SCOOBY-DOO (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Scooby-Doo, a blockbuster that grossed $275.7 million on an $84 million budget, reminds us of how much we loved the cartoon.  The live casting is superb with actors that look so much like their cartoon characters that it is unreal. While in some scenes the actors seem a little uncomfortable in their role, the script could use some improvement, and the storyline becomes more than unrealistic—almost goofy at times—it is still a good trip down memory lane for anyone raised with the televised Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? cartoon series. The film comes with a simple ‘moral of the story’—do the best you can and you will be respected for your effort.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The famous mystery team dissolves over petty arguments, but find themselves once again united to solve the curse of Spooky Island where tourist guests seem to suffer demonic attack. The mystery team finds that, instead of the usual ‘human behind the scenes’ culprit, this island is indeed controlled by very real demons who possess guests and create general havoc everywhere. Thanks, once again, to the ‘bungling efforts’ of Scooby-Doo (voice of Neil Fanning)  and Shaggy (Matthew Lillard) the day is saved with all evil banished and happiness in the form of an all-you-can-eat buffet the reward for bravery and courage.

Additional Thanks

Good Work for Director Raja Gosnell. Thank you to Executive Producers Joseph Barbera, Robert Engelman, Kelley Smith-Wait, Andrew Mason, and William Hanna for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fred (Freddie Prinze, Jr.), Daphne (Sarah Michelle Gellar), Velma (Linda Cardellini), Mondavarious (Rowan Atkinson), Mary Jane (Isla Fisher), and Voodoo Maestro (Miguel A. Núñez, Jr.),

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s good entertainment, light on the mind, an easy watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers