Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun Scooby reboot has goofy hijinks, scenes of peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Scoob!
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 52 parent reviews
Parents say this movie resonates emotionally and successfully introduces friendship themes while incorporating modern updates, though many reviewers express concern over its inappropriate humor and language, which are not suitable for younger audiences. While some appreciate the nostalgic elements and animation, others believe it undermines the original spirit of the franchise and contains excessive adult references that detract from the experience for families.
- inappropriate humor
- nostalgia factor
- family dynamics
- mixed opinions
- modern updates
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 61 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie departs significantly from the original series, often feeling unnecessary and disappointing for long-time fans. While some appreciated the animation and found it entertaining for younger audiences, many criticized the plot as convoluted, lacking a true mystery, and riddled with crude humor and pop culture references, making it less appealing to those familiar with the classic Scooby-Doo charm.
- disappointment for fans
- lacking mystery
- crude humor
- good for kids
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When SCOOB! begins, Shaggy (voiced by Iain Armitage) is a lonely young boy who runs into a mischievous dog that's stolen a skewer of gyro meat. When the police try to snatch the dog, Shaggy pretends the pup is his, and names him Scooby Dooby Doo. And thus starts a beautiful friendship. That same Halloween, the duo meet Fred, Velma, and Daphne and inadvertently solve their first mystery. A decade later, the gang now solves mysteries for a living. But when potential business investor Simon Cowell (himself) suggests that Fred (Zac Efron), Velma (Gina Rodriguez), and Daphne (Amanda Seyfried) break away from their "weak links" Shaggy (now voiced by Will Forte) and Scooby (Frank Welker), a series of unfortunate events sweeps the best friends into a dangerous mystery. It involves superhero Blue Falcon (Mark Wahlberg) and his sidekick Dynomutt (Ken Jeong) and nefarious villain Dastardly Dick (Jason Isaacs), who's trying to find the last descendant of Alexander the Great's dog, Peritas.
Is It Any Good?
This animated reboot of the classic cartoon franchise helps bring the goofy Scooby gang to a new generation of kids who will enjoy the shenanigans of these "meddling kids'" and their talking dog. The characters have managed to entertain young viewers for five decades and counting, and kids will definitely still get a kick out of their silly but also dangerous adventures. This time around, Shaggy and Scooby get help from the in-over-his-head Blue Falcon (actually, it's the Blue Falcon's son, Brian, who's dealing with a severe case of imposter syndrome), and his two capable sidekicks, Dynomutt and Dee Dee (Kiersey Clemons), who are far more effective than Brian.
Scoob! has a bunch of jokes clearly aimed at parents that will likely go over kids' heads -- even some meta ones about how Scooby got his name and why Shaggy talks like a middle-aged person's idea of a young California hippie. There's also the requisite bathroom humor, including a moment when a pterodactyl unloads a huge poop while the Scooby gang is running around (just watch). Tracy Morgan also deserves a shout-out for voicing Captain Caveman, a prehistoric man the gang encounters in their quest to defeat Dick Dastardly. It's unclear whether Scoob! will lead to more movies, but it's entertaining enough to teach little kids to appreciate the franchise -- and when to say "Zoinks!"
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Scooby-Doo remains popular after multiple decades. What's so relatable about the premise of Scoob!?
Discuss the movie's scary/violent scenes. Is the violence appropriate for the target audience?
How does this movie compare to other Scooby-Doo shows and movies? What's similar? What's different?
How are teamwork and perseverance depicted in the story? Why are they important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 21, 2020
- Cast : Will Forte , Zac Efron , Gina Rodriguez , Frank Welker
- Director : Tony Cervone
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals , Friendship , Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some action, language and rude/suggestive humor
- Last updated : November 7, 2025
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