Why 2002's Scooby-Doo film is the ultimate summer flick

When it comes to live-action films based on cartoons, there have been some true duds out there but then you have 2002's Scooby-Doo. The film based on the beloved cartoon has been a long-time favorite for Scooby fans.

As great as the film is, I feel like it's something you can watch year-round but in particular, it really lends itself to the summertime for a few reasons. Before getting into those reasons, can we all just take a moment to appreciate the casting for this film? The movie was bolstered by an incredible cast and a fun premise along with an unlikely yet totally believeable villian.

In addition, the film helped us to find a voice for Shaggy with Matthew Lillard. While Casey Kasem wouldn't give up the mantle at that point, he would eventually pass the torch to Lillard before his death. Honestly, there are so many great things to love about the live-action Scooby-Doo film.

Let me just wax poetic for one more second before getting into why it's a great summer movie. It is something you watch once and know you're going to revisit again. I watched it when I was a kid, watched it again as a teenager, and have since watched it as an adult. The 2002 Scooby-Doo movie is truly timeless in that way.

Why 2002's Scooby-Doo is secretly a great summer film

Let's just begin with the premise as the gang is getting back together to head to Spooky Island to investigate a demonic curse. From there, it's a classic case of the gang trying to work together and the hijinks that ensue during that. However, the setting is what feels so summery as the gang is lounging around in shorts, and t-shirts and just generally enjoying themselves. Of course, we find out why they're having so much fun later.

Aside from the setting, the film feels like it has such high stakes which makes it feel like a summer blockbuster. While the film didn't garner great reviews upon its release, it has since become a favorite and one that Scooby fans can appreciate. For me, the film feels like a more elevated Scooby-Doo but in the best way.

In looking up what makes a good summer movie, there is no right or wrong answer. One article I found said that it put characters in a new situation. In Scooby-Doo, the gang is basically shipped to Spooky Island into a trap but they just don't realize. That's not to say that they haven't been in that situation before but this feels like something more. In another article, it was noted that either remakes or small screen to big screen films are great for the summer as they're easy to digest like Scooby-Doo.

For 2002's Scooby-Doo, the film wasn't setting out to reinvent the wheel but rather give us a nice story featuring characters we know and love. Sometimes, that's all you can really ask for from a summer movie. That's why it feels like Scooby-Doo is one of those movies you always want to revisit or see as a comfort especially when the summer heat is bogging you down.