In 1990s development of CGI made possible live action adaptation of popular animated television shows. One of those was Scooby-Doo, production of legendary studio Hanna-Barbera, which was, through various versions, being aired from 1969 till 1991 and spawned long lasting franchise. Part of its long-lasting popularity was in the characters – group of four teenagers that, assisted by a dog, debunked hoaxes and frauds based around allegedly supernatural elements. Some of those characters were, due to some subtle hints, interpreted as lesbians and marijuana users, thus attracting more rebellious segments of teenage and adult audience who liked to identify with social outcasts. Despite that subversive context, most of the critics, who would otherwise be quite friendly, didn’t like Scooby-Doo, 2002 live action adaptation directed by Raja Gosnell.
The plot begins when the group of protagonists - Fred (played by Freddie Prinze Jr.), Daphne (played by Sarah Michelle Gellar), Velma (played by Linda Cardellini), Shaggy (played by Matthew Lillard) and their dog Scobby-Doo (voiced by Neil Fanning) – organised as Mystery Inc. reveals a conman who tried to convince anyone that the toy factory was haunted. Soon after that disagreements within the group escalate so much, that it is dissolved. Soon afterwards all their members are invited to Spooky Island, resort run by kind-hearted Emile Mondavarious (played by Rowan Atkinson). He is concerned that the students, his most valuable customers, come to the island as carefree youths and leave as zombie-like catatonics. Convinced that there must be some kind of supernatural force behind the phenomenon, he asks Mystery Inc. for help. Their members decided to set aside their differences and go into action, unaware that this time will face something that they haven’t faced before – a true supernatural force.
Anyone expecting film that tells important life truths or plot that has something do to with common sense would make himself or herself a favour by avoiding Scooby-Doo. Those who expect nothing more than light family-oriented entertainment would, on the other hand, be quite pleased with the script by James Gunn, author who began his career in Troma studios and afterwards became immensely successful with his work on Guardians of Galaxy and superhero films. Direction by Raja Gosnell, taking the cue from the animated show, tries to create psychedelic atmosphere, but it is at the same time very disciplined and efficient, keeping the running time within 80 minutes. On the other hand, it was very expensive film (with 84 million US of budget), most of it spent on CGI effects which at times serve no purpose and often compromise the main premise of the original show – idea that supernatural phenomena can be given down-to-earth rational explanation.
Children, for whom this film was made, probably wouldn’t complain. The adults won’t complain either, at least males that would appreciate presence of attractive Australian actress Isla Fisher who delivers a bit of fan service in number of scenes. The acting is very good, especially in the case of Matthew Lillard who has, by his own admission, extensively studied original cartoons to prepare for the role of “stoner” Shaggy. Freddy Prinze Jr., who appears with his girlfriend (and future wife) Sarah Michelle Gellar, on the other hand, didn’t have to work much in order to play character who is vane and self-obsessed like most Hollywood are. Although some of the more hardcore fans of the original series had some issues with scriptwriters’ revisionist take, Scooby-Doo was quite successful at the box office, which led to 2004 sequel Scobby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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