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WorkingClassDog
Reviews
Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost (1999)
A return to the classic Scooby formula... music, mysteries & fun!
The second direct to video Scooby home movie is a pleasant surprise with elements of the old series resurfacing in an updated storyline. Scoob and the gang are in the thick of things as the video opens, solving another mystery, and meeting a new friend in the process. Mystery writer Ben Ravencroft, one of Velma's idols, meets the crew and invites them up to his old country home to see the fall colors. But when the gang gets there, they find the town being haunted by a creepy witch. The legends say the witch is the spirit of Sara Ravencroft, Ben's ancestor who he believes was actually a Wiccan -- a healer, misunderstood by those who persecuted her.
The classic Scooby-Doo episodes of the first two seasons had a mix of mystery, musical numbers and silly humor. Much of that mix was absent in the first video, Zombie Island. This video recaptures that formula nicely, with a couple of musical numbers performed by the "Hex Girls", who also figure into the plot. The story is well-done, with the ending not coming where you expect it. Voice talents are a strong point here, with Tim Curry as Ben Ravencroft, Tress McNeill (of Animaniacs fame) as the Witch, and Scott Innes returning as the voices of both Scooby and Shaggy.
Overall, a great family movie and a must for any serious Scooby fan... well worth the price of the video.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Stylish, original scares delivered by the sleeper of the summer...
I went to see BWP after hearing the hype, seeing the hype, web-surfing the hype... being assaulted by it on every front. My only regret is that I had been tipped off that the docu-drama was actually a movie, and not real. If I had sat down to watch this movie, buying into the concept that these kids were real, and so was their terror, I would have been much more terrified.
Make no mistake, I loved this movie... it is the most original scary movie to come out in years. It brings back memories of the type of psychological scares that Hitchcock's films would bring to your mind. Sometimes the *scariest* things are the things you don't see... this movie brilliantly illustrates that concept. The scenes of the kids running through the woods, being chased by enemy or enemies unknown are genuinely scary. (I don't think I'll ever feel the same way about camping again.)
Heather's screams haunted me for days after watching the movie, as did both kid's cries for their friend when they don't know where he is. I have to say I was going into this movie expecting a completely different sort of movie, growing up in an age of slash/scream/gore/Freddie/Chuckie/Jason-type horror flicks. I was very surprised and haunted after watching this movie. Highly recommended, 9 stars out of 10.
Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)
Scoob returns with a new voice, chasing REAL ghosts for a change
Diehard Scooby fans will love this movie, as I did. It's nice to see some new, visually beautiful animation added to the Scooby history. This movie was well written, complete with a couple funny nods back to the original TV cartoon of the late 60's. Although I did find myself having to get used to someone other than the late great Don Messick giving voice to crime fighting's most famous Great Dane, Scott Innes makes a strong initial effort and is up to the task. I was surprised to see that Billy West had taken over for Shaggy, but his voice is very close and I found myself not even noticing much difference. Daphne and Velma also have new voices, but time has marched on since the 60's and I suppose the originals were unavailable for the movie.
On the plot, it is well done in all respects.. with all the characters having moved on into "real jobs", and drifted a bit apart... but all being re-united for the investigation of an old haunted house in Louisiana for Daphne's TV show. The big surprise is that for the first time, the ghosts/zombies are REAL... no more old guy in a mask at the end of the show saying "And I would have gotten away with it, if it wasn't for you pesky kids and that mutt". It's fresh change, and the villains are very well-voiced and acted by a ensemble cast.
If you are a Scoob fan, or even enjoyed the show casually as a kid, this movie is for you and the WHOLE family -- the scares might be a bit intense for the very young, but all in all, it's a worthwhile treat!
Stepmom (1998)
Strong performances, good script
A well written piece about the adjustment of two young children when a much younger woman becomes their stepmother. Beautiful and well-written performances by Sarandon, Roberts and Harris make this an outstanding vehicle for all three. Jena Malone shines as a 12 year old girl going through the insecurity of her mom being replaced by a younger woman, and coping with growing up at the same time. Liam Aiken is adorable as the young mischievous Ben, too young to quite understand it all, yet still creating his share of havoc for Roberts' character. Roberts and Sarandon make worthy adversaries, with the mom always tring to sway the kids' opinion, while the Stepmom just tries to learn how to be a parent, even though she never planned to be.
Although I'm not usually big on family drama type movies, this one's a winner. Many laughs, and a few sad scenes even pulled some tears. Highly recommended!