The Drac Pack goes on vacation — on a tropical cruise, no less — in this third Hotel Transylvania entry.  It is silly stuff, but still has its charms.  It could have been completely mindless comedy, but the writers have worked hard to provide a full story for all the adults who bring their kids to see this animated comedy.  It is surprisingly effective.

Genndy Tartakovsky’s film reverses roles for Dracula; instead of overseeing everything at his hotel, he is simply a passenger on a vacation cruise arranged by daughter Mavis.  He is uncomfortable, of course, but finds himself falling for the sexy cruise director, Ericka, completely unaware that she is the descendant of Van Helsing, who is still aching for revenge against the vampire who he believes has ruined his life.

The story kept me interested, and the flirting relationship between Dracula and Ericka is very well done.  There is plenty of silliness on the ship as Drac’s friends enjoy their first cruise, but even some of that is pretty funny.  It is smart and cool to play with the Dracula legend, work in the Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis and a Kraken, and still have room for cruise ship satire.  All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, as I have the entire Hotel Transylvania series.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  9 October 2018.