h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The highly successful Mystery Inc. face a potential backlash from the citizens of Coolsville when they come up against a mystery they may not be able to solve, whilst Scooby and Shaggy attempt to prove their worth by embarking on their own sleuthing expeditions.

The first live-action outing for Scooby Doo was a riot of colour and fun, beloved by many fans of the cartoon, though loathed by the cynical. Those who enjoyed themselves at the original will revel again in the cast’s perfect performances (especially Matthew Lillard as Shaggy, and Linda Cardellini’s Velma), whilst those who hated it should steer well clear. ‘Scooby Doo 2’ moves closer to the feel of the original animation, deploying over-the-top villains and cartoonish set-design to great effect. For a Hollywood movie, it feels strangely personal, as if made by real fans of the cartoon.

However, in amongst the clowning around, the film tries to reach a level of maturity, attempting to address an issue fundamental to Scooby Doo in all his incarnations – appearance versus reality; the contrast of who you are against who you want others to perceive you as, and what actually happens against what the media reports. Though this ‘love the real you’ moral message doesn’t grate, it can feel a little heavy-handed at times.

Ultimately, though, if the film is let down by anything, it is the overly elongated ending – the final battle is fought twice, and manages to drag both times. Fortunately, an awkward climax doesn’t ruin an otherwise entertaining movie, sparkling with humour and fun. Go to see ‘Scooby Doo 2’ intending to enjoy yourself, or don’t go at all.

R25968 01:26 9/4/04

Hmmmm, yes.

Incisive, thank you.

F

Well, I had to say something, no?

You didn't have to say anything if you didn't have anything to say, don't worry Don't feel obliged to comment on every piece of junk I write.

Fraser

It wasn't crap. It was very well written and structured, I just haven't seen the movie.

Well, I appreciate the compliment, anyway, thanks I have to say it doesn't seem that well structured - possibly because I wrote it at 1am one night when I couldn't sleep.

Fraser

It covered all of the important facts and a little more, which covers structure. 1 AM? See, now there's a talent. At 1 AM, I'm usually writing 27 pages of obscure, useless essays or 27 pages of endless, circular thinking in my journal.

Specifically 27 pages, eh? Usually at 1am I like to be asleep, but holidays have thrown that off. I'll need to try and get a sleep-pattern again quickly before uni starts again

What's wrong with obscure essays? If you're not making your teacher work to understand your genius, then it's a waste of time being a genius

Fraser

Twenty-seven or six is usually my number. Rather strange, really.

Ah, yes, but you don't show them to the teacher because she can't even understand puns as simple as 'a red' in an essay about communism.