Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

As the year 1897 unfolded its secrets on the rails, Dracula (Adam Sandler) embarked on an unexpected adventure with his cohorts, Frank (Kevin James), Griffin (David Spade), Murray (Keegan-Michael Key), and Wayne (Steve Buscemi), all of whom had cleverly disguised themselves as women. The tranquility was short-lived, however, as the sudden arrival of Abraham Van Helsing (Jim Gaffigan) brought chaos to the train car. With a flourish, he brandished his match, sending Frank's senses into disarray. The monsters, sensing danger, fled in haste, with Abraham hot on their heels. A high-stakes chase ensued, culminating in a heart-pumping showdown between Dracula and Abraham as they careened through the last carriage. In a daring move, Dracula transformed into a diminutive rodent just as the train entered a tunnel, leaving Abraham stunned and dazed. With the train emerging from the tunnel's veil of darkness, Dracula metamorphosed into a bat and took to the skies, with Abraham giving valiant pursuit in his biplane. The aerial battle was marked by Dracula's cunning evasion tactics, which consistently left Abraham crashing in spectacular fashion. Finally, after a series of daring evasions, Dracula outmaneuvered Abraham, sending him plummeting into the ocean's depths.

Fast-forward to the present day, where Dracula is busy hosting the most unforgettable monster wedding at Hotel Transylvania. The groom stands poised and ready, but his blushing bride remains locked away in her chambers, her nerves frayed by doubts about their union. Enter Mavis (Selena Gomez), the bride's trusted confidante, who imparts words of wisdom: "You only zing once in your life." Reassured by this counsel, the bride takes a deep breath and joins the ceremony. As the vows are exchanged, a sudden interruption is caused by Tinkles, a gargantuan canine, galloping into the room astride Dennis (Asher Blinkoff) and Winnie (Sadie Sandler). Dracula commands Tinkles to settle down and leads him out on a leash. Later, as the reception gets underway, Johnny (Andy Samberg) takes the DJ booth by storm, spinning tunes that get everyone dancing - except for Dracula, who finds himself without a partner to share in the revelry. Just then, Frank's cousin swoops in and claims Dracula's attention, prompting him to unleash a burst of energy on the DJ table, switching the playlist to a frenetic tempo. As the music reaches its climax, Dracula slips behind Bigfoot's towering frame, seeking refuge from the whirlwind of activity. When asked by his friend Frank if he had truly connected with the bride, Dracula candidly confessed that their union lacked that special spark - that elusive "zing."

As Dracula languished in solitude within his attic sanctuary, his fingers struggled to navigate the ZINGR app on his phone with any semblance of finesse. His long digits fumbled with the virtual swiping mechanism, inadvertently connecting him with an unsuspecting witch. The awkwardness was palpable as Mavis happened upon the scene, her curiosity piqued by the muffled sounds emanating from beyond the door. Upon discovering Dracula's predicament, she offered words of caution, warning him against exhausting himself too thoroughly. With his attention redirected to more pressing matters, the fanged one eventually severed ties with the befuddled witch.

Meanwhile, Mavis retreated to her quarters, where she was enveloped in a warm sense of companionship as she cuddled up beside Johnny and their children. The TV's soft glow illuminated the room, casting a spell of tranquility over the family. However, their peaceful interlude was soon disrupted by the arrival of a tantalizing commercial touting a monster-themed vacation getaway.

As the camera panned across a rickety old aircraft, a diverse assembly of creatures gathered at its entrance: Dracula (played by), Mavis, Johnny, Frank and Eunice (Fran Drescher), Wayne and Wanda (Molly Shannon) and their accompanying canines. Griffin, accompanied by his enigmatic invisible companion Crystal (Chrissy Teigen), noticed Dracula's less-than-enthusiastic demeanor as the group boarded the plane bound for the fabled Bermuda Triangle.

Dennis and Winnie had secretly stowed away Tinkles in the luggage compartment, their clandestine maneuvering foiled only by the aircraft's precipitous crash landing. As the passengers disembarked, they made their way to an aircraft carrier, where Stan the fish man (Chris Parnell) greeted them with a warm smile. The ill-fated voyage gave way to a more promising adventure as the group set sail on the captain's vessel.

