Scooby-Doo! Ghastly Goals

These special episodes are never amazing. For some reason they just don't do it for me. However, this one wasn't terrible like the others. It had some story added in and more action scenes. The voices were great as always as was the animation. Unfortunately the bad guy just didn't do it for me. I was honestly shocked and wondered who it was at first. The problem with these specials are that they don't have time to cram every little detail in. Or they just don't spend enough time doing that. Overall, it was just alright.

It really isn't the best ever. But for me I like that the villain was more realistic as was his reasoning and goals. The 4 main voices are amazing as usual, Lillard for me is fantastic as Shaggy. Never thought anyone could replace Casum. I did give it higher markings because I love guest stars. Gabriel Iglesius was a nice add but he didn't do anything special. The real win for me is the amazing Danny Trejo. I'll increase anything by at least 2 stars just because he is in it.

All 6 of the direct-to-video Scooby Doo specials/short films are well worth watching. 'Spooky Games' for me is the best, and 'Beach Beastie' the weakest, but 'Ghastly Goals' is a very close second best.

There's not an awful lot that's an issue with 'Scooby Doo! Ghastly Goals'. The story does get quite predictable in places, with not quite enough of a fresh spin on the typical Scooby Doo ingredients, and while it's very well-paced on the whole such a lot happens that it doesn't really breathe and feels rushed. While Velma is true to role and not as annoying as she has been since 'Mystery Incorporated' she has been more resourceful and likable before.

On the other hand, the animation is great with every scene looking vibrant and colourful and it's all very beautifully drawn and rich in detail. The music is solid and fitting, it has a real atmosphere and groove too and a little exoticism that suited very well. 'Ghastly Goals' benefits from strong writing. Have always liked, even loved, the humour in Scooby Doo, nearly always from Scooby and Shaggy, and while it is goofy it also endears, charms and raises a number of laugh-out-loud-laughs.

'Ghastly Goals' story is not perfect, but is a lot of fun and has a little nice suspense. The relationship between Scooby and Shaggy amuses and affects still, Brazil provides a very colourful location, the soccer scenes are intensely thrilling, Eshu is a cool-looking villain and brings a pleasing intensity without traumatising and the reveal is thankfully nowhere near as obvious as that in 'Mecha Mutt Menace', as a matter of fact of the six specials it was one of the more surprising ones. Also loved how Mystery Inc. had a more active role than usual in battling against the villain, it added to the climax's thrills.

Scooby and Shaggy are still lovable characters, Daphne is fine and true to character and Fred shows great leadership and brains. Voice acting is just fine, with Matthew Lillard and Frank Welker (as Fred) standing out from Mystery Inc. and Danny Trejo and Gabriel Iglesias faring particularly strongly in the supporting character roles. It's always a pleasure to hear Rob Paulsen too.

On the whole, the second best of the Scooby Doo specials and recommended. 8/10 Bethany Cox