Hello, I'm the Nostalgia Critic. I remember it so you don't have to.
I would describe myself as a Scooby-Doo fan in passing. I'm not an expert, but I grew up with the show and I'll always be a bit curious about what they are doing with its formula and characters. That's probably who the makers of the 2020 movie 'Scoob' were targeting. The film got mixed responses; some fans and critics argued that it lacked mystery, changed too many voice actors, and seemed more focused on building another cinematic universe. But I viewed it differently, especially because it was released at the start of the pandemic when something light and fun was what many were looking for.
'Scoob!' tells a modern story beginning in California where a young Scooby-Doo forms a friendship with Shaggy. As they grow older, they team up with Fred, Daphne, and Velma, solving mysteries together. Despite the love for classics, the movie tries to push into a larger Hanna-Barbera universe with characters like Blue Falcon and Dynomutt, which may have felt more like plugs for another project.
The film retained some humor and nostalgic appeal, but faced criticism for its focus on brand-building over storytelling. With colorful visuals and familiar voices, it had its enjoyable moments, but some felt it missed an emotional connection. While I understand the criticisms, as a fan, I found it to be a colorful escape, especially during tough times.
The movie also featured revamped versions of the characters from 'A Pup Named Scooby-Doo,' making notable changes to their personalities. Though not everyone's favorite, it offered laughs and a combination of action and comedy. Even with divergent opinions, it's interesting to see how this simple, decades-old franchise still draws audiences.