Griffin, still accompanied by his ethereal companion Crystal, observed Dracula's growing disinterest in the proceedings. Captain Ericka (Kathryn Hahn), a multi-lingual siren, welcomed the diverse assembly of monsters aboard her ship, only to find Dracula frozen in confusion at the mere sight of her. His befuddlement was short-lived, as his friends worked tirelessly to snap him back into reality.

That evening, the monsters indulged in a variety of activities: dancing, swimming, and reveling in their newfound camaraderie. Blobby, however, found himself beset by seasickness, his colors shifting erratically as he vomited forth a miniature version of himself, Baby Blobby (Genndy Tartakovsky), who eagerly clung to its larger counterpart.

As Wayne and Wanda explored the ship, they stumbled upon a room labeled "Kid's Club," which seemed tailor-made for their energetic offspring. In her stateroom, Captain Ericka greeted her great-grandfather, Abraham Van Helsing, now confined to a wheelchair. As she confided in him about her distaste for monsters and her initial desire to destroy Dracula, he counseled patience, urging her to conduct further research.

His findings led him to reveal the existence of an ultimate device capable of destroying the fabled city of Atlantis. Ericka's ears pricked up at this revelation, her mind racing with the potential consequences. She resolved to lure the monsters to Atlantis and, once they were within striking distance, deploy the machine to eradicate them all, bringing about a new era of peace under her benevolent rule.

Undeterred in her quest for vengeance against the enigmatic Dracula, Ericka (character name not provided) employs a barrage of attacks, only to have the cunning vampire consistently evade her blows, seemingly oblivious to the danger lurking before him. In a candid moment with his companions, Dracula shares a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life, musing that one's greatest love is often reserved for just one soul, as if recalling the tender memories of his late wife Martha (character name not provided). As they collectively dive into a lively game of volleyball in the pool, Ericka seizes the opportunity to guide them towards their first destination: the majestic underwater volcano.

With her trusty vessel loaded with wooden stakes at the ready, Ericka sets off in hot pursuit. Meanwhile, Dracula exhibits his extraordinary hypnotic powers by controlling a shark, which he and Dennis (character name not provided) ride effortlessly through the water, with Ericka stealthily trailing behind. In an attempt to thwart their escape, she fires wooden harpoons, narrowly missing her target. As the drama unfolds, Dracula opportunistically poses for a photograph, capturing the moment for Mavis (character name not provided). Panicked by this turn of events, Ericka takes the plunge and leaps back into the fray.

Upon surfacing, Ericka struggles to regain her footing before reboarding the ship. Coincidentally, Frank, Murray, and Griffin are also on deck, indulging in snacks as they overhear Ericka's whispered vow to finally eliminate Dracula. Misinterpreting her determination, these companions mistakenly assume that she harbors a romantic fascination with the vampire, unwittingly joining the ranks of those consumed by his mystique. As the ship sails onward, the tension builds, and Ericka remains resolute in her mission to vanquish the undead Dracula.

As the group reunites aboard the vessel, Dracula finds himself in an unexpected predicament when Mavis appears by his side. The crew's attempts to steer him away from the potential fallout of sharing Ericka's affections only serve to prompt her into action. With feigned nonchalance, she saunters up to him and expresses a sudden enthusiasm for a romantic evening out. As they arrive at their next destination, the isolated island, Dracula surprises everyone by volunteering to take Dennis on a separate excursion, allowing Johnny and Mavis to indulge in some well-deserved downtime.

As the trio enjoys a leisurely meal at a local eatery, Mavis turns to Johnny with an air of curiosity, inquiring whether he's noticed anything amiss about Dracula's behavior. Her partner-in-crime reveals that Dracula has developed a secret crush on their fearless captain, leaving her stunned yet sympathetic to his plight. She confesses that she never envisioned him with anyone except her mother, but ultimately desires his happiness.

