Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) User Reviews

some might call me childlike for still having a soft spot for Pokemon. I prefer the term young-at-heart.

[TheUnknown837-1 · 7/10 · 16 July 2010]

When I took the time to track down and watch both "Pokemon: The First Movie" and "Pokemon: the Movie 2000" for the first time in years, my feelings were swamped with joyous nostalgia tracing back to my younger years. There were times I felt I should have grown up in Japan, because all of my favorite media products came from that great island nation. Godzilla and Pokemon. Those were my two obsessions. Yes, I was one of millions from around the globe who collected the trading cards and checked in on the television show and played the video-games (I still have a soft spot for the N64 game "Pokemon Stadium") and watched the movies when they popped up here in the U.S. Pokemon continued to ride strong in my interests until after a while, when they created more than 151 little fighting monsters and things just bogged down to the point where they were excessively juvenile and just dumb. It was the same syndrome that momentarily struck Godzilla in the 70s. The king of the monsters recovered, but Pokemon didn't. It sank away for me, and many and although Pokemon is still around and still (fairly) popular with the younger generation, it no longer has the cult status it once ruled with.

But just because I am no longer swamped with obsession does not mean I cannot still feel the joy of this innocent little saga looking back on it as an adult. Yes, before you question me, I still enjoy the Pokemon movie. In fact, I enjoy both of them, especially "Pokemon 2000." But this review concerns the first one, released in 1999. For those who do not know, there are a lot of Pokemon, but one in particular, called Mew, is the strongest of them all. One day, some fiddling scientists clone from Mew's DNA a newer, stronger beast called Mewtwo: a psychic creature infuriated by how Pokemon seem to have become slaves to humans. And very slowly, he begins to set up a trap to restore Pokemon to what he feels is their rightful place in the world, at the top. Once again we rendezvous with our heroes, as the narrator calls them, from the TV show. There's Ash Ketchum, Misty, Brock, and of course, the little lightning-surged rodent Pikachu. After a prologue revolving around Mewtwo, we dive in with them.

There is a lot of advertisement in "Pokemon: The First Movie." It is very much a merchandise exploitation to further the interest of kids in the cards, games, and series. But kids endorse these sort of things. I know, because I remember I did when I was eight or so and saw the movie for the first time. I mean, what kid wouldn't like to have an army of monsters at his command and be able to duke them out with other monsters? It's like having Godzilla and Mothra and Rodan at your command.

What I really liked about "Pokemon: The First Movie" then and now is that, like Godzilla, it's innocent and goodhearted fun. It's not meant to be taken too seriously, and nobody does, and it is inoffensive, harmless, joyful, and really nostalgia-stirring. It's also enjoyable because it makes the best out of what it has. The Japanese animation, even the movie's detractors note, is eye candy. It's rich, colorful, and fun to look at. I also enjoy twists in the story, such as how one of Ash's Pokemon, a dragon-like thing called Charizard, refuses to obey its master. There's personality in the Pokemon, in Mewtwo, and especially in Pikachu, who dare I say it, is actually kind of adorable as far as animated, imaginary animals are concerned. There is a lot of personality in this little rodent, especially in the eyes, which are well-animated, and in its voice. There's also a trio of bumbling villains, two rockstar would-be secret agents and their talking cat Meowth, who have some very funny moments as they try to make a good impression for their boss by kidnapping Pikachu. There's also the emphasis on whether or not Pokemon and humans are really master and slave or friend and friend.

If I do have anything negative to say about the movie it is the fact that it really just feels like an extended version of a TV episode rather than a feature film. A movie adaptation needs to push the boundaries and expand rather than just use the same material at greater pacing. That's why I personally prefer "Pokemon 2000" because it does what I mentioned.

That's all I have to say in a bad manner.

I know I will have a lot of insulting comments thrown in my direction, but I see nothing wrong with number one, having liked Pokemon in my youth, and number two, still mildly enjoying Pokemon as an adult, looking back on a time when I was more innocent, more open-minded, and more willing to accept things that were outside of what we were "supposed to like and not like." Some may choose to call me childish for liking "Pokemon: The Movie." I think the proper term would be young-at-heart.

