Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! premiered way back in 1969, and there have since been countless small screen reboots, direct-to-DVD movies, and even a couple of memorable live-action efforts. At this point, the franchise feels tired, so what makes Warner Bros.' latest effort, Scoob!, worth checking out? Originally slated for a theatrical release before the COVID-19 pandemic changed things, it's released today on VOD platforms and proves to be a mostly enjoyable, family flick.
Directed by animation veteran Tony Cervone, Scooby-Doo's CGI makeover ends up looking pretty good, though still a tad basic (there's certainly nothing here which will leave the likes of Dreamworks and Pixar quaking in their boots). Despite that, there are still some memorable visuals, and plenty of fun action scenes which will keep audiences of all ages entertained. The movie's biggest draw, however, is a surprisingly excellent voice cast made up of names like Zac Efron, Kiersey Clemons, Will Forte, Jason Isaacs, Amanda Seyfried, and Gina Rodriguez. Tracy Morgan feels out of place as Captain Caveman, but Mark Wahlberg's Blue Falcon is one of the movie's funniest characters thanks to another strong comedic performance from the actor.
It's that superhero addition which was clearly meant to convince younger viewers who have grown up on Marvel and DC movies to watch Scoob!, and it definitely gives the film a different tone. Unfortunately, it also robs the movie of that classic Scooby-Doo feel, so those of you anticipating a nostalgia heavy adventure may be better off looking elsewhere (there are plenty of Easter Eggs, but this is by no means a classic g-g-g-ghost story).
Ultimately, the movie is at its best during the first 15 minutes or so as we learn how Shaggy met Scooby-Doo and follow the Mystery Machine gang as kids. Had that been the premise of the entire movie, it would have been no bad thing, but we soon jump to the present for familiar, yet admittedly contemporary, take on the heroes. Isaac's villain is another classic Hanna-Barbera character, Dick Dastardly, and his story arc actually ends up being vastly more compelling than the predictable path Scooby-Doo and Shaggy head down. Fred, Velma, and Daphne, meanwhile, are pushed aside for the aforementioned superhero character and his crew, a decision which leaves this feeling like a mostly standard action/adventure, albeit with some familiar faces.
There are some nice emotional beats, though, and plenty of humour. It's important to remember that this is a kid's film, and it's hard to imagine them having anything other than a lot of fun with Scoob!. Despite its flaws, it proves to be a solid attempt at bringing this iconic animated crew back to the big (well, small thanks to the pandemic) screen, and there's definitely potential for stories with this iteration of the team to continue. Any follow-up will need to find a better balance of originality and remembering what makes Scooby-Doo work in the first place, though, and preferably not another cringe-worthy cameo from Simon Cowell.
A better Dick Dastardly story than Scooby-Doo caper, Scoob! will definitely entertain the kids, but would have benefited from spending more time with the adorable "Baby Scoob."