Scoob movie review from Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: SCOOB!

AVAILABLE NOW ON Digital streaming platforms like Amazon, iTunes, HBO and at https://amzn.to/374IAg1

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour, 33 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A-

IN A NUTSHELL:

Directed by Tony Cervone, this colorful “whodunnit” gives us a glimpse into the life of our favorite crime-solving dog and his human partner, Shaggy, when they were younger and before they met. I began watching this fun franchise when I was a little girl. In fact, there is a shot-by-shot remake of the opening credits of the TV show I used to watch in this movie! But wait…there’s more….the final scene also replicates the shot at the end of the 1969 opening credits of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!: The Complete Series Limited Edition 50th Ann Mystery Mansion (Blu-ray)

I remember finally being old enough to actually realize the episodes were formulaic and predictable. ha ha Despite that, I’ve enjoyed the live-action remake Scooby-Doo: The Movie and spin-offs over the years. As Fred asks, “What’s next for Mystery Inc.?” Maybe it’s the nostalgia talking, but I was thoroughly entertained.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Cute reference to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. You might need to explain who that is to very young kids.
Lots of social and cultural references like IKEA, American Idol, DJ Khaled, Netflix, Tinder, hashtags, toxic masculinity, a joke about Chris and Liam Hemsworth, and so many more.
Some jokes about an F-bomb, and the “D” word that rhymes with “Rick.” This is the first Scooby-Doo film to feature “mild” profanity.
Kids will learn a little bit about Alexander the Great. He really did have a pet dog named Peritas.

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THEMES:

Friendship
Unity
Greed
Power
The power of pets
Accepting change
“People change but that doesn’t mean we have to grow apart.” – Shaggy (Will Forte)

THINGS I LIKED:

The talented voice cast includes Will Forte, Mark Wahlberg, Jason Isaacs, Gina Rodriguez, Zac Efron, Amanda Seyfried, Kiersey Clemons, Ken Jeong, Tracy Morgan, Henry Winkler, and so many more! They’re all new voices for the characters, except for Frank Welker, who is the legendary Scooby-Doo himself! I love that! This is the very first time since 1988 that Fred isn’t voiced by Frank Welker. Not to worry though. Zac Efron lends his voice to the animated handsome teen.
Can you believe this is Mark Wahlberg’s first animated movie? He’s great, of course.
It’s appropriate that the first installment of the new Hanna-Barbera Cinematic Universe deals with superheroes.
I grew up in California but can you believe I’ve never been to Venice Beach? I thought the opening scene was really cute.
There’s a cute cartoon cameo of Simon Cowell. He criticizes the teens and Fred breaks the 4th wall, telling the audience, “He’s mean but he makes it fun.” Shaggy says, “He’s not that smart but sounds like it because he’s British.” It’s a cute scene that propels the story forward, but is also kind of random.
Some cute camera angles.
You get to see the kids solve their very first mystery, which gets them hooked on the crime-solving business.
The movie really feels like it belongs in the Scooby-Doo franchise, full of zany capers and characters.
Plenty of humor for kids and adults.
There’s an entertaining villain with some adorable, robotic minions.
If you’re an “old” fan like me, there are lots of shout-outs to the past you’ll love. You’ll also see respectful nods, such as a Hanna Barbershop and Barbera Pizza store to the creators. Shaggy stands in front of “Casey’s Creations” to honor Casey Kasem, the actor who first voiced his character. Awww. The bowling alley is named Takamoto Bowl to honor Iwao Takamoto, Scooby-Doo’s original designer. Look closely…there are even more of those kinds of things in the film. Super sweet.
I loved seeing the famous Acropolis in Greece in the movie. I finally got to see it for the first time just a couple of years ago. It’s as epic and gigantic as it shows in the film. I love kids’ movies that introduce them to history and travel.
During the final credits, you get to see some screenshots from episodes from long ago. Fun!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The voice of Shaggy as a young guy sounded way too much like a girl. I was surprised to learn that it was actually voiced by Iain Armitage, the star of the popular TV show Young Sheldon: The Complete First Season (DVD). Thankfully, his adult voice sounded like the Shaggy we all know and love.
Unfortunately, we don’t get to see Scrappy-Doo in this film, so I’m assuming he’ll show up in the next one of the Hanna-Barbera Cinematic Universe.
The biggest disappointment is that there is no big mystery to solve in the movie. There are a few twists, but not the classic mystery that the original TV series is known for.

FUNNY LINES:

“Don’t you know that candy is just a marketing ploy?” – mean bully “Yeah, we’re okay with that.” – Scoob
“Ick. Is the bad guy my dad?” – Daphne Blake (Amanda Seyfried)
“Brian, those are a lot of words you shouldn’t be using.” – Dynomutt (Ken Jeong)

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