It's not THAT bad!

[AdrenalinDragon · 6/10 · 26 April 2010]

I'm a bit shocked at the low ratings of this movie. It's no way near a 1 out of 10. I think its because if you were an adult when you saw this, you would give it a 1 out of 10 straight away. Like when I saw it when I was 8 or 9 years old originally at the cinema, all the kids enjoyed it, including myself, whilst the adults were just snoring away! They didn't even give it a chance! As of writing this review, at the age of 19, the movie is still OK in my opinion. The sequel was better, but I think Mewtwo was pretty cool in it, and its not that long either so don't just completely bash it just because it has the name "Pokemon" on it. Season 1 of Pokemon was awesome, and I wasn't even a huge fan of the anime! Finish it first, and sure there are some plot holes in it, but hey I still think the movie is entertaining. Overall, a 6/10 at best (as a teen/adult), but that means its passable.

Pikachu taught me about pacifism...

[GCB21 · 6/10 · 21 March 2000]

I learned more about pacifism from the scene where Pikachu is being slapped around by his evil clone than from Martin Luthor King and Ghandi combined. That scene alone makes this film a classic and well worth seeing. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll learn, you'll love.

For the love of God, people! It's a good movie!

[PeyotePete · 13 October 2002]

I admit that I came into the theater completely biased against Pokémon, and I still hate nearly everything about it... with the exception of this film (and the opening theme for Johto League Champions.) Admittedly, the movie was probably pumped out of the studio in order to rake in more and more cash (and it worked) but somehow, the writer managed to keep a stong, albeit thinly veiled anti-violence sentiment. There were also some acts of cheesy heroism I found downright heartwarming. Also notable is the incredible magnitude of the backgrounds. The flying palace was absolutely stunning. I liked it. But, you probably won't. Don't watch it.

the Japanese version is better, but the translation is decent

[ManWithGoodTaste · 7/10 · 24 August 2009]

Okay, first, if you will find this movie not making any sense, please note that it is an "English adaptation", not a direct translation. This version is edited and has a changed story, which many viewers found stupid (the reason for low ratings). The Japanese version was called "too scary and not suitable for children", so, 4Kids Entertainment overwrote practically everything, and deleted no less than 10 minutes of the opening sequence. Don't want to spoil anything, but you actually must watch the original opening to understand the story. An even better option is to view the whole Japanese version with subtitles.

There is ONE good thing about the English adaptation. The original orchestral music that was made by Ralph Schtukett is marvelous. I'm not sure, but the theatrical or the DVD version has some low quality pop songs added to mar an otherwise perfect score.

Even with the story changes and the inclusion of stupid songs (in theatrical or DVD version, not sure), this movie deserves a 7 out of 10. The animation is wonderful, on par with the best things in anime genre. And the original score is great.

Pokémon The First Movie is the catalyst that releases my inner nostalgia.

[TheMovieDiorama · 7/10 · 27 February 2018]

I completely understand that this film is not particularly intelligent or compelling. However, the TV series never was either. And to this day, I still believe that this film is a decent continuation of that series. This really was made for children and fans of the franchise, if you are neither...well you just aren't going to enjoy it. As a hardcore Pokémon fan, I can say that young Luke was damn happy with this, and old Luke still is! After cloning the mythical Pokémon Mew, Mewtwo was created; a vastly more intelligent and powerful psychic creation. Believing that he is just a slave, he destroys the laboratory that he was formed in and holds a vendetta against humanity. Ash and the gang are invited to take on the world's most powerful Pokémon trainer, only for them to realise it's actually Mewtwo. Can we just take a moment and appreciate how strong and ferocious this franchise is. It is still ever present today, and this was released nearly 20 years ago. The animation has aged extremely well (although the bluray's conversion does have some resolution issues) and it's a nice short film. Children will love this, except maybe for the ending where we are forced to watch Pokémon fight to the death whilst a generic pop song plays over it. Yes, we have to endure one Pikachu unwillingly slapping another Pikachu on the face. Not once. Not twice. I'm talking twenty times. And with each slap, it cries. The climax is just ridiculously sad. I don't want to see Pokémon cry! *wipes tear away*. It's an absurd story but it does tackle the important message of not fighting each other. To cohabit and work together as a team instead of punching, biting and Pikachu slapping each other. A moral that I do believe kids will understand beneath the cutesy animation. Voice acting was good all round, Veronica Taylor will always be my Ash. Nearly all of the first generation Pokémon are featured in this, so there is plenty of variety to keep you occupied. It's short, it's sweet and I'm 22...

Fist film

[yalvihidayat · 6/10 · 6 June 2015]

This movie was great with entertaining and make people happy while they watch this movie. But with 75 minute plus 21 minutes for Pikachu Vacation version doesn't make appeal with visual effect,special effect, decent quality of dubbing or acting maybe and some screenplay looks shabby. Of course if this happen, some adults cannot be entertained with this situation. Children will entertained with it so... i couldn't think if this not bad movie not good movie. I'll give this movie with score

Visual effect 45/100 Special effect 65/100 Creativity 80/100 Entertaining 60/100 Acting 55/100 Story 75/100

Overall 61-67 with B- Bellow good

End of reviewing Sorry if my English tenses were wrong

Pokemon the first movie kinda sucks Pokemon Balls. The Japanese version of this film is way better than the American one.

[ironhorse_iv · 5/10 · 16 June 2014]

I remember going out to the theaters, and seeing this with my brother, who was a huge Pokémon fan. Both of us were deeply disappointed. It wasn't until, years later, that I saw the Japanese version of this movie and found that it's superior to the cut-down American version. Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, the movie was released in 1998 in Japan, and in 1999 for US, after the huge success of both the animation TV Series, and the Nintendo games that came out. It is the first theatrical release in the Pokémon franchise, follow up with a lot of awful sequels. The movie follows the characters of the animation show, as the events of the movie, supposedly takes place during the block of episodes of the first season, leading up to the Pokemon League sub-plot in the American version. I have to say, it begins during the episode 62 'Battle of the Badge", ending with episode 66 'Evolution Solution". In the original Japanese TV Series, it was believe to happen after the events of Episode 54's The Case of the K-9 Caper with makes the later episodes seem out of place in the timeline. Already, I'm getting a headache. Anyways, there so many different versions of this film, that it's insane to figure out, which one to watch. Try to find these three segments to get the best out of this movie. First one is Pikachu's Vacation, a 21-minute feature focusing on the series mascot Pikachu. Second is Origin of Mewtwo, a 10-minute featurette that functions as a prologue to the main feature. Third is Mewtwo Strikes Back, the main 75 minute film feature. Sadly, some of these might in the 2001's sequel to the film, Mewtwo Returns, but I saw later DVD copies put this copies of the Pokemon: The first movie. Depending which one you find, the movie still tells two different stories of a clone Pokemon call Mewtwo (voiced by Masachika Ichimura in Japanese/Philip Bartlett in the English version) that create from the DNA of the most powerful Pokemon of the time, Mew by the main villain of the TV series, Giovanni (Voiced by Ted Lewis). In one version, Mewtwo is suffering from God-like complex, due to Mewtwo powers and felt superiority to the original Pokemon and men. Mewtwo wants to destroy the world with a hurricane, Mewtwo created to get revenge on humanity after witnessing other clones getting killed off. Mewtwo also set up a trapped a fake tournament to gather up DNA samples to recreate a new race of Clones Pokemon. In another version, Mewtwo, is portrayed as a confused being, like Frankenstein monster who still motive by revenge, but only use the hurricane as a test of strength, so that Mewtwo can gather up the best pokemons to create the best race. There are countless mistakes in the dubbings translation such in the case was, the awful story about Pokemon tears reviving death people. It's mention earlier by explorers and a nurse in the beginning of the movie. In the Japanese movie, there is no mention of this Deus ex Machina. Without spoiling it, the whole scene of Pokemon reviving a beloved character with crying was an awful cop out death scene. Another one is Mew's message to Mewtwo. The whole heart speech is BS in Japanese version, as Mew really hates clones. The biggest letdown is the original and clone Pokémon battle. The background music is different in both versions: the Japanese version plays a variation of Colossal Battle, followed by soft instrumental music, while the English version plays Brother My Brother, which contains a fighting is wrong message. The whole fighting is wrong, message in the English version doesn't make much sense. I know Pokemons are use in this universe like combat sport like boxing, and not death tournaments like dog or cock fighting, but this is still awful contradictory message. If the movie kept the whole cloning is controversial topic of morals and ethics, and all life is equal, this movie might work. The whole idea of wiping people's memories in the end was also unforgiven. No moral lesson was learn to these characters. What a waste of time! Later copy versions of the film, CGI add to it, changing the movie even more, from the original. It's so annoying. The film also does not really explain the premise of Pokémon to the non-initiated. If you haven't saw an episode of it; you're out of luck. You'll be confused as hell. In the English dub, they mention some of the Pokemon by the wrong name. If you're not a huge fan, you probably wouldn't notice this. Even some the powers don't make sense. How does Pikachu Thunderbolt power defeat ground Pokemons? Come on, movie! Get your facts, right. It's odd that it's rated G, despite its strong violence, and disturbing images. After all, people do get murder here. The music in the English version, doesn't connect with the violence theme. "Somewhere, Someday" by *NSYNC, "We're a Miracle" by Christina Aguilera, are just forgettable and too pop for a dark movie. The orchestral score was entirely changed in the English version. Overall: This movie was a pointless movie with no payoff. It's a must watch if you're a fan. Just note to find the newer Japanese version than the older American one.

