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Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
Directed by Raja Gosnell. Story: Scooby and the gang solve a monster mystery in live action (mostly!). Running Time: 93 minutes.
I enjoyed this film: I think the average moviegoer will enjoy it: Testosterone Satisfaction Rating: Kiddie-friendly. To enjoy this film you should be: On its side from the outset.
To buy Scooby Doo 2, click on the picture below:
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I hardly need to review this film - I can’t foresee anyone coming out of the cinema having had
their opinion changed by actually watching it. The trailer is spot-on in its attempt to give the flavour and
feel of the finished product and it makes no bones about its pretensions – it’s a downright silly sequel with
the emphasis on childish fun and deliberately OTT special effects. The plot is intentionally farcical and the
dialogue hammy, in a pantomime style that will work for some viewers and not for others. Right from the
Tim Burton-esque opening sequence, it’s clear that a lot of effort has been put in to create the appropriate
atmosphere. It’s a film that creates warmth and enjoyment from its charisma rather than its content, so if this
misses its target then you may as well pop out to the lobby for a scooby snack, because it ain’t gonna win you over.
The first Scooby Doo had a tentative feel to it, as if the makers were not entirely confident
with the new take on the Scooby cartoons. This second chapter is more like a second date – it knows its niche
and is happy to stick to it, knowing full well that anyone who enjoyed the previous outing will also enjoy this
one, but makes no attempt to create any fresh fans. Having said that, there are some mischievous undertones
bubbling beneath the plastic surface, but they’re way too subtle for kids to pick up, and adults will miss them
if they’re not riding Scoob’s wave. Still, it gives us reviewers something else to carp on about and I’m sure
it helped morale in the editing rooms!
Matthew Lillard’s Shaggy is predictably the high point on the performance front, unless you count
Scooby himself of course. Whilst he looks nothing like the cartoon version, the animators are talented enough to
give the CGI mutt a vibe of his own, and the familiarity grown from the first film has not lessened the comedy value.
Alicia Silverstone is unusually low-key, but she scores a career first (it seems) by finishing a movie without saying
“what-everrrr” – though come to think of it, it might have served the character better if she had. Sarah Michelle Gellar
delivers her usual I-must-be-just-like-you-because-I-act-like-I’m-in-a-school-play routine (if it’s deliberate, she’s
very, very clever), but she can’t be too chuffed that once again Linda Cardellini (Velma) earns the most phwoarrs just
by being as doe-eyed and cute as a puppy delivering fresh loo roll.
To recap then – however much you think you’ll enjoy this film, you’re right. It’s daft slapstick
with fart gags and a predictable, irrelevant plot. It won’t convert you while you’re watching it, as it’s having
too much fun entertaining itself. If you like your films to be logical, steer well away. If you like your special
effects realistic, go see Master and Commander. But if it’s harmless and childish FUN you’re after, then step right
up folks, the owner of the abandoned fairground will see you now. Apparently he would have gotten away with it if it
wasn’t for those meddling kids.![Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed [DVD]](images/movies/scoobydoo2dvd.jpg)
