Have been a big fan of Scooby Doo since single digits. Love most of the incarnations, especially 'Scooby Doo Where are You' and 'The Scooby Doo Show', and even like a couple of the negatively received ones better than most (personally considered 'The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo' underrated). Most of the animated Scooby Doo films range between good and great, especially 'Zombie Island' and 'Witch's Ghost'. Didn't care for every single one of them, 'Monster of Mexico' didn't do much for me and 'Return to Zombie Island' was a real disappointment.
There was no doubt about seeing 'The Sword and the Scoob', not just because of Scooby Doo completest sake but also the idea was truly fascinating and pretty unique for the franchise. There is also nothing wrong with being different and different has come off well, 'Goblin King' was a change of pace also and am personally quite fond of that. 'The Sword and the Scoob' turned out to be highly enjoyable and well done. Not on the same level as 'Zombie Island' and 'Witch's Ghost' but infinitely better than the previous two Scooby Doo films.
Good things are many. The animation is vibrantly colourful and atmospheric, everything looking smooth and the backgrounds are rich in detail. The music had groove and atmosphere and didn't sound outdated or out of place. The voice acting is on the money with no exception, especially Matthew Lillard who has proven himself to be a more than worthy successor to the immortal Casey Kasem. Not as good, but the best Shaggy voice actor since as he is the only successor to nail the mix of funny, endearing goofiness and likeability.
Referencing is smart and nostalgic, never feeling thrown in, random or cheesy. 'The Sword and the Scoob' has a lot of funny writing that also flows and has heart. Shaggy's lines are especially fun. The throwbacks to the past are done with respect and affection for classic Scooby, which was a delight for this fan. There is a nicely paced and engaging story, thin on mystery but not over obvious and benefits massively from the colourful and nostalgic medieval setting and the imaginative and non confusing time travel. As well as some nice creepy conflict. Scooby and Shaggy are nailed and Velma is at her least annoying and true to character in a while. Did enjoy Daphne's stronger and more quirky personality and it gels a lot better than in 'Happy Halloween Scooby Doo'.
Not everything works. Merlin's character writing is far too silly and this is the least likeable and actually pretty obnoxious interpretation of King Arthur in recent memory. Am aware and appreciate what the film was trying to do, but for me it didn't work. The ending is too much of a tacked on cheat and is too neat.
Once again, Fred comes over as rather wet and borderline sappy. Where is the more resourceful leader that makes the decisions of the earlier incarnations?
Concluding, highly enjoyable. 7/10.
