The Scooby Doo franchise has been very familiar to changes of pace, most of the incarnations have at least one episode that does something different to the others and a number of the films have diverted from the formula or put its own spin on it. "The High School Wolfman's Lament" is 'Scooby Doo and Guess Who's' change of pace and is not the first time the franchise staged the mystery as a musical. 'Music of the Vampire' (personally remember liking that film, though many others didn't) did as well.
Between "The High School Wolfman's Lament" and 'Music of the Vampire', the former does a better job with the musical aspect and is better overall. Will admit to finding the concept on the cheesy side on paper, but then again this is coming from someone who had low expectations watching the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Once Upon a Time' musical episodes and ended up loving both, especially the former which was a show high point. This is not one of the best 'Scooby Doo and Guess Who' episodes and a step down from "I Put a Hex on You", but it is still very good.
Personally would have liked the villain to have been scarier than he was, he was still fun but he would have been a lot more sinister without the goofy pants.
While Christian Slater was a nice enough guest star, there could have been more of him and more could have been done with his personality.
He does have witty and charming interaction with the gang, though again there could have been more. The gang are all on top form, even Velma who is less know-it-all-like and bossy and Kate Micucci doesn't overdo it as much. Shaggy and Scooby are absolutely delightful, with a few classic moments that reminded me very fondly of old Scooby Doo. The mystery is very compelling and not too simple or over-stuffed, loved the mix of quirky and creepy in the atmosphere and there is lots of energy throughout. Loved the "Screama Donna" (one of the better episodes of 'Be Cool Scooby Doo')-like staging of the reveal, which was a complete surprise. The way the motive is explained is especially clever.
Furthermore, the animation is colourful and richly detailed. The writing and jokes are funny, with no over-emphasis on running jokes, with the lion's share going to Shaggy and Scooby. Including a nice bit with them and the wolfman at the piano. What made "The High School Wolfman's Lament" is the music, which is really quite fabulous and of much catchier and more consistent quality than that of 'Music of the Vampire'. The standouts being "Suspects" and especially "The Mystery Machine's on Broadway", just loved the references to past villains done in a montage in the latter and the twist on the suspect introductions was intriguing.
Summing up, very well done and was really surprised at how well it turned out. 8/10.