Tell me what we're fighting for

[GaryCXJk · 9/10 · 12 September 2003]

Well, I liked Pokemon the first moment I saw the series... actually, after a few episodes. Anyways, after I saw the video clip "Don't Say You Love Me" (M2M), I wanted to see the movie.

Now, finally, after a few years and a DVD player later, I bought the movie, and I gotta tell ya, I regret it that I didn't see it in the cinemas... actually, I don't, because, well, I was "too old" for pokemon. That's the biggest bullpoo I ever heard. Well, sure, pokemon is mainly for young people, but I did enjoy the movie, for an 18 year old guy.

Well, back to the movie. The movie is great. I've seen the movie in Dutch first (because I'm used to the Dutch voices, and they sound better to me). The way Mewtwo's voice was used, it was as if Mewtwo was really in your head. But you'll need Dolby Surround for that experience. Also, the way the movie reffered back to the series, perfect. I mean, if you haven't seen the series, then that's okey, but don't look weird if you don't understand certain events and jokes and such.

The most unique thing is that this Pokemon movie really shows how much the Pokemon can care for their trainer. ** ENDING HINT ** You can mostly see it near the end of the movie.

Pokemon: The First Movie is probably the first movie that succeeded on following up their series successfull. It may not be a great movie, but it sure was fun to look at.

A nice nostalgia trip.

[mat-mcnaughton-254-33257 · 6/10 · 13 July 2012]

I grew up loving Pokemon, and this was one of the first movies I saw in theaters. It wasn't as good as I remembered, but it's still a great kid's movie. I have to mention that the harbor master lady was wholly unnecessary, but other than that the characters were enjoyable. I'm not surprised that Team Rocket found their way into this film, but they're great comic relief.

I'm a big fan of Mew. Anytime it popped up on screen I had a *squeeee* attack. MewTwo was also pretty badass-looking, but I'm so confused as to why he had such disproportionately large legs. What did he use them for, since he can just float around.

You know, I didn't *quite* hate it.

[RLent-1 · 5/10 · 20 July 2004]

The opening uber-kiddie cartoon was horribly painful, but in a sort of masochistic way it was fun. I imagine that a horrific torture might be watching the uber-kiddie cartoon over and over without stop.

The rest of the movie wasn't quite totally and completely horrid. It felt like someone had an OK plot, but was forced to graft it onto a crappy Pokemon format. Pokemon is just a slight step up from Teletubbies. I'm not anti-Anime, just opposed to crappy anime.

The movie works best in the parts where it feels least like an episode of Pokemon. This might have been a decent movie if the author could have sold the idea to someone other than Pokemon.

