Review: Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur
A relaxing spa getaway evolves into a prehistoric panic when Scooby-Doo and the gang uncover the horrible Phantosaur, an ancient legend come to life to protect hidden treasures buried in secret desert caves. But this scare-a-saurus doesn’t stand a chance with Shaggy(voiced by Matthew Lillard of the live-action Scooby-Doo theatrical movies) around, after he finds his inner hero with the help of new-age hypnosis. Like, it makes him more brave and less hungry!
The Movie:
Third movies have a lot to live up to. I refer to Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur as a thrid movie because the previous two, I feel, is when the Scooby DTV’s started becoming good again. Phantosaur feels like the Return of the Jedi of Scooby Doo movies. It’s good, but is a step down from its predecessors.
As for the story, it’s your typical Scooby Doo plot. Over the top villian. Your usual array of suspects. Shaggy and/or Scooby overcoming their fears. Velma falling in love with one of the main culprits{Where have I seen that before? Hmm…}. Overall, it’s pretty decent, but not the best Scooby has to offer. It was a fun movie, but honestly, I had more fun watching Camp Scare and Abracadabra-Doo. I also think the movie drags a bit, mainly due to the misdirection of the main villians.
I also didn’t think the music was as great as Camp Scare or Abracadabra-Doo. Those two had at least one song that I really liked. But nothing in this movie really impressed me music wise.
On a smaller note, the Scooby movieverse seems to be merging with SD:MI a bit. Fred has his compulsive obsession with traps{though not as bad here}. They even re-use music from the show.
The best part of Phantosaur, though, is the comedy. Shaggy having to “go on vacation” because he gets too scared and then being hypnotized into being brave was pretty funny. My favorite part was probably when Shaggy manages to take down a whole gang of biker dudes. And then there’s Shaggy learning how to ride a motorcycle. Another really funny scene is Scooby getting high on coffee.
There’s also the animation. There’s not much more to say than what I’ve said in previous reviews, other than it’s still fantastic. Especially the “retro” animation in the opening credits.
The Blu-ray:
Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur arrives in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. The only feature here is a “Searching For Phantosaurs” featurette starring Nick Palatas of Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins. Kids will probably like this, but older fans like myself will most likely skip it.
The Blu-ray also comes with a digital copy.
Overall, a good movie, but could be better. The mystery drags on for a bit too long, and the music is pretty weak. But the comedy makes up for it. And the animation is still pretty slick. Recommened!
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The Movie: 3/5
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The Blu-ray 3.5/5
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Overall: 3/5
(0)Dislikes
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Agreed, it was a good movie but there was definitely something off about it. Perhaps for me it was the music, it didn't pop the same way as the previous. And while I enjoyed the opening sequence it was kind of different in comparison to the previous two, it was a slower pace. Overall I think that may have been the problem with the entire movie, it really lacked the pacing of the others. Still enjoyable to watch though.
The more I think about it the less I like it.
I really didn't like "brave" shaggy, he came off more cocky and abrasive then brave.
The SD:MI music just seemed WAY out of place and, as you both have said, the other music just wasn't that good.
the music in the last 2 was just plain fun while the music here was down right forgettable.
I'd give it 4 out of 10 at best.
The one thing I did like in this movie was the comedy, as you mentioned. When Scooby was bouncing off the ceiling (literally) after drinking coffee and when he was dancing around on top of Shaggy's head/jumped on Fred...I seriously laughed out loud. That was amusing. And just other little details in the movie made me chuckle a bit.
But overall, I would agree with the general consensus. It wasn't as good as Abracadabra Doo or Camp Scare, but it was decent. I wish they could go back to the late 90s-early 2000-era great-quality Scooby movies...they just don't make movies like those anymore.
Any news about Mystery Incorporated??
Not yet. But you guys will be the first to know!