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Scooby-Doo: Abracadabra-Doo (NR)

common sense media says

Good times, but scary images might spook youngest viewers.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there are some frightening images in this Scooby movie, including a screaming banshee and a griffin who haunts the characters. But, in keeping with the Scooby series tradition, through teamwork, the gang figures out that a couple of bad apples are behind the shenanigans that are frightening people away.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: The gang works as a team to solve mysteries. Plus a lesson in forgiveness.
Positive role models: Independent, smart Velma is probably the most admirable of the gang's members. Whirlen Merlin, the head of the magician's academy, seems to care about his students. Merlin's brother Marlin makes a big
mistake and cries convincingly when he asks for forgiveness.
Violence & scariness: Not as violent as it is scary -- a banshee who has a placid female face turns ghoulish, screaming and chasing the gang. The griffin that haunts the grounds of the Whirlen Merlin Magic academy is huge and terrifying. Perilous moments where Shaggy and Scooby nearly fall off of a bridge.
Sexy stuff: Very curvy female characters scantily clad. Fred goes gaga over a magician's assistant named Crystal.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Scooby and Shaggy load up on junk food whenever they can. Mentions of burgers, ice cream, shakes, and the chewy, gooey pizza that Shaggy drools over.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Scooby-Doo: Abracadabra-Doo

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about why some scary movies are fun for some kids and not fun for others. Here are some tips that can help families decide which movies feel right for all members of the family.
  • Did you notice anything about the girl characters? Are short skirts and leotards just typical cartoon-girl fare? Why do you think the animators portray girls this way? Does it bother you?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Scooby-Doo (voiced by Frank Welker) and the gang have just solved another mystery when Velma (Mindy Cohn) gets a call from her mom, telling her that there is a mystery underway at her sister's school. The gang get in the Mystery Machine -- equipped with a new smart-alecky G.P.S. -- and wend their way up the mountainous paths to the O'Flannery Castle, home of the Whirlen Merlin Magic Academy. Before they can say "Alakazam," they are being chased by the terrifying griffin that haunts the night skies. It's up to these teenage ghost-busters to solve the mystery that is threatening to close the school.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Kids will like the recognizable pattern of the Scooby-Doo formula, even though Shaggy has a new voice (Casey Kasem has been replaced by the lovable Matthew Lillard). The predominance of scantily clad teenage girls in a kids' movie is a mystery, however. Otherwise, the gang's teamwork and the self-depreciating humor really work in this Scooby movie -- especially where the world of magic is concerned. Parents might even hear their kids mimicking some of the funny one-liners from this movie after it's over.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Home Video
Director: Spike Brandt, Tony Cervone
Cast: Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Mindy Cohn
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 75 minutes
DVD release: February 16, 2010
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Chrihddjason
kid, 12 years old
17
 
Scooby-Doo: Abracadabra-Doo Review
Rating: NO KIDS for language "Scooby Doo Ab-ra-ca-d-a-bra Doo is a hard language, nobody knows that language"
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)
BabyHeckel
parent of 3 and 5 year old
5
 
not for preschoolers
We didn't like it. I did not check the rating first, being new to this site, and it was way to scar for my 4 year old!!!
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (4)
marceladns
parent of 3 and 6 year old
4
 
Scary and fun for little ones
My kids (4 & 6) are huge Scooby doo fans, they both enjoyed this movie and were pretty scared (they are both thrill seekers) and so did I, it was fun, filled with mystery and scary-hide-behind-mommy moments. I do have a little problem with it: why set Daphne & Fred as a couple? I know it's not a big deal but I don't see the need to push a love interest for characters that been on TV just as friends for over 30 years. They relate just fine being friends. For movies aim to kids I find it a bit pushy.
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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