Ruh-Roh! Scooby and the gang are back on the big screen! But does Will Forte’s poor Shaggy impression ruin it?
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Years earlier, in Venice Beach, California, a young Shaggy in having lunch when a stray comes up to him. The two form an instant bond and Shaggy names him Scooby-Doo. They then meet Fred, Daphne, and Velma and after solving a stollen goods crime, form Mystery, Incorporated. Years later, they have an opportunity to make a real business out of Mystery, Inc, but the only thing holding the investor back is Shaggy and Scooby. They end up going their own way but end up in a criminal plot and helping Blue Falcon.I’ve never really been a big Scooby fan, but I have to say how fun and wonderful this film was. There was a lot of laughs and a lot of heart. But the entire is one big love letter, not just to Scooby-Doo, but to Hanna-Barbera as well. There were so many easter eggs in this film, I almost lost count. Some more obvious than others, but director Tony Cervone wanted to share his love of these cartoons with the world and he did, with a story that really works.
The animation was all computerized but you can still see some of the old animation style in it. It really worked well on screen. Mind you, due to COVID-19, we all have to watch it on TV, but I think it would work well on a big screen as well.
For the most part, I really liked the voice cast. Zac Efron as Fred, Amanda Seyfried as Daphne, and Gina Rodriguez as Velma all did great. I loved that in this version they made Velma a Latino. Of course, Frank Welker as Scooby is always awesome to hear. He’s only been voicing Scooby since 1969. And Jason Isaacs just made the perfect Dick Dastardly. Isaacs is really an underrated actor and I couldn’t even tell it was him until I saw his name in the credits.
Scoob! does have some big problems with it. The minor one is Mark Wahlberg. He really sounded like he was phoning it in. Just not impressed. Wahlberg is a better actor, and really expect more from him.
But it was Will Forte as Shaggy that totally screwed up this film. Forte does a horrible job and sounds like someone trying to do Shaggy, not someone being Shaggy like both Casey Kasem or Matthew Lillard. Warner is too concerned about having some star power instead of getting the right person for the role. Using Forte was such as miscast it’s not even funny. Every time I heard Forte’s puberty wanting Shaggy, I cringed. Warner needs to get their crap together for the sequel and bring back Lillard.
Overall I did really enjoy this film and it was fun for all ages. This is the film that will bring you back to your childhood. Scoob! is rated PG and good for any age. Lots of fun!
Scoob! is now available everywhere for digital download.
Many thanks to Warner Brothers Pictures for allowing us to view it!
Newsdesk