Meanwhile, Ericka concocts a devious plan to sabotage Dracula's evening, ordering guacamole and surreptitiously infusing it with garlic oil. As he takes a chip and dips it into the unsuspecting condiment, his stomach begins to churn in protest. When he queries whether the dish contains garlic, she feigns ignorance, only to ask if its presence would prove fatal for him. Dracula's response, however, is far more amusing than apocalyptic: he reveals that garlic merely induces gassiness in him.

As they continue their date, Ericka discovers that her unsuspecting suitor has been on a romantic drought since the loss of his wife. His vulnerability and openness about his motivations for building the hotel – a sanctuary where he could raise Mavis safely – tugs at her heartstrings. Moved by the depth of his paternal love, she confesses that she's never known her parents and was instead raised by her great-grandfather on the ship. Growing up amidst the vessel's rhythms, she always assumed she'd one day inherit the captaincy.

Dracula's words of wisdom, urging her to honor the past while forging her own path, resonate deeply with Ericka. As they ponder the implications, she begins to realize that there may be more to life than the confines of the ship – and that perhaps it's time for her to chart a new course.

As Mavis (played by) and Johnny stroll up to the table, Ericka's composure falters. Her mission, it seems, has been temporarily derailed by a bout of panic. With a hasty apology, she makes her exit, leaving the others to wonder what's amiss. Dracula, meanwhile, is reminded by Mavis that he had promised to spend time with Dennis, and thus sets off in pursuit of his young friend. As the group settles back down at the table, Mavis shares her concerns with Johnny about Ericka - a sentiment that prompts him to reach for a snack, specifically a chip smothered in guacamole. His warning about the garlic overload is timely, as it allows Mavis to piece together Ericka's true intentions.

As the evening wears on, Wayne and Wanda, still basking in the joy of being pup-free, frolic freely around the deck. Unbeknownst to them, Ericka is busy concealing herself from their prying eyes. Her anonymity is short-lived, however, as she's startled by an unexpected voice emanating from a ventilation shaft - none other than Abraham, who reveals that he's been privy to her attempts to take out Dracula and cautions her against blowing the entire operation. With Wayne and Wanda making another lap around the deck, Abraham seizes the opportunity to slip tranquilizer darts into their necks, rendering them unconscious and leaving Ericka to ponder the consequences of her actions.

As the group arrives in Atlantis, they venture into the city's vibrant casino, where Frank is sternly reminded by Eunice to resist the temptation of gambling, a mistake that had previously cost him dearly. Meanwhile, Dracula inquires about Mavis' whereabouts, revealing his intention to confide in her regarding Ericka. Mavis and Johnny soon stumble upon Dracula lying on the floor, his eyes fixed intently on Ericka as she navigates the city's winding alleys. Sensing something amiss, Mavis decides to tail after them, only to discover that Ericka has slipped into a hidden chamber. With her curiosity piqued, Mavis follows Ericka, who emerges at the ruins of an ancient palace, where she dons a wet suit and plunges into a nearby pool. Unbeknownst to Mavis, Dracula covertly observes her from the shadows, his attention fixated on the mysterious woman.

As Ericka makes her way through the crumbling palace, she sets her sights on a strange, glowing artifact at the end of a dimly lit corridor. With deliberate steps, she approaches the device, unwittingly triggering a series of booby traps that send axes whizzing through the air. Dracula, ever vigilant, expertly deflects each threat, his body gradually becoming a veritable pincushion due to the barrage of projectiles. Ericka, testing her would-be savior's mettle, continues to trigger the traps, only for Dracula to effortlessly deflect them with a collection of axes, darts, and arrows embedded in his person.

As the room begins to shudder and crumble, Dracula swiftly rescues Ericka from certain doom, whisking her away just as the structure collapses behind them. Mavis eventually catches up to the pair, only to behold Dracula's battered form, replete with a multitude of sharp objects lodged in his person. Her expression darkens, and she levitates Ericka into the air. Dracula, sensing the tension, implores her to desist, before confessing that he had experienced an instant attraction – or "zing" – upon laying eyes on her. The revelation leaves Mavis stunned, and she releases Ericka, who, filled with remorse for having considered a monster as a potential suitor, flees in haste. As Mavis envelops Dracula in a sympathetic hug, he withdraws, his countenance beset by melancholy.

