'Scooby Doo and Krypto Too!' (2023)
Opening thoughts: Am still a huge fan of Scooby Doo, yes am not afraid to admit that, and have been ever since single digits. Some of my favourite childhood memories are from watching Scooby Doo, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry back when Cartoon Network and Boomerang were airing quality shows. Most of the Scooby Doo incarnations are between very good to fantastic, especially 'Where are You' and 'The Scooby Doo Show.'
'Scooby Doo and Krypto Too' is in my view worth seeing for Scooby Doo enthusiasts and stands well on its own. It's not one of the best Scooby Doo films, like 'Zombie Island' and 'Witch's Ghost', but it is a long way from being one of the worst. At least it's not the slap in the face that is 'Return to Zombie Island'. As a crossover it works quite well, the Scooby Doo franchise did well generally with its crossovers and 'Krypto Too' is no exception.
Bad things: It is agreed that 'Krypto Too' is too short, would have given it 10 or so minutes more to let the plot breathe more. Especially with so much being packed in. Also that it does feel rushed, particularly when it becomes more action packed.
The final reveal was not particularly satisfying, a running out of gas feel there with a reveal that was pretty predictable and could have had more time to be explained.
Good things: As is the case with pretty much all the Scooby Doo films, the animation is great. Very colourful and atmospheric, with a lot of detail in the character animation and elaborate action. The music has a lot of atmosphere and character. The film on the most part is well written and has a fair share of funny jokes and lines. Not just Shaggy and Scooby but also Lois and Luther. All the gang are true to character and the chemistry engages while all the crossover characters are a lot of fun and work and balance with the gang well, not overshadowing or underwritten.
While there are pacing issues, the story never stops being engaging and has entertainment value, inventive action and even a little creepiness here and there. The film starts off very well and was not expecting the climax to be as brutal as it was, a word that this reviewer does not usually associate with the Scooby Doo films. The voice acting is solid and at its best excellent.
Closing thoughts: On the whole, there was a lot to enjoy here but there was room for improvement.
7/10.