Prepare for trouble

[Vasitor · 10/10 · 17 November 1999]

Okay now, be honest. How many of you who rated this movie a '1' actually saw it? Probably none. Pokemon rule; yes, I will admit to being another 20 year old who enjoys pokemon; I went to see it with my 18 year old brother, too. It might be a little sappy with its message, but it's a lot of fun to watch, anyway. The best part of the movie is the final showdown between Mew and Mewtwo; not because of the battle, but because of the conversation: Mewtwo- "Why do you run? Are you afraid to learn who is supreme?!" Mew- "Mew"

If you've rated this movie a one just because you think it's dumb or a bad influence on kids, I've got three words for you.

"Get over yourself"

eh

[markaguirre6 · 6/10 · 6 June 2008]

it was a OK movie but the story was weak and i did not like the character development.also the moral made me think that i was just watching a really long episode of Pokemon.that and the fact that it was "fighting was wrong" which made no sense in a Pokemon movie.the action was pretty good.also it is very kid friendly but some of you might think it is too kid friendly.plus who could not like a movie with pikachu just a little bit. also some of the jokes were pretty good and they didn't completely try and force the moral on to you which was good because it was horrible .if you don't want this moral watch the Japanese version if you can find it. if none of those flaws matter to you at all though then this is your movie.

Mewtwo Strikes Out but not in Japan

[patboldt · 5/10 · 20 February 2018]

Pokemon movies tend to be bad movies, at least that's what everybody normally thinks if you have never seen the Japanese version of these movies. Japanese subs can never save the movie but they do help them tremendously. And this movie has that most apparant.

Okay, so here's the deal with this movie. The English Dub is like a good bad movie which is stupid a lot of the time but still fun to watch, kinda like a funny Shyamalan movie but the Japanese Sub is infinitely better, but not enough to save the whole movie and is comparable in quality to something like a good Shyamalan movie. The reason is that the movie itself is the same between the two but the writing, themes, and music choices are actually superior in the sub than in the dub. The reason is that although the dub music sounds good, there are choices made in the sub version that really make certain scenes a lot more engaging and powerful with one exception, the opening song. The song in the Dub is kickass awesome while the sub's theme song is really stupid.

Thematically, the sub is also a million times better. Rather than subverting and ignoring the original message of the movie with dumb politically correct nonsense, the sub carries an interesting series of moral questions that actually build on one another. The movie has effort put into the message which is reinforced by dialogue, scenes, and actions performed by characters and Pokemon. Furthermore, the message isn't obvious and you have to think about what's going on. However, some things are kinda wrong with the dialogue at times and some lines unfortunately don't make sense, however it is still better than the dub's dialogue.

However, with that said the Sub can't change certain plot decisions made in the movie meaning that a lot of stuff can't be explained with logic. However, the explanation is actually there for most of the sub and has things that can be understood if one pays attention to the movie...for the most part. This is something the dub doesn't do, it just lays down a bad explanation for events that doesn't make sense to the viewer(s) and you just have to break your suspension of disbelief.

The voice acting in the sub is also way better. People sound organic and conversations feel natural between people in the sub while people in the dub sound stupid and corny a lot of the time with a few exceptions.

Overall I'm giving this a 7/10 for the Sub while the dub gets a whopping 5/10. If your gonna watch this and want a bad movie, watch the dub you will not be disappointed. If you love Pokemon, like me however, and want a better movie (not great) but better movie please don't watch the dub, just listen to the Pokemon theme in the dub and then watch the Japanese sub. It is a lot better and way more enjoyable.

This Movie rocks you gata see it if you love Pokemon!

[olc · 17 November 1999]

This movie is "da bomb"! If you love pokemon you will obviously love the movie Quote the tagline "Prepare for the gratest match ever!" so I recommend you see it. And yes James of Team Rocket does rock. But if you want to know the movies plot too bad you will have to see the movie! BYE P.S. this site and every member rock!!!

