Member review

This modern update of the classic children's TV series follows the gang from their unseen origin story into a futuristic realm within the original settings of Scooby Doo. The film is one big crossover episode, merging with Wacky Racers and welcoming various characters from other nostalgic franchises. The film decides to turn its back on the classically predictable yet captivating structure of the 1900’s program, choosing to hold a more complex and overall confusing plot line over its traditional formula of an episode long chase.

The beloved characters who have become staples to many peoples childhood return wearing their signature colours and each with their quirks, but their personalities feel washed out and modernised, not quite maintaining the depth of character that they once held. It is hard to relate to them on any level when they seem to use cliché puns and catchphrases in abundance. It feels like they are trying so hard to maintain each character's persona that any depth of individuality is lost in a mist of cringeworthy attempts at relevancy. An obvious example of this is the 2020 development of ‘Fred Jones’ who is voiced by Zac Efron. To begin with, Zac Efron is an obvious choice for the role, fitting perfectly into Fred’s definitive masculine jock nature which, although fitting, feels to completely dispel any character developed over 20 years of television, especially when he blatantly objectifies a female policewoman. On top of this, Fred and the two girls in the gang have very little screen time which, I feel, was regrettably wasted. Fred’s caring and protective nature over the rest of the group feels to have been completely overwritten with compromising and uncalled for innuendos. As for Velma and Daphne, they go virtually unnoticed throughout. Any relationships previously built seem somewhat non-existent which is rather upsetting after so many years have been spent creating these friendships.

The time frame of the movie feels rather unnatural and incorrect, making a film that is supposed to add layers to an already developed and adored universe, rather confusing in the scheme of the timeline. The film begins with Shaggy wandering around in a generic American beach town alone before running into a dog and having to help it escape the police. They instantly bond over their love of food, primarily the traditional ‘Scooby Snack’. This beginning feels nostalgic and fitting, building high expectations for the remaining majority of the film, the backstory of puppy Scooby finally being revealed. However, this imposing entrance ends not long after it has begun. The gang meet in a highly predictable manner and suddenly they are adults sitting in a diner. It appears that the television series fits within this time jump but the much welcomed backstory is promptly over and the rest of the film takes place in an erratic time that wants to be futuristic but is still hopelessly clinging on to its old 90’s ambiance.

The plotline itself is nothing special or new. It has all the essentials for a classic good vs evil animated sci-fi, with friendship battles, spaceships and an evil sidekick. The gang are forced into disagreement when Simon Cowell turns up and downgrades Scooby and Shaggy into mere sidekicks. This felt a little off hand and out of place for the Scooby Doo universe. The rest of the story is not particularly noteworthy but does work in the vintage chase and unmasking that is so distinctive to the franchise, satisfying those watching to relive that childhood thrill of surprise that the original series once brought about. Dick Dastardly does not fail to live up to the conventions of a movie villain in his comical, moustached appearance and evil lair flooded with henchmen, however because he was a pre-existing character, he felt out of place and it almost seemed lazy to take a pre-established villain rather than to create a new, more fitting one. The rest of the film is littered with common plot techniques and the occasional laugh or Scooby Doo specific occurrence.

Despite its flaws, I still found the hour and a half enjoyable and easy to watch. It was most certainly made for those who grew up with the gang and gave us a chance to reunite one final time. The humour seems to have aged with its audience and the littering of puns and innuendos shows that the creators are somewhat aware of the clichés they have implemented. Although I feel that there was so much wasted potential for such a spin off, it did not fail to satisfy the absence of a good old childish adventure animation with its predictable but somehow delightfully amusing performance. I would fully recommend to those in search of some wholesome nostalgia or some light-hearted family entertainment.