This story has little to do with the original story and shares only some commonalities with the main characters of the original book series), but is entertaining and funny in some ways. Maybe a bit more pace, investigation and action would have been good, but at least this movie seems to be at least more down to earth than The Secret of Skeleton Island (especially in terms of action). It is a German production. However, many German viewers were also disappointed, not just Americans. It is also not the view Germans have of America and Americans and French (villains). IMHO -compared with other movies for kids - this movie is at least as entertaining as the Goonies, if not even better. I would give it a 6 out of 10. As a child I might have given this a higher number, possibly a 7 out of 10 (especially without knowing they are supposed to be the 3 Investigators and Terror Castle). I would rate both the original book and the story on audio tape 9 or 9.5 out of 10. So that shows the vast gap of quality between book and audio cassette vs. This movie.
I would recommend the movie for older kids who do not know the original story in the book and the tape. For those who know the book it might be a disappointment. I was not disappointed, because I didn't have really high expectations in the first place, because I have watched the first movie and even before that my expectations were not that high.
I would recommend the movie for older kids who do not know the original story in the book and the tape. For those who know the book it might be a disappointment. I was not disappointed, because I didn't have really high expectations in the first place, because I have watched the first movie and even before that my expectations were not that high.