“Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” (Warner Brothers)
In the first “Scooby Doo” film I was amazed at how much the real life actors looked like their cartoon counterparts. That was enough to keep my mind occupied during the inane antics of Mystery, Inc. With “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” I was beyond that, and I was just plain bored.
All of the original cast is back – Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, Freddie Prinze Jr as Freddie, Linda Cardellini as Velma, and Matthew Lillard as Shaggy. Plus Seth Green is on board as the curator of a museum, while Alicia Silverstone takes on the role of a television reporter. Peter Boyle makes an appearance as an old codger called “Old Man Wickles.”
In the movie some monsters return and the gang tries to find out how and why. There is also a blossoming romance between Velma and Patrick (Green), plus Daphne and Freddie share a kiss. Nothing makes any real sense and nothing really matters. It has all the charm of the animated TV series and that is enough for the rabid Scooby fans.
It is hard to understand why anyone would want to watch this film. There are no good performances, no funny lines, no startling special effects. It is just one elongated version of the TV show.
The movie is harmlessly rated PG for comic book violence.
“American Idol” winner Reuben Stoddard does show up for a song at the end of the movie. That was the highlight of the film for me. All else was just a waste of my time.
With the money rolling in, there will undoubtedly be a “Scooby 3.” Let’s hope some inventive mind is connected to it. Another plodding movie like this one and even the kids will give up on this franchise.
I scored “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” a frightful 3 out of 10.
