Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mystery contains familiar elements, some scary moments.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Scooby-Doo and the Monster of Mexico
What's the Story?
Scooby, Shaggy (Casey Kasem), and the gang take a trip in the Mystery Machine south of the border to Veracruz, where they learn that El Chupacabra is terrorizing the town and scaring away tourists from their friend's hotel. As they learn of El Chupacabra and of the greedy crooks who seek to make money off the town, Fred (Frank Welker) and Velma begin to suspect foul play. Their adventures lead them throughout Veracruz, into bizarre museums and ancient temples, where they uncover clues and start piecing the mystery together. As "meddling kids," they must work together to find who is behind these "monstrous" appearances, and why.
Is It Any Good?
There really isn't anything new in SCOOBY DOO AND THE MONSTER OF MEXICO. For parents who grew up watching the cartoon in the '70s and '80s, all the familiar moments are there: Scooby says "Zoinks!," Shaggy has the munchies, the monster is really a bad guy wearing a costume, and the kids are "meddling." That being said, for those who enjoy this familiar formula, and enjoy playing along and trying to solve the mystery, there's much to like in this installment.
However, this film does have the feel of being padded, like it could have easily been 30 minutes instead of 75. Furthermore, the exploration into Mexican culture feels at times as if it borders dangerously close to stereotyping. Still, for fans of the Mystery Machine and her passengers, this comfortable and enjoyably familiar story will entertain.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Mexican culture. Do you think this cartoon accurately depicted Mexican culture? Were there any stereotypes?
How is this Scooby-Doo movie similar to other installments of Scooby-Doo? How is it different?
What is the appeal of Scooby-Doo? Why do you think it has remained popular for so many years?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 8, 2005
- Cast : Casey Kasem , Frank Welker , Heather Kenny
- Director : Scott Jeralds
- Inclusion Information : Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Hanna-Barbera Productions
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Dogs ) , Arts , Cooking , Holidays ( Día de los Muertos ) , Friendship , Fantasy ( Ghosts , Monsters ) , History , Travel
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 6, 2025
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