Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

_Colorful and fun, but too silly and manic_ The Mystery Inc team take on several monsters from their past adventures brought to life by an evil masked figure. As with the first film, Matthew Lillard and Linda Cardellini shine as Shaggy and Velma. Freddy Prinze Jr. is good as Fred while Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne doesn't quite fit the role, although she's likable and serviceable. I'm sure she got the part because of her popularity at the time. Seth Green and Peter Boyle have significant peripheral roles, as does Alicia Silverstone, who's a highlight but unfortunately underused. Whereas the first movie was shot on the east coast of Australia this sequel changes the locale to the Vancouver area of British Columbia. Of course, it's location is Coolsville in the story, wherever that's supposed to be. In any case, the extreme switch in locale changes the dynamics a bit. There's also more emphasis on action and paying homage to the cartoon. Plus it emphasizes that Velma is sexier than Daphne, at least with Cardellini as Velma and Gellar as Daphne. There are some worthwhile morals as well, like simply being yourself and not trying to be someone else. Unfortunately, it's too goofy and busy for its own good. Sure, it's based on a cartoon from 1969-70, but that show somehow kept things closer to reality and interesting whereas this movie goes over-the-top to the point of overkill. Instead of one monster to track down, there are eight-to-ten. It's too much and I found my mind wandering. Less is more. The film runs 1 hour, 33 minutes. GRADE: C