Not for all tastes

[Quinoa1984 · 6/10 · 19 March 2000]

Pokemon has never been my cup of tea, but one thing it has never been is un-original. True all the children's elements are here, which is good, but this film is not for thrill seeking movie goers and especially parents. But at least the film has some redeeming value (unlike the show, which is usually just worthless garble). The movie is entertaining in some points and it teaches kids a few points. Which is good because the anime in this movie is probably the worst of it's kind (and I'm an anime lover) and not for people who are looking for in depth character studies. But if your looking for a over-rated match between 2 human like creatures with weird animals fighting in the process (with a message at the end that fighting is wrong) this film is for you.

It's message is weak but still a nostalgic watch

[breakdownthatfilm-blogspot-com · 6/10 · 17 December 2016]

Since its introduction to the world, Pokemon is one of the most recognizable and popular animes to ever exist. With TV show seasons far longer than many others, the adventures of Ash Ketchum and co. has captured the imaginations of people of all ages. All this based on the catch phrase "Gotta catch 'em all!". On top of that, with augmented reality becoming more and more prominent in today's culture, smart phone app Pokemon GO further cemented its craze among fans. However before this, Pokemon boomed with success even with its first theatrical film. In retrospect, it might have been bigger than today's excitement. When it started, Pokemon was all about catching the total 150 types throughout its world. But when the trailer made it clear that Ash would be coming in contact with the last Pokemon of the official list, it drove people nuts. Nobody knew what to expect and people were psyched to see what happened. Revisiting it again was definitely a nice little trip down memory lane but it does have a few things that should be recognize that needed fixing.

Picking up close after the first TV season, the film starts with an introduction to Mewtwo (Jay Goede), the 151rst-pokemon waking up from his initial cloning. Confused and frustrated with his placement, he learns that he is a clone of mythical pokemon Mew but more powerful. After being informed his usefulness will only be for his extensive strength, Mewtwo becomes angry and declares world domination over humans and the pokemon who follow them. It is with that viewers are switched over to Ash (Veronica Taylor), Misty (Rachael Lillis) and Brock (Eric Stuart) doing what they do in every episode. That is until they are invited to New Island to meet the best pokemon master (Mewtwo); but they don't know this. Tagging along is the infamous Team Rocket still looking to capture Ash's Pikachu (Ikue Ôtani). Originally written by Takeshi Shudo and adapted by Michael Haigney, Norman J. Grossfeld and John Touhey, the script is okay but does have its problems. Like many foreign movies, scripts get lost in translation and that's what happened here.

Shudo's screenplay had painted Mewtwo in a much more innocent depiction. Instead of being hell-bent on conquering the world because of mistreatment, Mewtwo was a pokemon who sought to prove itself to others. As to how that would've gotten worked into the western version of the script is up for debate but apparently the idea of making Mew's clone a tyrant was easier. Hard to say. Yet this is one of the film's major flaws. The overall moral to the story ends up being stated that "fighting/violence is wrong". Yet this is a complete contradiction to the whole essence of pokemon because majority of the way fans play the games is by having their partners fight in battle. So the point was what again? Another odd tidbit was various circumstances various characters had to endure. Sometimes there were times where things weren't as plausible as portrayed. The other problem to this film is for people who are not familiar with pokemon. This did not initiate pokemon so in order to understand the movie one had to watch the show.

So if a viewer has never watched the show, they won't be as engrossed as other fans because they never met Ash and company or anyone else. For fans however, seeing this was a big deal and looking back on it now can be a nostalgic journey. Surprisingly there are a number of scenes that involve dialog that probably viewers of younger ages wouldn't understand, but now is more clever or funny sounding. It's inside humor that is realized over time that can make the movie all the more enjoyable to revisit in later years. All voice actors involved with this production perform well and do what is required to make it sound more connected to the TV show. As always Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis and Eric Stuart as the main protagonist and antagonists are the best choices for these roles. Jay Goede as Mewtwo although short-lived in his role definitely made the character sound unique enough. Mewtwo would later receive a short explaining more on his backstory with Goede reprising the role. Too bad he didn't do much else other than this.