As Murray proudly displays his new tattoo, Griffin and Crystal stroll in, the latter's invisible finger adorned with a sparkling wedding ring. Frank and Eunice soon arrive, but Frank's arms are nowhere to be found, having been gambled away in a high-stakes game. Meanwhile, Ericka shares her mysterious device with Abraham, revealing that Dracula had saved her life just days prior. She notes the peculiar way he interacted with Mavis, almost as if he possessed human-like emotions. Abraham dismisses this notion, insisting that monsters are devoid of feelings and must prioritize their mission. The next day, Frank has replaced his lost limbs with lobster claws pilfered from the ship's seafood buffet.

Later, at a lively dance party, Mavis struggles to process Dracula's unexpected connection with Ericka. Johnny offers words of wisdom, reminding her that love can drive even the most unlikely individuals to act irrationally. He points out that their interspecies relationship was impossible, yet nothing could keep them apart. This revelation sparks Mavis into action; she realizes that Johnny is right and that Dracula must confess his feelings to Ericka. Just as he sets off to find her, the music screeches to a halt, and Abraham's face appears on the monitors. He reveals that he knows Dracula recognizes him and holds up the device – an heirloom passed down through generations, which contains sheet music.

As the Kraken, awakened by the music, begins wreaking havoc on the partygoers, Dracula attempts to fly towards Abraham but is snatched from midair by the behemoth. Despite transforming into various forms, he remains trapped in the Kraken's grasp. Ericka watches with a mixture of sadness and determination as Dracula grows weaker. Trapped and helpless, Dracula submits to defeat. Mavis tries to intervene, but the Kraken pins her down and sends Dracula soaring towards its mouth. In a desperate bid to save him, Ericka leaps into action, using Blobby as a makeshift trampoline to launch herself towards Dracula. She manages to snatch him from the air just as they both tumble into the water at the edge of the dance floor.

With Dracula held aloft, Ericka confronts Abraham, refusing to let him harm her beloved monster. She passionately argues that monsters, like humans, experience love, laughter, and joy – a notion she has come to understand through her own connection with Dracula.

As the sun dips below the horizon, Dracula's resolve fortifies, and he launches a counterattack against the Kraken's relentless assault. However, Johnny (Johnny) intervenes, proposing that the only effective antidote to Abraham's ominous melodies lies in the power of joyful harmonies. With his DJ equipment at the ready, Johnny unleashes "Good Vibrations," and the Kraken begins to sway to the infectious beat. But Abraham retaliates by amplifying the volume, reinvigorating the sea monster's ferocity. Undeterred, Johnny conjures an even more radiant tune, "Don't Worry, Be Happy," which once again commands the Kraken's attention. The beast's movements become increasingly erratic as Johnny escalates his sonic assault with "The Macarena." Soon, both the Kraken and Abraham are helplessly entranced by the music, their limbs flailing in unison. As the chaos reaches its peak, Abraham tumbles from the DJ booth, plummeting toward the water's edge. Dracula swiftly transforms into a bat and intercepts his would-be victim, saving him from certain doom.

With the crisis averted, Abraham is returned to the dance floor, where he sheepishly offers the passengers a full refund for their cruise. The wolf pups, now freed from their earlier confinement, stampede across the deck, drawing attention away from Wayne and Wanda's conspicuous absence. Ericka leads the trio to the closet where she had hidden them, only to discover that Dracula has revived them with his mystical powers.

As night falls on Hotel Transylvania, Dracula and Ericka steal away to the rooftop, where she poses the question: will he succumb to his vampiric nature and claim her blood? Instead of a fang-baring response, Dracula drops to one knee, revealing a stunning spider-shaped ring adorned with a fiery red gemstone. As the ring claws its way onto Ericka's finger, she becomes temporarily tongue-tied, speaking in gibberish. The rest of the gang converges, eager for an answer, but Ericka eventually regains her composure, proclaiming her acceptance of Dracula's proposal. Amidst the ensuing celebration, Tinkles joyfully tackles the newly engaged couple, ushering in a bright new chapter at Hotel Transylvania.