The gang is back! Mystery Inc is investigating a new case, and we witness a significant showdown with the gang tackling what seems to be a large and fierce cat on a snowy mountain. Naturally, Scooby (Frank Weller), Shaggy (Matthew Lillard) and the gang find a way to trap it and discover who is behind the mask. In solving the case, Mystery Inc receives a big clue hinting that the creator behind the costume is none other than Coco Diablo (Myrna Velasco). Using this information, The Mystery Inc find a way to infiltrate her secret workshop and successfully make an arrest. But with Coco Diablo and her tiny kitten in prison behind bars, the gang find themselves bored with no cases that need solving.
A year goes by, and instead of solving spooky mysteries, the gang spend their days conducting the most tedious tasks, including investigating tax frauds and helping kittens come down from trees. But Halloween, Scooby and Shaggy’s favourite time of year, is just around the corner. To celebrate, the gang decide to attend a nearby Halloween festival; however, it’s not long until a few spooky things begin to occur, including sightings of various spirits and ghosts. Now, the gang is stumped about what’s going on but also excited as they have an exciting new mystery that needs to be solved!
Hopefully, Scooby-Doo and the gang should need no introduction for those reading this review. Naturally, this film is based on a popular TV series. The animation on-screen in this new feature film consists of that classic and old-style animation that many have grown up with and still love to this day (including myself). The plot is exciting and begins with a fun concept- imagine a world that doesn’t require any help from Mystery Inc.
Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo! includes a few nods and easter eggs to the original animation, including some of the past villains the gang managed to uncover and put in jail. On top of a few easter eggs and familiar references, there are also a few fun musical numbers, which put a smile on my face as I relive watching a classic animation as I once did growing up. The voice work is excellent, and Frank Welker as Scooby and Matthew Lillard as Shaggy is perfection.
However, what begins as a fun and exciting concept soon quickly loses the fun and excitement. Firstly, for the most part, the film is incredibly childish, and some gags are painful to watch as an adult. This was surprising compared to some of the previous Scooby-Doo animated films, which are typically suited for a broad audience. Here, the comedy and storyline are made for a much younger audience. The mystery aspect is weak, highly predictable, and lacks any real mystery and fun, which was extremely disappointing.
Overall, current fans of Scooby-Doo and the animation series will know what to expect here. Once again, the animation style is consistent and familiar, matching the same look and feel many would have grown up with. Including many fun easter eggs and nods for fans as well as a fun musical score, plenty of fun can be had. However, the plot and level of comedy are the massive disappointments here. The gags are more suited to a younger audience, which differs from some previous films following the gang. The plot is also weaker and lacks any significant surprises. It’s one for the fans, but I can’t deny it’s a step down from what’s been previously revealed.
5.4/10
13th January 2022
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
PODCASTS ARE AVAILABLE!
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