One thing that doesn't make sense in this film is that cinematography was credited to Hisao Shirai. Not exactly sure why it was listed because there wasn't a scene of live-action unless accounting for one scene with realistic looking clouds. Other than that, the animation looks great. Much of it looks more polished than that of the TV series, which would obviously have a smaller budget. Especially towards the finale it is at its best quality in detail. The music is thankfully another plus. The soundtrack has several nostalgic tunes from the late 1990s with artists like M2M and Blessid Union of Souls. Very catchy pop songs. Even composers John Loeffler and Ralph Schuckett's film score is another great element. The sound of it does incorporate orchestra but also an equal amount of synths. Although that may sound not so good, the mixture of these instruments sounds natural and really works in a number of scenes because of how much they pull on the viewers heart strings. It is also one of the few pokemon scores to ever be released.

The ending message is a contradiction of pokemon in general, and for those who aren't fans will have trouble paying attention. But for those who do enjoy it, will love taking a stroll back to the late 1990s and remember when there were only 151 pokemon with the original crew. The animation looks great, the characters are likable and the music is effectively memorable.

It proves why Pokemon should not be rated "G"

[Poke504 · 7/10 · 8 March 2009]

This is it, the one we've all been waiting for. Everyone shook with anticipation to see the first Pokemon movie, and here is what I thought: Really good. I really liked it. And definitely worthy of a PG rating. I grew up with Pokemon, so it was natural for me to love the movie (though I can point out when one is bad). One thing that may mislead you is the fact that it was giving a G rating. Unlike the show (most of the time), this movie deals with the topic of death in many ways. Confirmed that scientists in the one of the early scenes were killed, this proves that Pokemon is not for little kids. It's got morals, action, and everything you could want. Seeing as Pokemon has a number of haters, I recommend watching the movie yourself and make that descision. I, being as big of a Pokemon fan as I am, would show this movie to anyone ready for a good anime.

Updated Review

[nutz4n64 · 4/10 · 8 February 2000]

Some of you may have read my past review of this movie, but I thought I should finally update. The first review I wrote was actually written one day before I got my video in the mail. Importing can be murder, but this one was worth it. So, unfortunately, I have to denounce the American version to a slight extent. I may not like it as much as I used to, but Mewtwo Strikes Back (Japanese) has now become my favorite animated movie (yes, better than Toy Story 2).

The dub made a very good effort, but now that I've seen both, I realize where the movie kinda falls apart in English. Would someone please tell me who the genius was that put that Brother, My Brother song into the fighting scene? The music in the English version, overall, is not that great, but that song was unforgivable. They want to make the fighting is wrong point, which is fine, but the song just pushes the moral on us prematurely. This really ruins the emotions in the ending part. The Japanese version, on the other hand, has a fast paced music score, then changes when things really take a turn for the worst.

This is the version I really consider to be a tear-jerker. It is, as I said, the best animated movie I've ever seen. The American one is fine and all, but let's face it, it's not the "real" Mewtwo Strikes Back. I still give the movie a 10 (after all, the Japanese version is still the same movie) and still like the dubbed version, but if you liked it in the slightest bit, or if you didn't like it, you MUST see the original.

Well, I can't wait till the sequel is released. My strategy for that one: Order the Japanese version about a week before the movie comes to theaters, see it opening day, then I should have the Japanese video a short while afterwards. Repeating to all people that said this was a bad movie: See the movie in Japanese! NOW!!!! Guaranteed that you'll like it better.

An awesome kid's action flick

[Dragoneyed363 · 10/10 · 9 April 2008]

Although I am certainly not a fan of some of these animated fighting shows that are utterly ridiculous, in my opinion (i.e.: Naruto, Digimons and One Piece), Pokémon has always had a place in my heart, for some odd reason, and I really enjoyed this movie to the fullest extent. I had always hated some of the animated TV shows that came on television, more specifically Cartoon Network, except for a small amount, and Pokémon was one of the exceptions in the small amount.

Soon, when they came out with the movie, I was actually impatient to see it! It of course was some time ago when I was still somewhat little, but I would still be dying to see it if they made it nowadays and would be just as pumped up about it. When I did see it, I thought the film was true to the show and did an excellent job at conquering what it set out to do, and that was entertain fans and be fun all around!

