It’s been decades since the world first fell in love with Scooby-Doo and the gang, but Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! (2026) proves that some mysteries never go out of style. This quirky live-action reboot, directed with a playful wink and a nostalgic heart, doesn’t just reintroduce Mystery Inc.—it reinvents them for a new generation while honoring everything that made the franchise iconic.
From the very first scene, the film sets a tone that’s equal parts spooky and silly. A sleepy coastal town plagued by bizarre hauntings becomes the perfect playground for our meddling kids and their talking dog. The balance between creepy atmospherics and slapstick comedy is spot-on: haunted carnivals, eerie lighthouses, and fog-drenched boardwalks are offset by Scooby’s clumsy heroics and Shaggy’s endless appetite.
Alan Tudyk voices Scooby-Doo with a warmth and comedic timing that feels both familiar and fresh. His “ruh-rohs” and bumbling charm capture the essence of the character, while giving him a sharper comedic edge that lands especially well in live action. Whether he’s tumbling through a trap or improvising a disguise, Tudyk’s Scooby is the heart of the chaos.
Justice Smith makes for a pitch-perfect Shaggy. His lanky awkwardness, jittery delivery, and wide-eyed sincerity channel the beloved character without ever feeling like parody. His chemistry with Scooby drives the comedy, but his genuine moments of bravery give the film surprising emotional depth.
As Velma, Auli’i Cravalho shines with wit and sharp intelligence. She grounds the gang with logic and quick thinking, but the film also gives her space for subtle humor and sass. Her Velma isn’t just a walking encyclopedia—she’s witty, relatable, and more confident than past incarnations, making her one of the standout performances.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Daphne flips the script on the “damsel” trope, embracing style, boldness, and a modern fearlessness that makes her every scene pop. She’s fun, flashy, and undeniably resourceful, showing that she can go toe-to-toe with the villains while keeping things lighthearted. Her dynamic with Velma is particularly enjoyable, giving the mystery-solving duo a new spark.
Then there’s Glen Powell as Fred Jones—handsome, upbeat, and hilariously overconfident. Powell leans into Fred’s lovable goofiness without making him a caricature, creating a leader whose plans constantly teeter between genius and disaster. His comic timing makes Fred’s “rally the gang” moments both charming and ridiculous, which fits perfectly with the film’s tone.
The film’s mysteries themselves are classic Scooby-Doo fare: elaborate costumes, over-the-top villains, and red herrings galore. But here, the unmaskings come with clever modern twists, subverting audience expectations just enough to keep things fresh. Each chase sequence is staged like a carnival ride—wild, colorful, and accompanied by slapstick that never overstays its welcome.
Visually, Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! bursts with energy. The sets are drenched in neon glow and cartoonish exaggeration, giving the film a comic-book aesthetic that matches the gang’s larger-than-life antics. Practical effects blend surprisingly well with digital flourishes, especially in Scooby’s more acrobatic moments, making the action sequences both absurd and thrilling.
At its core, though, the film succeeds because of the gang’s chemistry. Each actor brings individuality, but together, they spark with the same warmth and camaraderie that has defined Mystery Inc. for generations. Their friendship feels genuine, their banter natural, and when the masks come off, it’s their teamwork—not just Scooby Snacks—that saves the day.
⭐ Rating: 8.3/10 — A delightful live-action romp that keeps the Scooby spirit alive while fearlessly charting new ground.
Watch movie:
*Content is hosted on a partner site.
Suggested content for you, More in last
Related Posts
