If you need any proof that I have "issues", my fondness for "Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" may be all the proof you need. In fact, I have to be honest...it's even worse. I have the hots for Velma...big time...so, even with Sarah Michelle Gellar in there...I have the hots for the one with lesbian tendencies. Wow, I have issues.

Seriously, though, this film is a nice, pleasant view on a rainy day that is good for the whole family and at least moderately entertaining. Of course, if you go in expecting the old cartoon you will be disappointed...and I still find the CGI Scooty irritating...but, there's just something about this film that I've enjoyed.

First, Matthew Lillard...well, yeah, he's over the top here...but, it's a fun over the top. I'll be the first to admit it requires a certain suspension of critical thinking...but, the simple fact is I enjoyed it somewhat.

I can't say that I care much for Gellar or Freddie Prinze Jr., but they are serviceable here, and generally work well with the cast. Along with Lillard, Linda Cardellini does a nice job as the aforementioned Velma. There are also appearances by Alicia Silverstone, Seth Green, Peter Boyle and Tim Blake Nelson.

This film is not brilliant by any means...in fact, I'd be hard pressed to call it a good film at all. Yet, I feel comfortable rating it in the "C" range because it does a nice job of hitting its target audience and is an easygoing, entertaining way to spend an afternoon with the family. Prinze is better here than he was in the original, and Lillard and Cardellini nail their characters quite nicely. Only Gellar seems to remain a bit awkward here.

I can't say that I'm hoping for a long series of these films, but I've seen far worse sequels than this one.

© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic