Brief Summary
In this episode of "Gotta Watch Them All," the hosts review Pokémon 3: Spell of the Unown. They discuss their initial impressions, favorite moments, and overall opinions of the movie. The group also debates the film's placement in their ranking of Pokémon movies and introduce a new Pokémon poll challenge for the audience.
- The hosts share their diverse opinions on "Pokémon 3: Spell of the Unown," discussing its plot, characters, and battles.
- They debate the film's ranking among the Pokémon movies, ultimately placing it above "Pokémon 2000."
- A new Pokémon poll challenge is introduced, with the hosts selecting Pokémon from the movie for the audience to vote on.
Intro and New Guest
The host introduces a new member to the podcast, Can I, a gnome dwarven lion. The team briefly discusses the previous episode on Pokémon 2000, which was generally well-received. Can I admits to not watching Pokémon 2000 because it was too long. The host then introduces the topic of this week's episode: Pokémon 3: Spell of the Unown.
First Impressions and Favorite Movie
The host asks for initial reactions to Pokémon 3. One host expresses it's one of their favorites, having seen it before and finding little to criticize. Another host admits to not liking it as much as the others might. The host then asks what everyone's favorite Pokémon movie is so far.
Synopsis and Fun Facts
The host begins a synopsis of Pokémon 3, starting with Professor Hale and his daughter Molly. Professor Hale is an ancient Pokémon discoveries professor, often leaving Molly alone after her mother's death. They share a bonding moment where he pretends to be Entei. The host points out that Molly's team is hinted at in the beginning of the movie. Professor Hale discovers unknown tiles, leading to his disappearance into another dimension.
Unknown and Title Card
The group discusses the role of the Unknown in the movie, noting they are the reason for the events. The host mentions the Japanese title, "Emperor of the Crystal Tower," is cooler but doesn't include a Pokémon name. They discuss the Unknown's powers and their connection to Entei, questioning the extent of their control. The title card is shown, with Unknown spelling out Entei.
Meeting Lisa and the Battle
The scene shifts to Ash, Misty, and Brock meeting Lisa, a Pokémon trainer. Brock tries to flirt with her, but she's only interested in a battle. Ash accepts her challenge, leading to a full 6v6 battle with a Johto remix playing. The battle format is discussed, noting it's different from gym battles. The host points out this movie doesn't feature many Pokémon compared to others.
Greenfield and Team Rocket
Ash wins the battle, and the group heads to Greenfield, a town with a Pokémon Center. Team Rocket follows them, providing comic relief. They arrive to find Greenfield crystallized. Team Rocket's jokes are highlighted, with one host noting they break the fourth wall.
Professor Oak and Entei
A news crew reports on the situation in Greenfield, prompting Professor Oak and Ash's mom, Delia, to investigate due to their connection with Professor Hale. Delia pulls out photos, including a screenshot from the original Game Boy Pokémon games. Entei is created by the Unknown and kidnaps Delia, taking her to Molly, who wishes for a mom.
Entei Takes Ash's Mom
Entei appears and kidnaps Ash's mom, taking her back to Molly, who is under the Unknown's influence. Ash tries to intervene, but Entei stops him. One of the hosts expresses dislike for this part of the movie. The group discusses why Ash's Pokémon are always in their Poké Balls, questioning why they aren't used to help in situations like this.
Molly's New Mom and the Crystal Expansion
Molly now has a mom, and Delia is hypnotized. Molly asks if they can stay there forever, and Entei expands the crystals. The crystals' consistent rules are noted, such as avoiding water paths. The host expresses that everything happening is based on Molly's emotions.
Professor Oak and Charizard Valley
Professor Oak and Skylar conclude the Unknown are responsible. They see fake Unknowns and cultural images of Entei. The scene cuts to Charizard Valley, where Ash seeks help from his Charizard. Liza and Charlotte are introduced. The first appearance of a shiny Noctowl is mentioned.
Bulldozer and Molly's Email
A man tries to bulldoze the crystals. Molly sends an email telling everyone to stay away. The host points out Lisa's common sense in realizing she would be useless and giving Ash her PokéGear. Team Rocket is seen sneaking through the water, with a joke about "wading" versus "waiting."
