A typically fun Scooby-Doo! movie. This may not stand out from other good entries in the series but it is quite entertaining in its own right.
The basic plot is clever if not exactly original. Shaggy being a dead ringer for ghost is a great idea and it works very well here. It not only gets some good laughs, but allows for some great character moments with Shaggy that we do not see in the average Scooby-Doo! film. This film also finds great chemistry between Daphne and Velma, a duo who's comedic potential together really hasn't been explored like it should have. The two characters give the film some of its funniest moments and it is a lot of fun to watch them play off each other. I have never been a fan of how Fred has gotten dumbed down for comedic purposes in some other movies, so I am happy that this film gets some good comedy out of Fred without really dumbing him down. The ghost while not as creepy as the villains in Zombie Island, Witch's Ghost or Big Top Scooby-Doo! is quite menacing and creates some good suspense. The ride down the rapids was certainly an above average suspense scene for this series. Shaggy's cousin is a very likable new character and has a great rapport with her cousin.
The main problem with this movie is there are too many side characters and subplots. Even being only 80 minutes, this film feels stretched well beyond the length it should be.
All and all this is definitely a good movie, even if it doesn't stand out from the crowd.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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