Summer is the time of the year where most families are preparing for summer vacations. Growing up, I loved the beach but now as an adult, it just feels overcrowded to me. Traditionally, the summer season for movies is just about the same. This is typically the time of the year for the year's biggest blockbusters. While this year has already given us hits like Avengers: Infinity War, Deadpool 2, & Ant-Man and The Wasp; there always seems to be a tradition of family movies. Whether good or bad.
2001 we returned to the doctor who could talk to animals. 2004 we went on a journey to find a fish named Nemo. We all had our heart strings tugged in 2010 with Toy Story 3. The list really does go on and on. This summer has been no different to us. We've already returned to the Parr family in The Incredibles II. Now, we're returning to Hotel Transylvania for the franchises' third chapter.
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation takes the versions of these classic monsters we've come to know and love and brings them to a cruise for a vacation. Ironic, that the one who makes sure all monsters are having a great vacation is now taking one. From someone who really does love the classic mythology of these monsters, this film offers up a different take on the mythos. It offers up something new to the audience, similar to the same way Disney approached classic tales like Beauty and the Beast or The Little Mermaid and lightening up the tone for a new generation. Honestly, can't give much more than that away because the twist on the mythology does play heavy into the film's climax and it's final act.
Summer Vacation does not take that approach, the same way that The Incredibles II did. This is a kid's film, through and through. There's nothing wrong with that. The filmmakers made this film with the kids in mind. Some of the jokes throughout the film just feel worn and juvenile. Again, this is a kid's movie so this is expected. Though one does have to question how much fart jokes can exist in the same film? Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of moments for the adults to chuckle. Majority of the time, this film feels one step above programming you'd find on Nickelodeon or Disney Channel.
While the threequel is childish in some of its' delivery, it doesn't shy away from it's opportunity to teach the importance of equality. I mean let's face it, we live in a very diverse world. People believe different things religiously, ethically, etc. We have different skin tones. We have different taste sexually. In some people groups, we've grown to accept the growth and love others for their choices. While others, don't embrace them the same way. This film has a heavy message of accepting all races, genders, beliefs, sexual orientation and more. That's probably the biggest thing I respect about this movie. My hope is that families sitting down to watch this will take this message of acceptance to heart and have these conversations with their children.
Overall, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation is a fun and entertaining film. The film grabs you with beautiful animation and good morals, while breathing new breath into classic mythology. However, it is weighted down with a bit too much fart jokes and is a movie aimed directly for kids. For kids, this is a one that you'll really be entertained by. For parents, maybe not so much but it will challenge your kids to know the morals of acceptance.
FINAL SCORE: 2.5/5
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