Family-friendly “Scoob!” brings the cartoon into a new age, but loses its identity in the process.

Jinkies! Everyone’s favorite meddling kids and talking dog has returned to stop a global dog-pocalypse in the animated adventure, Scoob!

Growing up, I always loved the Scooby-Doo cartoons. Unfortunately, the recent adaptations have never stuck the landing or lived up to the fun of the original series.

Scoob! was definitely not what I expected.

Instead of a quirky mystery, Scoob! tries hard to be an action-packed comic book movie, overstuffed with pop culture references and adult humor (which, I admit, had me chuckling).

I did not totally dislike Scoob! It is entertaining — especially during quarantine.

However, the plot did not align with the original identity of the cartoon series, leaving me disappointed, asking, “Scooby-Doo, where are you?”

The chaotic superhero-like energy of Scoob! is so overpowering, that you don’t feel like you’re watching Scooby and the gang. It’s like you’re watching an old friend have an identity crisis.

So, in other words, if you’re looking for a trip down memory lane, folks, it’s not here.

Don’t fret. Our Mystery Inc. crew is still as lovable as ever — especially the new confidence and depth given to Daphne and Velma (voiced by Amanda Seyfried and Gina Rodriguez).

I do think it’s a crime that Matthew Lillard didn’t reprise his role as Shaggy. He was the BEST casting from the live action films and completely captured Shaggy’s groovy voice and nuances from the animated series. Will Forte just didn’t sound like Shaggy and it was really distracting.

However, the strongest element of the film is its animation and design. Scoob! is super clean, bright, colorful, and aesthetically pleasing. Bravo to Universal for stepping their animation levels up!

If anything, I am happy to see that Scooby-Doo and the friendship of the Mystery Inc. crew is being brought to a new generation.

That being said, I recommend families stuck at home with children to welcome this happy little distraction into their homes. It’s definitely not the best watch, but your kids will enjoy it and you’ll have some laughs (or some peace and quiet for 90 minutes).

You can purchase Scoob! through video on demand platforms such as iTunes, YouTube, Amazon Prime or MoviesAnywhere.

A huge thank you to my dear friend, Sean Rice, who helped make this review possible.

Final Thoughts: Scoob! is an entertaining watch for the family, but, at the end of the day, the original cartoons are still far more superior.