A really fun direct to video Scooby movie.
This movie begins with the gang stopping the Batman villain, The Scarecrow, from ruining Elvira Mistress of the Dark's Halloween parade. Scooby and Shaggy are happy because solving the mystery earlier than expected has allowed them to go trick or treating. However while out to trick or treat they find toxic waste and fear toxin dripping into a pumpkin patch. This brings many of the pumpkins to life creating scary pumpkin monsters. The gang must save the town of Crystal Cove (putting this film in the same continuity as the TV series, Scooby-Doo!: Mystery Incorporated) and team up with Elvira and Bill Nye the Science Guy to do so. As they try to save the day, they learn that their earlier mystery might not have been as clear cut as they thought it was.
There is a lot to love about this movie. The pumpkin monsters are delightfully creepy. This is not only true of their wonderfully spooky designs, but also their truly creepy laughs. There are also some truly spooky scenes involving them as we see them attack many people. This is honestly pushing how far you can go in this direction with a Scooby movie, and I love it. Even the look for Crystal Cove in the dark and after the destruction the monsters wrecked creates a very creepy atmosphere that again goes beyond the average Scooby movie. Even the action scenes here appear to be on a grander scale and that really pays off as this movie has a great sense of suspense. This movie also does a very good job of digging a little deeper into these characters. This is especially effective as the film looks into Velma having to deal with her skepticism in the face of something she cannot explain. This part of her character arc is very well handled and unlike other looks into this part of her personality she remains the very likable character she should always be. This film also deals with her denial that she can ever truly feel fear. The movie also does a good job at looking into the relationships between Velma and Shaggy and Scooby. Thie leads to some truly heartwarming scenes.
The humor is hit and miss here. There are times when it is absolutely hilarious and other times when it falls completely flat. The scenes between Daphne and Elvira made me laugh out loud, as did many of Scooby and Shaggy's lines here. Yet on the other hand the gags involving Bill Nye and the man, and his daughter fell flat for me.
The Scarecrow and Elvira are very well incorporated into the film. However, Bill Nye feels completely tacked on. He doesn't really add much to the movie except for some unfunny moments. This film also (even at only 80 minutes) feels a little overlong and can drag at times.
This film was directed and written by Maxwell Atoms, creator of The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy. He would also later direct and write the direct to video Scooby-Doo! The Sword and the Scoob (2001).
This movie is a real delight for Scooby fans like me and you.
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