Scooby-Doo
The long-running cartoon from William Hanna and Joseph Barbera that began life in 1969 as Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? becomes this live-action, tongue-in-cheek comedy-adventure featuring a computer-generated version of the easily frightened, mush-mouthed Great Dane. Freddie Prinze Jr. stars as Fred, the blonde, confident, ascot-sporting leader of Mystery Inc., a ghost-busting service that exposes phony supernatural phenomena as the work of shysters. Working with Fred are: his rich, beautiful girlfriend, Daphne (Sarah Michelle Gellar), who has a bad habit of getting kidnapped by villains; Velma (Linda Cardellini), the real brains of the group who pines secretly for Fred; cowardly slacker and dog's best friend Shaggy (Matthew Lillard); and the snack-gobbling pet pooch Scooby. However, after solving its latest case involving a beleaguered toy company owner (Pamela Anderson), the group fractures over Fred's habit of grabbing credit for everyone's hard work, despite the pleas of Shaggy and Scooby. Two years later, they are reunited at Spooky Island, a theme park and teen spring break destination that owner Emile Mondavarious (Rowan Atkinson) claims is plagued with ghosts. Suspicious as usual of any claims involving the paranormal, the Mystery Inc. clan is soon probing a scheme involving ancient rites, summoned spirits, and brainwashed college students, forcing the group members to resolve their differences and uncover the truth. Directed by Chris Columbus protégé Raja Gosnell, Scooby-Doo features the voice of Scott Innes as the title character. more..
Director: Raja Gosnell
Starring: Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar,Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini
Knows when to take itself seriously and when to laugh at itself -- even if its audience isn't laughing along at every gag.
Do you really want to spend money watching what is essentially marginality, or would those dollars be better used to see a better film or even buy a good book?
This dog will inevitably let down purists looking for the elusive combination of smart and funny.
I took a 12-year-old along to Scooby Doo just in case I didn't get it. Our verdict: one paw up, one paw down.
The antics involving ghosts, chases, and burping that divert the small fry don't mix with the jokey, tribute-band dialogue spouting from the Mystery, Inc. gang.
David Newman
BMI Film & TV Awards (2003)
Favorite Fart in a Movie
Kids' Choice Awards (2003)
Best Virtual Performance
MTV Movie Awards (2003)
Most Flatulent Teen-Targeted Movie
Razzie Awards (2003)
Film - Choice Actress, Comedy
Teen Choice Awards (2002)
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