After the misery that was the first Scooby Doo film, it was quite a surprise to find that 1) the film was a moderate success more than breaking even globally 2) that a sequel would be forthcoming.

So it is, however, that a sequel was made and the result is something that presents itself as a solution to the anodyne experience of the original film. The first thing that is quite obvious is the amount of money thrown in, as the intro is completely created in CGI. It’s also an indication that the film will be swamped with special effects, which is perhaps not surprising as they try to solve mysterious happenings that involves monsters and ghosts.

The same gang return, and for some inexplicable reason I found myself liking Sarah Michelle Gellar for the first time. Perhaps she had some acting lessons, but she fits into her character reasonably well, as does the female playing Velma. Matthew Lillard brings Shaggy to life, instead of trying to be the character, bring much of himself into the role.

Scooby Doo himself seems to have improved in terms of the dynamic and interaction with the environment, as well seeming to gain a degree of personality. The only person that fails to garner any interest is Freddie Prinze Jr as the twat. The guy couldn’t act if the lives of his family were being hung over a vat of acid, and their staying alive depended on his acting decently for all of 2 seconds. Not possible.

I watched the film with my half-brother, as I felt it would be good to gauge reaction of a child to a children’s film. His reaction was that of being entertained. He laughed at the on screen antics of the characters, the special effects made him giggle and smile, and he seemed to enjoy the film a heck of a lot. There were moments that were a little too long and complicated for a child to understand, but it nevertheless seemed to provide fun overall.

I wish that the film makers realised not all kids films need fart gags to make them funny, as they were doing a decent job without it

My personal view of the film was one which very much outshines it’s predecessor in every department. The acting, the script, the direction, the special effects. There’s little in this that doesn’t stand out from the previous film. I thought the casting of Alicia Silverstone was quite interesting, a case of desperate times call for desperate measures? What was the last good film she starred in? Yeah, I can’t recall either.

The story is such that the Scooby Gang return to Coolsville (it’s quite disappointing to come up with a location name that has to emulate elitism or superiority) as successful crime investigators. Having solved so many mysteries, they are inaugurated with a museum that displays the suits of all their greatest successes. However, such is coincidence that one of the suits actually comes to life, causing havoc to the museum and destroying everything. After the monster disappears, another appears promising revenge and trouble. The Scooby Gang are portrayed in a bad light by the news reporter (played by Silverstone), and so their reputation is on the line to solve the mystery while avoiding the people of Coolsville.

I have to admit I was moderately entertained, and the film came across as a modern MTV equivalent of Ghostbusters. PJ Harvey is a deity. In many respects you can see that there is a certain feel for that film, and it wouldn’t surprise me if that was the intention. A group trying to solve the mystery of ghosts, while protecting the citizens of the city and being shown in a bad light as charlatans. It’s sort of familiar, and it works well enough.

After the glut of mediocrity I have seen with the likes of Van Helsing and Shrek 2, it’s rather surprising that I liked this at all. However, second time around, the team has managed to put together a fairly likable film. One which entertains children mostly, but can also raise the eyebrow of an adult. I still don’t feel that far gags in a kids film is appropriate, and it’s not exactly clever, attracting the lowest common denominator of comedy.

Scooby Doo himself seems to have improved in terms of the dynamic and interaction with the environment, as well seeming to gain a degree of personality

I wish that the film makers realised not all kids films need fart gags to make them funny, as they were doing a decent job without it. There’s also a lack of consistency and logic, and sexual innuendo which I felt inappropriate (Velma in a latex outfit was a bit much, and fairly suggestive). I can see they tried the moral stick, but it doesn’t quite work for children seeing as they don’t understand all that much, and don’t suggestions to perpetuate their curiosity. Kids will understand and learn these things without prompts from films, so they shouldn’t honestly bother.

Still, aside from the small gripes, as a kids film this was very entertaining, making the little git laugh and guffaw in amusement. For me, however, I was still trying to understand why I liked Sarah Michelle Gellar in this. Was it the short skirt, the hair, or the lack of her face on screen? Perhaps a measure of all three. I thought the fight sequences were very reminiscent of Buffy (Sarah shows her face, enter stunt double to do all the cool moves, then back to Sarah’s face) and it was very funny to watch. Mind you, when they did a close of her face I was fairly frightened at my earlier thoughts.

I can’t see I really got into the film, nor can I say I truly enjoyed it. But you have to suspend some belief and let go of reality for a moment. This isn’t aimed at adults, but at children, who’s imaginations are starting to peak and develop. It’s an easing in into the world of Hollywood mediocrity, and a taster of the colourful candy that they present. Kids will eventually understand this candy is bad for them and start watching foreign flicks, but for now I guess this will do.

Verdict: Very entertaining and enjoyable kids flick. Stonkingly better than the original effort, but remember it’s very much aimed at children and not adults.