Scoob!
Scoob! is a 2020 animated mystery comedy film that serves as a reboot of the Scooby-Doo theatrical franchise, exploring the origin story of how Scooby-Doo and Shaggy first met and teamed up with Fred, Daphne, and Velma to form Mystery Inc. The film expands the Hanna-Barbera universe by introducing other iconic characters such as Blue Falcon, Dynomutt, and Dick Dastardly, as the gang embarks on a global adventure to stop a world-threatening plot involving ancient mysteries and Scooby's secret legacy. Targeted at children aged 6-10, the movie features a fast-paced narrative with themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-worth. While it maintains the classic Scooby-Doo charm, it incorporates modern animation and humor. Parents should be aware of the film's PG rating, which is attributed to elements such as animated action sequences, some suggestive humor, and occasional coarse language. Overall, it offers an adventure that may appeal to fans of the original cartoons, with positive messages about sticking together and valuing differences.
Concerns
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film contains several intense and frightening scenes that may disturb younger children, including monstrous villains, dangerous chase sequences, and unsettling environments.
Dick Dastardly's small killer robots transform into threatening scorpions with razor blades, rotating chainsaw arms, glowing red eyes, and snapping jagged teeth. Scenes include characters on a rollercoaster with a broken section flying off, and a Ferris wheel coming loose and rolling across the ground in an abandoned amusement park.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film includes a scene that uses cross-dressing and implied same-sex attraction for comedic effect, identified by some as problematic 'queer coding' of a villain. While the movie itself does not feature openly LGBTQ+ characters, discussions in fan communities and media analyses highlight this specific scene.
The villain Dick Dastardly disguises himself as a female police officer. Fred is depicted as being visually attracted to this disguised character, with 'sexy music' playing and Fred seeing 'love hearts' around her, which is later revealed to be Dastardly for a 'same-sex attraction joke.' This is seen as coding the villain as 'gender bending' which can dispose viewers to think of queer people as abnormal.
Violence
MediumScoob! contains frequent animated slapstick violence, scenes of peril, and specific threats, though largely in a comedic or action-adventure context. The violence includes destructive robots and characters in dangerous situations.
Dick Dastardly commands an army of small killer robots that transform into scorpions equipped with razor blades and chainsaw arms. Blue Falcon explicitly states, 'I can totally pound the crap out of this guy…it's going to be my super hero moment,' indicating an intent for physical aggression.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe movie includes mild crude and suggestive humor that may be more noticeable to older children and adults. There are visual gags and verbal references that hint at adult themes.
A female police officer is described as 'hot' and depicted in an 'unrealistically tight police uniform,' with Fred reacting with 'love hearts' and 'sexy music' upon seeing her. A character makes a joke to Blue Falcon, asking if he 'thought Tinder was an app that delivered firewood!'
Profanity
MediumThe film contains coarse language, insults, and a double entendre. While not frequent strong profanity, the words used contribute to a medium severity rating.
Common insults used include 'dimwit,' 'imbeciles,' 'morons,' 'pinhead,' 'boot-licking suck-up,' 'flatulent fleabag,' 'crap,' 'dipstick,' and 'pipsqueak.' In one scene, Dick Dastardly repeatedly shouts his first name, 'Dick,' in frustration, which is played for a double entendre.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe movie features mild supernatural themes, including ghosts and mythical creatures from the underworld. These elements are central to the mystery-solving plot.
A ghost with glowing eyes is shown lurking in a closet and chasing the children within a spooky, haunted house setting. A giant three-headed dog, Cerberus, appears from the underworld, depicted as ferocious with glowing eyes and jagged teeth.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumInstances of disrespect and rebellious attitudes are present, particularly concerning treatment of friends and aggressive language. The narrative explores themes of exclusion and questionable heroic behavior.
Shaggy and Scooby are hurt and feel 'kicked out' when Simon Cowell advises Mystery Inc. to ditch them to expand their brand, implying disrespect from their friends. Blue Falcon's statement about wanting to 'pound the crap' out of someone smaller reflects a disrespectful and aggressive approach to conflict.
Substance Use
LowThere is no reported depiction or mention of alcohol, drug, or tobacco use in 'Scoob!'.
No instances of substance use are noted in parental reviews or content ratings.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowNo explicit anti-Christian themes or content were identified within the movie. Religious references or mockery are not present.
No specific scenes, dialogue, or symbols that are critical of or mock Christian beliefs or practices were found in the available reviews and analyses.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Not suitable for children under 8 years. Parental guidance is recommended for children aged 8-10 due to scary scenes, animated violence, coarse language, and mild crude humor.
Additional Notes
The film's runtime is 94 minutes. There are no significant differences reported across theatrical, extended, or director's cuts. The tone largely aligns with previous Scooby-Doo animated features, though with updated animation and a broader Hanna-Barbera universe integration. While the film has positive messages about friendship and loyalty, the combination of scary elements, suggestive humor, and coarse language suggests careful parental discretion, especially for younger viewers.
Related Reviews
Is Scoob! right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required