It wasn't like any other kind of animated movie in it's genre, as many think it is just a run-of-the-mill letdown. I thought it had a really interesting theme and I was amazed at how they were able to pull off such an exciting and fun kids movie without destroying the originality of the TV show and without the use of lame jokes like toilet humor, though I mean, there were still some jokes and lines that could be considered extremely lame, unless you just accept it for what it's worth, which, I did, and without the use of inane "curse" words that parents would find insulting nowadays, if you understand what I mean.

Yes, there is fighting, which cancels out "the heart and soul" the show and movies try to set out, but still, in the end, it tells kids that fighting isn't the answer and kids eventually grow up knowing that Pokémon aren't real, so they shouldn't have to copy their actions. I say these things only because most critics condemn this film for those reasons. Oh well, Pokémon: The First Movie, I must say really isn't even the best of the Pokémon movies, it's actually my second favorite, but it was still very excellent and worth the time to watch with great battle sequences, superb characters and an effective plot and message. This film is great, people need to lighten up and enjoy it for what it was...

Hurt by enforced limitations

[MarkB-11 · 6/10 · 12 November 1999]

The Pokemon phenomenon continues in this feature and for all I can see adheres to the TV format, simply expanded for the better sound and some of the FX opportunities of the big screen. The plot is unobjectionable, the pokemon are in general undeniably cute, and the intensity level is relatively low. Therefore, it is just fine for that matinee showing when you have too many kids on your hands and too little for them to do. It kept the kids I brought quite entranced, which was entirely the point.

Nothing new in terms of Pokemon lore here, which was also well-received in the full auditorium. But, as an adult who has some appreciation of the possibilities of the medium, I have to sadly admit being a bit disappointed in it. Don't get me wrong, it was a pleasant way to spend something under two hours, but the film's animation was only a tiny improvement on the TV show and demonstrably worse than the Nintendo 64 games spun off from it. I contend that this is inescapable for the marketers involved. You see, the TV show is the true franchise, supporting the cards, so everything put out within the Pokemon universe must support the level of quality they can maintain on TV...which is quite low. I would say that the film is /intentionally/ lower quality, precisely so that the images the kids have of the characters, who have a patented form and mode of moving on TV, are not disrupted and turned off from watching the cartoons.

Since I didn't expect anything else, I wasn't actually disappointed in that sense, just that they didn't seem to take advantage of the opportunities they had to improve on the quality, such as in nature scenes, backgrounds, and such.

In sum, if you're under the age of about 12, give this a 10, it works. If you're like me, it's more along the lines of a 5. Here's wishing the distributors would put 'Princess Mononuke' into wider release.

Dark version of TV series

[wh-3 · 5/10 · 16 November 1999]

The show is usually light and fun with slapstick humor, Poke fights and a bit of Japanese style cartoon drama. This film, however, is more typical of Japanese anime intended for teens or young adult males as the main villian, MewTwo, is an angry mutated psychic clone bent on world destruction. The film starts with the complete destruction of an island of evil scientists by MewTwo and ends with a Poke battle that more resembles a violent WWF free-for-all then the usual fantasy battles on the TV Show. There's also a lot less of the silly wordplay and slapstick of the show. The kids I took were happy to see it but they really like the show better. The short before the film is a throwaway that seems to have been originally intended for very young audiences on TV. It's odd how this release misses the intended age group both ways.

People This Movie is for Little Kids

[rpannier · 9/10 · 6 December 2003]

I took my kids to see Pokemon with their friends and they all loved it. Every child in the theater seemed to enjoy the movie, as did some of the adults. I think this movie is much more appropriate for children than a lot of the schlock that is put out for kids. This movie is for children. And it worked well on that level.

The first of 8+ poke'mon movies, started back in 99

[aaronevil · 6/10 · 3 September 2006]

I saw this movie in November of 1999 when the show was flourishing quite well then. it was the most popular thing at the time. Even today the show is a significant part of my life. There were some quality humor in this film, such as the Minnesota Vikings bit. And even to this day i get a little misty eyed when the ending of the movie comes as the poke'mon's tears revive Ash in a dramatic scene of excellence. The movie also contains great songs, definitely my favorite movie soundtrack of all time. The animation was very fine, it was different than the television show. Anyone could enjoy this film. Overall this was the best poke'mon movie made, well after the second one anyways...