As someone who grew up when the cartoon series first aired, let me say that for this movie they've nailed it. The characters are straight out of the series, as are several familiar bits (Shaggy and Scooby standing one atop another inside a barrel as they're running away is straight out of the series), the plot is typical scoob with a slight twist, and the characterizations are dead on even while poking a bit of fun at themselves.

First off, the guy cast as Shaggy IS Shaggy. The voice is dead-on, the look, his manerisms, the way he speaks, it was like listening to the original cartoons, and as with the originals he and Scooby were the hit of the movie (the actor's actions opposite the animated Scooby make you believe that mut is really there on the set). Buffy as Daphnie is a crack up, and Fred even parodies himself when telling someone hands off the ascot (he's being strangled at the time). Even more fortunate, the trailers with the "scooby-poop" line was cut out of the film, which shows the differing sensibilities of the director and the guy doing the trailer. Another notable, Rowan Atkinson is in the film. Also, for any fans of the Beast Master television series, you'll see King Zad.

Without revealing anything about the plot (yes, it has one; a mystery, naturally), this film is thoroughly enjoyable, it will have you laughing, screaming out "No, not him!" (you'll know when), and cheering at who gets his comeupance. The kids will like it... as well as their offspring (hey, I'm still a kid at heart). It's just lot's of fun.