Team Rocket and Scaling the Wall
Team Rocket is blasted out of the sky by Entei and trapped in a cellular structure. Ash's mom recognizes Ash on the news as he scales the crystal wall. Ash uses his Pokémon to climb the wall, and Delia snaps out of her hypnosis.
Breaking the Gazebo and Climbing Deeper
Ash tries to break into Molly's crystal gazebo with his Pokémon. The team uses their Pokémon's abilities to swim through. They find a staircase leading to an endless field. Team Rocket encounters the Unknown, with James making a joke about his "personal advocate."
Molly's Illusion and Pokémon Trainer
Entei creates an illusion of Molly as a trainer. The group discusses the criteria for being a Pokémon trainer, noting the age of 10 is a maturity level. Entei ages Molly up to be a trainer.
Brock's Battle and Volcarona
Entei and adult Molly cut the team off, and Molly wants to battle. Brock distracts her while Ash goes to save his mom. Brock battles Molly, and the host notes Brock could have flirted with Molly but didn't. Team Rocket sneaks past during the battle. Ash's mom sees a book with a Pokémon resembling Volcarona, implying its concept existed long before its release.
Misty's Battle and Ash's Mom
Ash and Misty continue up the staircase, finding a beach. Entei and teenage Molly appear, and Misty battles her. Misty uses her Pokémon in creative ways, reminiscent of Pokémon contests. Ash finds his mom, and Delia tells Molly she isn't her mom.
Ash vs. Entei and Charizard's Arrival
Molly has a temper tantrum, and the Unknown create crystal spikes. Ash squares up to Entei, and the host jokes about what would happen if Ash punched him. Ash sends out his Pokémon, but Entei defeats them. Ash is blasted out of the window, but Charizard arrives to save him.
Charizard vs. Entei and Molly's Decision
Charizard and Entei battle, with the host praising the fight sequence. Team Rocket pulls Ash back into the building. Ash and Team Rocket convince Molly that real friendships are better than the fake world the Unknown created. Entei says he will disappear if Molly leaves.
Defeating the Unknown and Entei's Departure
The Unknown trap Entei, but he breaks free with Molly's belief. The Unknown disappear, and Entei fades away, telling Molly to keep him in her dreams. The host notes Entei repeats what Molly's dad said at the beginning of the movie.
Aftermath and Professor Hale's Return
Everyone is freed, and Professor Oak and the police arrive. Officer Jenny doesn't have any lines. Professor Hale reappears, but his return isn't emphasized. The host criticizes the resolution, feeling it was rushed and not properly shown.
Credits and Final Thoughts
The credits roll, showing Professor Hale reuniting with Molly and his wife. The host feels the ending was weak and could have been better. They discuss how Molly could have stopped everything at any point, making her the antagonist rather than a villain.
Molly's Trauma and Visual Symmetry
The host argues that Molly didn't need to take Ash's mom and could have materialized other substitutes. They discuss the visual symmetry of the movie, with flowers and crystals representing coldness and purity. The flower blooms when Molly accepts reality.
Deus Ex Machina and Ranking the Movie
The host argues the movie is a "deus ex machina," where Molly could have stopped everything at any point. They discuss the current ranking of the movies: Pokémon the First Movie at number one, Pokémon 2000 at number two. They debate where to place Pokémon 3.
Ranking Debate and Prophecy
The group debates whether Pokémon 3 is better than Pokémon 2000. Some argue Pokémon 3 has better battles, while others prefer the plot of Pokémon 2000. The vote results in Pokémon 3 being placed above Pokémon 2000. The host notes Pokémon 3 breaks the Pokémon mold by not having a prophecy.
Pokemon Poll Challenge
The host announces the results of the previous Pokémon poll challenge, with Mewtwo and Squirtle tying. They announce a new Pokémon poll challenge for this week, with the audience voting on their favorite Pokémon from Pokémon 3. The options are Totodile, Charizard, Teddy Ursa, Cyndaquil, and Magikarp.
