I took the kids to see the first Scooby Doo movie 2 years ago. We all liked it okay, but I was very disappointed with the ending. And I HATED Scrappy Doo!
Now on to Scooby Doo 2:
Being a huge fan of the animated series, I wish they had stuck a bit closer to the character appearances (Fred's hair and voice, Velma's attempt at femininity, Scooby's whole body). In addition I didn't like the "Mystery Machine Limo" that cameo'd in the opening scene, or their ultra cool hipster clubhouse-hideout loaded with expensive gadgets. I haven't seen every single episode of the cartoon, but I don't remember them having a "clubhouse" at all. Didn't they just cruise around in their van all the time?
But these complaints are small things that I can accept and overlook in view of the "bigger picture" which is: the story; the effects; and the delivery (acting and directing) of the presentation.
On these merits, the movie scored very well! Director Raja did an especially decent job sticking to the visual and storytelling style of the animated series: There were at least three of the infamous Scooby-trademarked chase-scenes; two scenes where Shaggy and Scooby royally screw things up; Shag and Scoob eating ten times their weight in junkfood; the typical "bait and switch" technique in finding out who the baddie was; and NO Scrappy Doo! (Yes!!)
The monsters were all taken directly from episodes of the cartoon. Their realization on the "big screen" was exceptional in every case.
The special effects - while not "Oscar-worthy" - were very well done. The opening-credits scene alone (where you follow a pterodactyl flying it's way through a maze of alleys and back-streets to the museum where we meet the "gang") is worth the admission price!
Go see it if you like the cartoon series AND are open minded enough to accept some lewd humor (fart jokes, puking, and the like) and some slight character differences from the cartoon.
My 7 year-old son loved it too and was quoting some of the funnier lines as we walked to the car after it ended.
I gave it 7 out of 10 which is about the most a movie like this could possibly expect for a rating. (I believe I gave the first Scooby Doo movie a rating of 4 or 5 out of 10.)
Can't wait for another sequel! :)
Now on to Scooby Doo 2:
Being a huge fan of the animated series, I wish they had stuck a bit closer to the character appearances (Fred's hair and voice, Velma's attempt at femininity, Scooby's whole body). In addition I didn't like the "Mystery Machine Limo" that cameo'd in the opening scene, or their ultra cool hipster clubhouse-hideout loaded with expensive gadgets. I haven't seen every single episode of the cartoon, but I don't remember them having a "clubhouse" at all. Didn't they just cruise around in their van all the time?
But these complaints are small things that I can accept and overlook in view of the "bigger picture" which is: the story; the effects; and the delivery (acting and directing) of the presentation.
On these merits, the movie scored very well! Director Raja did an especially decent job sticking to the visual and storytelling style of the animated series: There were at least three of the infamous Scooby-trademarked chase-scenes; two scenes where Shaggy and Scooby royally screw things up; Shag and Scoob eating ten times their weight in junkfood; the typical "bait and switch" technique in finding out who the baddie was; and NO Scrappy Doo! (Yes!!)
The monsters were all taken directly from episodes of the cartoon. Their realization on the "big screen" was exceptional in every case.
The special effects - while not "Oscar-worthy" - were very well done. The opening-credits scene alone (where you follow a pterodactyl flying it's way through a maze of alleys and back-streets to the museum where we meet the "gang") is worth the admission price!
Go see it if you like the cartoon series AND are open minded enough to accept some lewd humor (fart jokes, puking, and the like) and some slight character differences from the cartoon.
My 7 year-old son loved it too and was quoting some of the funnier lines as we walked to the car after it ended.
I gave it 7 out of 10 which is about the most a movie like this could possibly expect for a rating. (I believe I gave the first Scooby Doo movie a rating of 4 or 5 out of 10.)
Can't wait for another sequel! :)