SCOOB! (2020) is an animated comedy film starring the voices of Frank Welker (Scooby), Will Forte (Shaggy Rogers), Zac Efron (Fred Jones), Amanda Seyfried (Daphne Blake) and Gina Rodriguez (Velma Dinkley). Although the film features all the classic characters, a new plotline emerges when Scooby and his team plot to release the ghost dog, Cerberus, into the world. Scooby and Shaggy leave Mystery Inc. after entrepreneur Simon Cowell refuses to do business with them in solving crime mysteries. This prompts Scooby and Shaggy to find new allies in locating Cerberus in Athens.
Everyone remembers the classic Scooby-Doo series. I remember watching it is a child and really enjoying it. As of 2020, the new revamp takes the original story in different directions, and we are first reunited with the gang as children when they first meet. You immediately get the vibes of the original Scooby-Doo series, although the voice acting, and new animation is questionable. I don’t think this combination works in contrast with the original feel of the series, but it is a deliberate stylistic choice.
The film did well showing the character traits from the original. Casting Frank Welker’s as Scooby captivates the hilarious voice of the original. The film is cliche in many parts, especially the references to Harry Potter, A Star Is Born, as well as the character of Simon Cowell. Unfortunately, the film tries a little too hard to stay relevant to new audiences. The whole film concept doesn’t relate to anything of the original, which makes it unusual and incoherent to watch for those who were fans of the TV series.
There are definitely some good comedic moments. The character traits of the original Mystery Inc. gang show through even with new voices. However, this fails to support the very random and hard to follow plot. There are some weird comedic moments that may not appeal to everyone and then there’s always the cliche message behind the film. I will not be watching this film again; I am extremely disappointed.
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