Going back and revisiting an old film is an experience. In the case of A Goofy Movie, it was a great experience, so I was excited to rewatch Scooby-Doo! and the Reluctant Werewolf. Released in 1988, it's one I remember watching and enjoying as a kid.
For those who are new to this era of Scooby-Doo films, there are a few films that were made-for-TV which include Scooby-Doo! and the Reluctant Werewolf, Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School, Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers and Scooby-Doo! in Arabian Nights. So far, I've gone back and watched two of these.
Today, we're here to talk about Scooby-Doo! and the Reluctant Werewolf. The movie follows Shaggy, who is an incredible racecar driver who lives with Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo. In this film, Shaggy also wears a red shirt and has a girlfriend named Googie. As you can see, it's a pretty big departure from what we've always known.
In Transylvania, Dracula is looking for a new racer and, after finding Shaggy, sends the Hunch Bunch to go grab him, turn him into a werewolf, and have him compete in the Monster Road Rally. If this sounds absolutely bonkers, that's because it is. Now that you're up to speed, let's break down this unique film.
Scooby-Doo! and the Reluctant Werewolf is an absolute rollercoaster.
Let me start by saying that I did like this movie as a kid, but it was never one of my favorites. I've always preferred Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School. Maybe it's because of the different girl monsters, but I've always enjoyed that one. Going into Scooby-Doo! and the Reluctant Werewolf, I didn't have high hopes.
Upon starting it, I thought it was a little goofy, but once Dracula and the rest of the monsters joined in, things just got silly. From that point on, I couldn't help but laugh at some of the animation and the things that happened. Shaggy was really going through it in this movie, and adding Googie to the mix just made it even wilder. There is something about Shaggy that makes the girls go crazy, apparently.
Ultimately, this movie wasn't something I'd watch again, but for the nostalgia factor, it was okay. If you haven't watched in years, you might have a better time than I did. However, I'm still firmly on the Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School hype train. I'm just hoping a streamer decides to show it some love. Until then, Tubi has some great options if you're looking for some fun and free Scooby-Doo content.