Brief Summary
In this episode of "Pokemon Gotta Watch Them All," the hosts review and rank the 25th Pokémon movie, "Pokémon Secrets of the Jungle" (also known as "Coco" in Japan). They discuss the movie's plot, characters, animation, and themes, drawing comparisons to "Tarzan" and "Avatar." The hosts also share their personal rankings of the movie within the context of the entire Pokémon movie series.
- The movie is praised for its animation, characters, and themes.
- The hosts discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the movie's release and box office performance.
- They analyze the movie's portrayal of family, identity, and the relationship between humans and Pokémon.
Intro
The hosts introduce the episode, focusing on "Pokémon Secrets of the Jungle," also known as "Coco" in Japan. They acknowledge the difficulty in accessing the movie due to its delayed US release, which required them to watch it in Japanese. The hosts express their excitement and anticipation for discussing the film, highlighting its unique elements and themes.
Initial Reactions and Plot Summary
The hosts provide initial reactions and a brief plot summary of "Pokémon Secrets of the Jungle." The movie is described as a blend of "Tarzan" and "Avatar," with a focus on a human child raised by a Zarude in the jungle. The hosts praise the film's opening sequence and music, noting its unique blend of Pokémon and Wakandan influences. They also discuss the potential differences between the Japanese and English versions of the movie, particularly in terms of music and dialogue.
Chris and John's Thoughts
Chris expresses his adoration for the film, admitting he cried three times while watching it. He appreciates the movie's portrayal of a parent protecting a child and the versatility of Pokémon involvement. John places the movie lower on his personal list than he feels it should be, citing the ending and the theme of identity crisis as highlights. He also praises Ash's role in the movie, noting that he is glad that Ash is in the movie for the first time ever.
Kanai and Dante's Analysis
Kanai expresses initial concerns about Dante's potential dislike of the movie but is relieved to find that both enjoyed it. He praises the film's ability to make expected plot points feel justified and fulfilling. Dante lauds the movie's villain, comparing him to similar characters in past Pokémon movies but noting that this one is executed perfectly. He appreciates the film's ability to blend familiar elements from other movies into a cohesive and enjoyable experience.
Deeper Dive into the Movie's Elements
The hosts discuss various aspects of the movie, including the portrayal of Coco's culture shock, the obvious villain, and the unique way the movie handles Pokémon communication. They praise the animation, the use of Celebi as a sign rather than a solution, and the comedic relief provided by Cramorant. The hosts also touch on the movie's references to previous Pokémon media, such as "Pokémon Snap."
Plot and Story Discussion
The hosts discuss the basic plot, focusing on Coco's upbringing by Zarude and his eventual meeting with Ash. They appreciate how Ash's involvement is integrated into the story and highlight the sound design when Coco uses his vine to swing through the jungle. The hosts also touch on the theme of Zarude's oppression of other Pokémon and the resolution of this conflict.
Climax and Resolution
The hosts describe the climax of the movie, in which Coco and Zarude fight against the villain's machines to protect the forest. They discuss the villain's motivations and his ultimate defeat. The hosts also highlight Coco's decision to leave the jungle and embark on his own journey, as well as the emotional farewell scene with Ash.
Final Thoughts and Ranking
The hosts share their final thoughts on the movie, praising its choreography, music, and overall quality. They discuss the movie's potential impact on the Pokémon movie series and express hope that future installments will maintain the same level of passion and quality. The hosts then reveal their personal rankings of the movie, ultimately placing it at number one on their list.
Pokémon Poll Challenge
The hosts introduce the Pokémon Poll Challenge, in which viewers vote for their favorite Pokémon from the movie. The hosts each select a Pokémon to represent in the poll: Cramorant, Charger Bug, Alcremie, Wooloo, and Zarude. They encourage viewers to participate in the poll and announce that the winner will be revealed in the next episode.
Outro
The hosts thank viewers for watching the episode and encourage them to subscribe to the channel for more Pokémon content. They tease the upcoming episode, in which they will share their personal rankings of all the Pokémon movies. The hosts also express their excitement for future Pokémon movies and promise to continue reviewing them.
