Brief Summary
The podcast episode discusses and ranks the Pokémon movie "Hoopa and the Clash of Ages." The panel shares their initial impressions, favorite moments, and critiques, focusing on the plot, character development, and action sequences. They analyze Hoopa's character, the use of legendary Pokémon, and the movie's continuity with the broader Pokémon universe. The episode concludes with a ranking of the movie relative to other Pokémon films and a discussion of the upcoming movie, "Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel."
- The movie is praised for its action sequences and use of legendary Pokémon.
- Hoopa's character is a central point of discussion, with varying opinions on its comedic elements.
- The panel analyzes the movie's plot, continuity, and overall placement within the Pokémon movie canon.
Intro
The podcast begins with introductions of the hosts and a brief overview of the show's format, which includes watching and ranking Pokémon movies. This episode focuses on "Hoopa and the Clash of Ages," a movie known for its large-scale battles involving numerous legendary Pokémon. The hosts express their excitement and anticipation for discussing the film.
Synopsis and Initial Impressions
The hosts read the official synopsis of "Hoopa and the Clash of Ages" from Pokemon.com, which sets the stage for a discussion about the movie's plot and themes. Connor expresses his enjoyment of the movie, particularly the "kaiju fest" aspect, while noting he watched it at 1.5x speed. Dante praises Hoopa's character and the movie's budget, which allowed for impressive visuals. Kenai shares his high expectations for the movie, while Chris provides a more critical perspective, citing issues with pacing and comedic elements.
Continuity and Plot Discussion
The discussion shifts to the movie's continuity with other Pokémon movies and games. Connor points out the movie's references to past events and characters, creating a sense of connection within the Pokémon universe. Chris expresses his dissatisfaction with the movie's comedic tone, finding it inconsistent with the gravity of the situation. The hosts discuss the plot's progression, including Hoopa's mischievous behavior, the emergence of Hoopa Unbound, and the introduction of the ancient hero who initially sealed away Hoopa's dark side.
Hoopa's Character and Abilities
The hosts discuss Hoopa's character, focusing on its playful nature and the origins of its powers. They explore whether Hoopa creates objects and Pokémon from nothing or summons them from other locations. The hosts analyze Hoopa's signature move, Hyperspace Fury, and its dual typing as Psychic/Ghost (Confined) and Psychic/Dark (Unbound). They also touch on the item used in the games to change Hoopa's form.
Ash's Role and Team Rocket's Antics
The discussion covers Ash's role in the movie, noting his unusually calm reaction to encountering a mythical Pokémon. The hosts discuss the comedic intro with Ash and the Pikachus, as well as Team Rocket's attempts to steal Hoopa's bottle. They analyze Team Rocket's motivations and their desire to become powerful using the bottle's magic.
The Battle Against Hoopa Unbound
The hosts discuss the challenges of stopping Hoopa Unbound, focusing on the legendary Pokémon summoned to combat it. They analyze Lugia's appearance and its effectiveness against Hoopa Unbound. The hosts explore the question of whether Hoopa has prior knowledge of the Pokémon it summons and how it selects them.
The Creation of the Bottle and Arceus's Appearance
The discussion shifts to the creation of the bottle needed to re-seal Hoopa Unbound. The hosts analyze the roles of Ash, Pikachu, and the other Pokémon in gathering the necessary elements. They discuss the appearance of Arceus at the end of the movie and its significance within the Pokémon lore.
The Climax and Resolution
The hosts discuss the movie's climax, where the dimensions begin to collapse due to the presence of too many legendary Pokémon. They analyze Ash's actions and the efforts of the legendary Pokémon to stop the decay. The hosts discuss Hoopa's character development and its decision to stay in the town to help rebuild it.
Ranking the Movie
The hosts rank "Hoopa and the Clash of Ages" relative to other Pokémon movies. They debate its placement, considering factors such as plot, fan service, and personal preferences. The final ranking places "Hoopa and the Clash of Ages" at number four on their list, above "First Movie".
Poll Challenge and Next Week's Movie
The hosts announce the poll challenge for the week, where listeners can vote for their favorite Pokémon from the movie. They reveal their individual picks: Chris (Hoopa Confined), John (Zialga), Connor (Wobbuffet), Danny (Shiny Mega Rayquaza), Dante (Lugia), and Kenai (Hippopotas). The hosts announce that next week's movie will be "Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel."
