Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Scarecrow
Halloween-themed mystery has scythe-wielding monster.
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Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Scarecrow
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Scarecrow is a Halloween-themed animated Scooby-Doo adventure with a suitably creepy monster. While it is always good natured, there are some jumps and moments of threat. These include characters being chased by the scythe-wielding scarecrow and by a combine harvester. A character crashes through the vehicle's windscreen but is unharmed. A teen couple feature and affectionately hold hands. A man with an unusual appearance is the butt of a "I like your mask" joke and a male character takes offence when called skinny. Another character is called "pretty boy."
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What's the Story?
In SCOOBY-DOO! AND THE SPOOKY SCARECROW, a town's legend comes to life and wreaks havoc on the Halloween celebrations. Is it really the scary Cornfield Clem (voiced by Steve Blum) or might there be another explanation? Scooby-Doo (Frank Welker) and pals investigate.
Is It Any Good?
Halloween is a natural home for a Scooby-Doo mystery. So it's no surprise that Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Scarecrow fully embraces the opportunity and goes all-in. A town is covered in jack-o-lanterns and decorations, and the autumnal thrill radiates from the screen. Throwing in the spooky local legend of Cornfield Clem livens up proceedings, and the array of characters we meet in the short runtime is diverse and intriguing, from the grave digger to the stern cop. The mystery of who is under the mask will keep you guessing too and is just the right side of spooky for young kids to still be able to enjoy. To top it off, the explanation and reveal is entirely satisfying and logical.
A portion of the story takes place in a maize maze, which is being set up at the start. Putting the climactic chase in the maze lets us enjoy the scares set up at the beginning and is another well-thought out aspect to this excellent addition to the Scooby-Doo franchise. The art department clearly reveled in the Halloween setting, a highlight being the chase around a fairground in which Clem scales a Ferris wheel. The image of a scythe-wielding monster silhouette against the moon on top of a fairground ride is just brilliant and a triumph for a top quality Scooby-Doo adventure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the scares in Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Scarecrow. Did you find any parts of the movie scary? Which scenes in particular? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How did the Mystery Gang show teamwork and curiosity? Why are these such good character strengths to have? Can you think of any examples in real life when you've shown these traits?
Do you celebrate Halloween? Why do you think some people like to dress up as spooky things? Do you enjoy it?
Cornfield Clem is a local legend in the town Scooby-Doo visits. Have you heard of folklore before? Do you know any other legends? How do you think these stories get started?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 9, 2013
- Cast: Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn, Grey Griffin
- Director: Michael Goguen
- Studio: Warner Home Video
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths: Curiosity, Teamwork
- Run time: 22 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: May 19, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo!
Creepy but silly holiday tale has cartoon violence, peril.
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Scooby-Doo! Ghastly Goals
Slapstick soccer mystery has a mildly scary monster.
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Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy
Lots of comic action and silly scares in amusing tale.
For kids who love Halloween
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