Rocket Science

Scooby-Doo! and the Monster of Mexico (2003)

IMDB rating: 5.50

Plot: Sooner or later, the Mystery, Inc. gang had to take on Mexico’s legendary Bigfoot equivalent, El Chupacabra, and that’s precisely what they do in this entertaining, feature-length, Scooby-style investigation into the paranormal. Taking the Mystery Van south of the border, Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo celebrate Day of the Dead festivities, which become less festive when a towering, glowering Chupacabra monster turns up to terrify both tourists and locals. The young snoops smell a conspiracy, and as they chase down clues their search for the truth leads them into sundry Mexican antiquities—ancient tombs and temples—where danger increases exponentially. There are the usual rituals: Our time-warped heroes run like the wind during encounters with alleged ghouls—particularly best-buds Shaggy and Scooby, when they aren’t stuffing themselves with delicious Scooby Snacks. The animation is slicker and smoother—and more pleasing—than some other, recent Scooby-Doo features.