Scoob! is a classic example of how wonderful characters and fun storytelling stand the test of time. As my own kids BEGGED for this movie as soon as they saw a preview during their viewing of Frozen 2 in theater, it was clear we would eventually watch this film.
As a little aside into some of our kids’ background, they’ve been fond of Scooby-Doo for quite some time. They have watched several seasons of the earlier cartoon series, LEGO movies, and even some of the more recent animations. Needless to say, they love the beloved dog and the mystery solving team.
For any parent looking for a movie they will enjoy with their kids, Scoob! is extremely lighthearted, and any intense action sequences are filled with humorous dialogue or comical chases. The movie is perfectly fine at PG, and I would go as far to say I would’ve let my kids watch it at a younger age, relevant to G-rated materials.
Additionally, here’s the official rating and information for the adorable film:
Scoob! (2020)
Rated: PG
Runtime: 1 hour, 33 minutes
PG Rating, via Motion Picture Association of America: “Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children – Parents urged to give ‘parental guidance.’ May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.”
As we at Fanbase Press discuss why #StoriesMatter, an initiative to discuss the importance of storytelling, Scoob! definitely falls within this category simply by its ability to connect with kids over the course of over 50 years. With Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! first airing in September 1969, this franchise has endured with lovable characters, while also softly introducing kids to scary creatures, the importance of teamwork, and learning morals to the story that translate to the real world.
Scoob! reintroduces our favorite Mystery Inc. characters with an opening credit scene that pays homage to the original series, and the kids (and myself) noticed and appreciated seeing the original sequence come to life in a new way. One of the most important aspects of this film, since my kids saw the trailer at least, is the introduction to how our heroes met long ago. I would also like to inform parents that as soon as your kids watch this movie, they will most certainly (like mine did) request to have more Scooby-Doo cartoons or movies with the team in their early years. That’s how much they loved it – and they pointed this out as soon as the movie flash forwarded to their regularly aged selves.
With regards to the story, it’s important to note that this film highlights the significance of friendship. We discover how Shaggy and Scooby-Doo met each other and ultimately, how they ran into Velma, Daphne, and Fred. The importance of Shaggy and Scooby meeting is presented in a way that allows kids to truly understand how important it is to have a friend in their lives. Not only does that person support and love them, there’s a bond formed through connecting with another through conversation. Both characters are introduced as being on their own and lonely. Since kids have seen their favorite characters as adults, they are able to see that friendships can form early on and then recognize that friendships can last a lifetime.
Another key element to friendships addressed in Scoob! is the understanding that people do change. There are hardships and jealousy that can impact the way friends interact with each other. It gives kids a sense of understanding that friendships do take work to maintain, but through and through, in the end, there’s a clear message. No matter how we change as we grow up, it does not mean that the friendship has to change. Friends can be eerily similar or drastically different, but the bonds they form are as representative in this film as knowing why the Scooby-Doo franchise has been around for so long.
Kids love good storytelling and fun characters, while also gaining insight into positive and negative behavior. “Bad guys” steal and commit crimes. “Good guys” solve the mystery and eat very large sandwiches. This perfect combination has never gotten old, and it’s clear with the latest animated film that the gang (and the creators behind it) still have what it takes to provide a wonderful experience for kids and their parents.
An A+ win for Scoob!
Also, if your kiddos are interested in playing games or solving puzzles, the film’s website has a collection of online or printable activities for your kids to enjoy. Some of those activities include coloring sheets, crossword puzzles, word searches, mazes, memory match, and you can even take a selfie with your favorite dog.
What do you think of the newest movie? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below or head over to Facebook and Twitter to share what you or your kids love most about Scoob! Me? I loved hearing my kids cackling at the top of their lungs at the silly antics the gang found themselves in.
Until next time, happy parenting and happy geeking.
