I can't say no to Vincent van Ghoul, definately one of my favourite characters in this itteration of Scooby Doo. There were lots of call backs to previous episodes in this episode and something that I described as "awfully convenient" in a previous episode was now finally explained.
2 Reviews
Fun and doom
TheLittleSongbird3 January 2024
'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' "Theater of Doom" (2012)
Opening thoughts: It is always an absolute delight seeing Vincent Van Ghoul. He was my favourite character in 'The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo' (being a fan of Vincent Price is a big part of why) and he, even with a more modern look, in a different profession and voiced by somebody else, still is a joy in his appearances in 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated'. A couple were cameos, but he also played a big role in others and the role he has "Theater of Doom" is as big as it was in the excellent "Nightfright".
"Theater of Doom" impressed me a good deal on first and also did a lot on rewatch. It has great atmosphere and anybody who loved Vincent beforehand will not be converted. Those that like to be surprised as much as possible may want to see another episode, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem if that is not a problem for you and that creepiness and entertainment is more than enough. "Theater of Doom" has both of those in bucketloads. Is it one of the best episodes of the season or of the show? No. Is it worth watching? Oh yes, well worth it.
Bad things: Didn't find the reveal that much of a surprise.
Also felt like, very like "Nightfright", that there were too many tinkle jokes.
Good things: However, so much is good and even great. Have no issues with the atmospheric villain, which particularly shines with the villain. Same with the music, which fits more than ideally and has presence without having too much. And also same with the voice acting, Matthew Lillard stands out of the regulars but Maurice LaMarche is a sheer delight. The writing is thought provoking and well balanced.
Furthermore, the villain is one of the creepiest of 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' and the great atmospheric setting (an absolutely tailor made one for Scooby Doo) helps hugely too. There are plenty of affectionate callbacks to previous episodes and agreed things that needed explaining are explained. Absolutely adored Vincent, who has what made him so memorable in 'The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo' but with more eccentricity and that was great. The mystery is a strong and a creepy one, despite the predictable denouement.
Closing thoughts: Concluding, very good.
8/10.
Opening thoughts: It is always an absolute delight seeing Vincent Van Ghoul. He was my favourite character in 'The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo' (being a fan of Vincent Price is a big part of why) and he, even with a more modern look, in a different profession and voiced by somebody else, still is a joy in his appearances in 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated'. A couple were cameos, but he also played a big role in others and the role he has "Theater of Doom" is as big as it was in the excellent "Nightfright".
"Theater of Doom" impressed me a good deal on first and also did a lot on rewatch. It has great atmosphere and anybody who loved Vincent beforehand will not be converted. Those that like to be surprised as much as possible may want to see another episode, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem if that is not a problem for you and that creepiness and entertainment is more than enough. "Theater of Doom" has both of those in bucketloads. Is it one of the best episodes of the season or of the show? No. Is it worth watching? Oh yes, well worth it.
Bad things: Didn't find the reveal that much of a surprise.
Also felt like, very like "Nightfright", that there were too many tinkle jokes.
Good things: However, so much is good and even great. Have no issues with the atmospheric villain, which particularly shines with the villain. Same with the music, which fits more than ideally and has presence without having too much. And also same with the voice acting, Matthew Lillard stands out of the regulars but Maurice LaMarche is a sheer delight. The writing is thought provoking and well balanced.
Furthermore, the villain is one of the creepiest of 'Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated' and the great atmospheric setting (an absolutely tailor made one for Scooby Doo) helps hugely too. There are plenty of affectionate callbacks to previous episodes and agreed things that needed explaining are explained. Absolutely adored Vincent, who has what made him so memorable in 'The 13 Ghosts of Scooby Doo' but with more eccentricity and that was great. The mystery is a strong and a creepy one, despite the predictable denouement.
Closing thoughts: Concluding, very good.
8/10.
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