Scooby-Doo! and Krypto, Too!

Well, the good thing here is that you know what you are getting yourself into when you sit down to watch the 2023 animated movie "Scooby-Doo and Krypto Too".

However, I have to say that I found the storyline, as written by T. K. O'Brian, a bit too mundane and generic. Sure, it was watchable, given the fact that it was a combination of classic Scooby-Doo mixed in with some DC Justice League. But it ultimately was just soup boiled on watered-down broth.

The art style and animation in "Scooby-Doo and Krypto Too" is good, and that classic "Scooby-Doo!" drawing style just works every time, and it certainly helps to make it all the more watchable.

With "Scooby-Doo and Krypto Too" being an animated movie, then having a proper voice acting ensemble is important. And you know with the likes of Frank Welker, Grey Griffin, Matthew Lillard and Kate Micucci as the Mystery Gang, then you're in capable hands.

I found "Scooby-Doo and Krypto Too" to be enjoyable and watchable for what it turned out to be, though director Cecilia Aranovich didn't bring anything new to the franchise.

My rating of "Scooby-Doo and Krypto Too" lands on a bland five out of ten stars.

Lovely animated film, very amusing crossover which worked quite well. Off course, for this actually work, it had to present more the Scooby-Doo style than the DC Comics one. However, there was throughout the film a homage to several moments and characters in DC universe (including Superfriends), Krypto was a key partner for saving the day, and the final battle , which combined both Justice League and Scooby-Doo styles, was nice. There are several funny gags, and hilarious moments with the Mistery Machine crew together with Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, or Clark Kent. I seriously missed Batman (nonsense absence!), but Daphne is as good redhead Batgirl as Barbara Gordon. The "Transformers Super Sentai" were a nice addition. The hot dog seller and the valet parker provided a good contribution as additional characters. Extremely amusing and satisfying experience for a fan of both Scooby-Doo and Justice League.

This movie offers a moderately enjoyable crossover experience, earning a solid six out of ten stars for its watchable yet unremarkable adventure. The film successfully blends the classic Scooby-Doo mystery formula with the iconic heroes and villains of the DC Universe, providing some fun interactions and visual gags as the Mystery Inc. Gang teams up with the Super-Pets to solve a series of perplexing disappearances. While the voice acting is as charming as ever and the animation is vibrant, the plot itself feels a bit too predictable, rarely straying from well-worn tropes and lacking the deeper thematic elements or surprising twists that would elevate it beyond a simple animated romp. It's a pleasant diversion for fans of either franchise, but it doesn't leave a lasting impression or stand out as a must-watch in either canon.

'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.

Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen are searching the Hall of Justice for the seemingly missing Justice League. They find a fiery phantom instead. It's all hands on deck as supervillains are wrecking havoc on Metropolis. Jimmy calls his summer camp friend Daphne. The Scooby-Doo gang arrives at the Hall to solve the phantom with help from Krypto The Superdog and Lex Luthor.

This is an animated mashup between Scooby-Doo and DC Justice League. It has some fun with the silly premise. It is very much a Scooby-Doo mystery and the final reveal is not that exciting. I would have liked to pin the whole thing on a janitor. The silly fun runs a little thin by the end, but it is still a good time.