Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
****
PG, 88 m with Matthew Lillard, Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar Linda Cardellini and Ruben Studdard. Directed by Raja Gosnell. Opens tomorrow.
It's called "Scooby-Doo 2," but after seeing this excellent movie, "Scooby-Doo 2-riffic" is more like it.
As the movie opens, we join Fred (Freddie Prinze Jr.), Daphne (Sarah Michelle Gellar), Velma (Linda Cardellini), Shaggy (Matthew Lillard) and the lovable computer-generated Scooby-Doo - five unlikely members of Mystery, Inc., who pile into their "Mystery Machine" to discover who has been stealing monster costumes from the criminology museum of Coolsville.
"Monsters Unleashed" is the second film based off the "Scooby-Doo" TV cartoon show, and the clear highlight is the Shaggy and Scooby duo. The crazy antics of this constantly doped-up pair steal the show. After they realize that all of their screw-ups in the past have led to a loss of credibility as far as their sleuthing abilities are concerned, Shaggy and Scooby decide to separate from the rest of the gang in an attempt to prove to their friends and the rest of Coolsville that they can solve the mystery themselves. What they learn along the way is the importance of being yourself and not compromising your identity.
One great aspect of this film that many "Scooby-Doo" fans will be sure to enjoy is the use of old villains from the original cartoon show. Making appearances in this film are the Black Knight, the 10,000 Volt Ghost, Miner 49er, Captain Clemens, the Skeleton Men, Pterodactyl, the Creeper and the Tar Monster. All of these original Scooby-Doo villains come back as actual monsters but this time it is Mystery, Inc.'s job to find out who is behind it all. One scene sure to delight older audiences includes Velma's makeover by Daphne. Whoever doubts actress Cardellini's hotness is in for a major surprise when this screen-vixen dons a red latex body suit.
After all is said and done, the movie ends with none other than a guest appearance by the totally awesome "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard singing "Play That Funky Music White Boy." This special performance makes you want to dance in the aisles and is an excellent closing to an equally excellent film.
Although this movie looks incredibly silly, it isn't as bad as you might think. After the excruciating awfulness of the first movie, it is very easy to see why many would not be interested in the sequel. This movie is honestly quite refreshing and if you're planning on skipping it, you will surely be missing out.
So one might ask, should you Scooby-Doo or Scooby-Don't? Well how about Scooby-Dooby-Do! With action and humor the whole family can enjoy, this is one sequel not to be passed over.
