 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Scooby-Doo and the Samurai Sword
- Review Date: March 14, 2009
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Scooby's Japanese adventure is fun but a little violent.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there are many fight scenes in this straight-to-DVD Scooby-Doo movie -- "samurai" and "sword" are part of the title, after all. Some of the images of the Black Samurai are frightening: He has blazing eyes and sharp fangs, and his presence is larger than life. Themes of master and apprentice take on a master and servant tone, which might be a little off-putting to some parents.
What's the story?
Scooby and the gang fly to Japan for Daphne's (voiced by Mindy Cohn) martial arts exhibition and land smack in the middle of a mystery. It appears that the Black Samurai has suddenly arisen from the dead; finding the Sword of Fate is the only way to fight his larger-than-life presence. Daphne's skills as a martial artist are put to the test, while her friends' loyalty is questioned. As the mystery intensifies, so do the challenges that face our unlikely heroes. Can they, like, master their own skills and save the day? Watch and see, young samurai.
Is it any good?
Definitely compelling -- but also focused on fighting -- SCOOBY-DOO AND THE SAMURAI SWORD attempts to bring a little bit of Japanese culture to the mystery at hand. With dragons and ghostly samurais, the feature succeeds in creating an entertaining addition to the Scooby-Doo empire. But the fighting and violence between opponents isn't always appropriate for the youngest viewers. The Black Samurai also cuts a pretty scary figure.
Still, there are jokes and antics and chase scenes galore, which will engage kids. Fans of Scooby and Shaggy will definitely get their fill of zany fun.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what it means to be a true master. Is it someone who controls other people, or someone who teaches others? Do you have mastery in any particular field? How can you gain mastery? Does it take practice, or does it happen magically?
How does this movie compare to other Scooby-Doo movies or TV series you've seen?
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AGE
Decent
This movie is a decent movie that uses the same formula as all the other lame direct-to-dvd Scooby Doo movies. Hoewver, this one is more violent than the other ones as there is actual swords used. I only rated this 3-stars as there's more violence, but no blood or gore.
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AGE
Not for fans of the series
Scooby Doo has always been cheesy fun, but it had an important core message: seemingly supernatural occurrences have rational (if campy) explanations. It's critical to note that the Gang never solves the mystery in this movie— supernatural elements remain unexplained in the end. In contrast with the Scooby Doo tradition; dragons, ghosts, and "spirits" are presented as real. Definitely not for fans of Scooby Doo.
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Kid, 11 years old
October 24, 2009
AGE
O.K.
I thought it was pretty good, except it got boring around the middle. Great for kids!
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| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Christopher Berkeley |
| Cast: | Casey Kasem, Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 75 minutes |
| DVD release date: | April 7, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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