B-
Sexual Content B-
Profanity A-
Substance Use B+

Why is Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation rated PG? The MPAA rated Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation PG for some action and rude humor.

Run Time: 97 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

Between evading vampire hunters for more than a century, and playing host to throngs of vacationing monsters for decades, it has been all work and no play for the staff at the Hotel Transylvania. And the stress is starting to show. When Mavis (voice of Selena Gomez) finds Dracula (voice of Adam Sandler) talking to himself in the attic, she decides to book a holiday so he and the rest of the crew can enjoy some time away.

Although her good intentions are appreciated, Dracula’s real issue isn’t being too busy. It is being too lonely. Now that Mavis is grown up, married and a mother, the widower is beginning to wish he had a special someone of his own. Luckily, the cruise she books has the possibility of fixing both problems: Not only does it offer a break from hassles of home, but the ship is also captained by an attractive, single woman named Ericka (voice of Kathryn Hahn).

Still, the sailing isn’t as smooth as it first appears. Dracula is facing some confidence issues, along with being torn between focusing on his family and pursuing his love interest. Mavis is shocked by her Dad’s disloyalty to her mother’s memory. And Ericka seems to have an ulterior motive for accepting Dracula’s awkward dating invitations.

Few of the aforementioned plot points will be of interest to the young crowd this movie is likely to attract. For them, the slapstick antics and ghoulish gags, along with some potty humor and silly DJ battles, will undoubtedly be what captures their attention.

Yet parents who accompany their little ones to what is mostly a tedious pastime, may find themselves sitting up in their seats on at least a few occasions. First, the script is all about an assassination attempt and plan for genocide – which gets frightening at times even if it is coated in comedy. Then there is mild innuendo, the portrayal of characters in scanty swimwear, and the staff at a casino that parody male strippers (these animated characters are muscular, shirtless and clothed in only tiny shorts). Lastly, the ham-fisted message of acceptance of others doesn’t only uncomfortably feel like it is alluding to a broad range of diversity – it also includes a sexual reference which, in context, promotes polyamorous relationships.

Just like the boat trip turns sour for the ragtag monsters looking for some fun and relaxation, this third visit to the Hotel Transylvania may not be the sweet entertainment getaway your family is expecting.

Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky. Starring Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg. Running time: 97 minutes. Theatrical release July 13, 2018. Updated

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
Rating & Content Info

Why is Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation rated PG? Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation is rated PG by the MPAA for some action and rude humor.

Violence: This animation features frequent slapstick violence, ghoulish gags (like removable body parts and pop out eyes), along with some moments of peril – all intended to be taken humorously. Characters devise a murderous plot that includes assassinating Dracula and the genocide of all monsters. Guns, knives, poisons and other weapons are used. Characters are hit, stabbed, impaled, thrown from heights and drowned. Magic spells and transformations are depicted. Monsters, skeletons and strange creatures of all shapes, sizes and scariness are portrayed. A large, tentacled beast attempts to crush, squash and eat others. Property damage occurs. A big dog slobbers on and licks others. Gambling is portrayed. Characters lie to others.

Sexual Content: Mild sexual innuendo and refences are included. A character is hit in the groin.

Flatulence and vomiting are depicted for laughs. Characters are seen in skimpy and revealing bathing suites/bikinis. Male attendants at a casino are shirtless and wear only tiny briefs. A term to describe sexual identity relating to polyamorous relationships is used.

Profanity: Mild name-calling is heard.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters attend clubs and social settings where drinks are ordered. Poison is used. Characters are shot with tranquilizer darts.

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Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation Parents' Guide

According to this movie, monster romance comes with a “zing”. Humans would likely refer to that feeling as “falling in love”. How do the characters in the film know when they are in love? Is that how affairs of the heart really work? What things do you think you should look for before getting into a relationship?

How honest with each other are the characters in this movie? What things does Dracula keep from Mavis? What are the kids not telling their parents about their pet dog? What promises do spouses make to each other, that they break? What dark secret does Ericka hide? How do these lies (big and small) affect these characters’ relationships? Is being truthful important to you?

News About "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation"

From the Studio:
Mavis surprises Dracula with a family voyage on a luxury Monster Cruise Ship so he can take a vacation from providing everyone else's vacation at the hotel. The rest of Drac's Pack cannot resist going along and once they leave port, romance zings Drac when he meets the mysterious ship captain Ericka.  Now it's Mavis' turn to play the overprotective parent, keeping her dad and Ericka apart. Little do they know that his "too good to be true" love interest is actually a descendent of Van Helsing, arch nemesis to Dracula and all monsters!
Sony Pictures Animation

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation movie is October 9, 2018. Here are some details…

Related home video titles:

This movie is part of the franchise that includes: Hotel Transylvania (2012) and Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015).

Related news about Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

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