Being a huge 'Scooby Doo' fan for goodness knows how long, any new show, special or film would be watched with great anticipation. While 'Scooby Doo Where Are You' is still the jewel of the crown of the franchise, the specials are variable but interesting.
'Lego Scooby Doo! Knight Time Terror', even with the different but interesting Lego animation adopted, is one of the better specials that include the late 80s TV films/specials with Scrappy and half the gang missing and 'Night of the Living Doo' (the best, with 'Arabian Nights' being the worst). It is very short and it feels it, with some of the storytelling feeling rushed. Personally felt that the romantic subplot was very shoe-horned in and weakly written, being soppy and just when Velma was starting to get into my good books again it made her somewhat unlikeable.
Daphne is practically side-lined here and seems devoid of personality, a shame because as ever Grey DeLisle does voice her well. Her Lego character design is pretty unappealing, the rest of the gang are rendered very well and remarkably resembling the designs we're familiar with, apart from the hair and the clothes it is not easy to recognise her properly here.
However, the Lego animation is very nicely done. It's very colourful and atmospheric, with some of the visuals also being inventive, and the villain has a pretty awesome design. The music is both dynamic and groovy, with a lot of energy and a haunting undercurrent, even though under-utilised somewhat.
The writing is smart and clever, as well as very funny. There are some endearingly goofy jokes (in classic 'Scooby Doo' fashion, while also feeling current), witty digs and inside jokes. The humour is quirky but there are a fair share of thrills and scares, which is what makes 'Scooby Doo' so charming in the first place.
'Knight Time Terror' has an engaging story, and has a wonderfully creepy but also quirky atmosphere that is just perfect for the setting. The reveal is surprising and liked Shaggy and Scooby's involvement here. The villain is awesomely designed and is effectively menacing.
Shaggy and Scooby never fail to bring a smile to my face, are goofy in an endearing way and their friendship, one of the best things about the franchise in general, is so charming and entertaining.
Voice acting is very good. Frank Welker shows no signs of being long in the tooth despite voicing Fred since the very beginning way back in 1969, so nearly 50 years and he is going strong. His Scooby voice took some getting used to, having been so accustomed to Don Messick since forever, but it's definitely grown on me. Matthew Lillard is a worthy successor to Casey Kasem, a very difficult feat that he pulls off with ease, he is hilarious and an immensely likable goofball.
Kate Micucci does well as Velma, though the writing for the character is not the best. Grey DeLisle has to work with Daphne being bland but that doesn't stop her putting effort with the character regardless.
In conclusion, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
