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Scooby-Doo and the Samurai Sword

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 6.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Scooby's Japanese adventure is fun but a little violent.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Kids might pick up a little about Asian culture, but overall the movie's goal is to entertain rather than educate.

  • Messages:

    "The Gang" is very cooperative, and they strive to help people solve mysteries. The way the movie presents Asian culture is a mixed bag -- some of the stereotypes are a little off-putting (everyone in Japan is always taking photos, Manga-style female violence, etc.), while others are fine (the role of honor in society). There are also themes related to a "master" and a "servant" role.

  • Role models:

    Velma and Daphne are strong female characters whose skills help with problem solving.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    A decent amount of violent imagery. Nothing bloody, but there are brutal scenes where sword fighting, martial arts confrontations, and ninja attacks are highlighted. Some threatening phrases and references to violence. "The Sword of Doom shall be your destroyer," yells the Black Samurai, for example.

     

  • Sexy stuff:

    Girls and teens are shown wearing short skirts and curve-revealing outfits. Nothing new about this. When Daphne and Miyumi engage in martial arts conflict, Shaggy says: "Like, meow. Talk about a kung fu cat fight!"

  • Language:

    Polynesian natives speak in Ooga-booga language, which could be perceived as demeaning.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Scooby-Doo and the Samurai Sword

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.

Read our full review by Joly Herman

Did this review help you decide?

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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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    PatrickGraham
    I rate this title iffy for age 4 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    O.K.

    I thought it was pretty good, except it got boring around the middle. Great for kids!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lord of Sushi
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 3.0

    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.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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