Scooby-Doo Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)June 17th, 2002
"Scooby" – Not Much Doin'
by Homer Yen
(c) 2002
There are two things to keep in mind with regards to this live-action update of one of cartoon land's most beloved canines. First, you'd likely have to be under 13 years old to like this movie. Despite the premise of a mystery to be solved and kids faced with danger during their investigation, the film is decidedly targeted towards the younger set. At my sitting, the audience members all appeared to be from the local chapter of the Burger King Kids club – without their cardboard crowns. Meanwhile, the previews showed upcoming offerings like Stuart Little 2 and the Power Puff Girls Movie. Also, the film is festively colorful, has a smattering of burping and bathroom humor, and even takes place at a spooky amusement park where every place visited has a fun house-like atmosphere. All the kids say 'wh-e-e-e-e!' Most everyone else will just have to endure the ride.
The second thing relates to whether you're of the Scooby Doo fan base. This 70s cartoon was an anchor of my childhood. It ranks up there with Superfriends and Speed Buggy. The theme song is still fresh in my head (You know we got a mystery to solve, so Scooby Doo be ready for your act. Don't hold back! And Scooby Doo if you come through
you're going to have yourself a scooby snack! That's a fact!). So, I found some nostalgia in hearing Shaggy's (Matthew Lilliard) and Scooby's voice (voiced by Scott Innes), which were uncannily reminiscent of the original cartoon series. But for everyone else, this is going to seem like a dull exercise in which 4 kids and a dog try to solve the mystery of Spooky Island.
Scooby is the main attraction of the group as the most animated of the bunch. His best pal is Shaggy, and together they clown around and add some amusing moments by which all buddy-buddy friendships are defined. The remainder of the group, however, had as much depth as 2-D cartoon renderings. Vapid Fred (Freddie Prinze Jr.) only shows us how feckless he was. Vain Daphne (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is the damsel in perpetual distress although she displays some crouching tiger whoop-ass to show that she's more than just a pretty face. Brainy Velma (Linda Cardellini), who wears thick glasses AND uses a magnifying glass at the same time, rounds out the group.
At the outset of the story, the group breaks up over differences. Each feels that they are better than the others are and none realize that it's teamwork that ultimately counts. Years later, they are reunited when the enigmatic Mondavarious (Rowan Atkinson), purveyor of Spooky Island, contacts them. Perhaps it's one last chance to show each other who's the best individual sleuth or to discover that they truly need each other to solve this mystery.
Unfortunately, nothing really gets accomplished except our increasing disdain for Fred, Daphne, and even Velma. "Scooby Doo" wants to capture the cartoonish spirit of the original, but the film lacks zip and the outrageous approach used on television. It's hard to buy into that criticism without haven seen the original cartoon. But rest assured that you can do lots more inventive stuff in a cartoon and cram more into a 30-minute show rather than a live-action movie.
I wish that I had more positive things to say. Alas, all I can say is don't do the Doo. Perhaps more of the theme song properly sums up my feelings:
Scooby-Dooby-Doo, Where Are You?
We got some work to do now. Scooby-Dooby-Doo, Where Are You,
We need some help from you now.
Grade: C-
S: 0 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3
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