Brief Summary
The video reviews the first Pokémon movie, analyzing its plot, characters, and the differences between the US and Japanese versions. It covers the initial hype, the inclusion of "Pikachu's Vacation," the darker themes introduced, and the controversial changes made in the English dub, including Mewtwo's character and the altered moral message. The review also touches on the emotional impact of certain scenes, the film's commercial success, and ultimately recommends watching the original Japanese version for a more complete experience.
- The film was highly anticipated due to the popularity of the Pokémon franchise.
- The US dub significantly altered Mewtwo's character and the film's moral message.
- The reviewer recommends watching the original Japanese version for a more complete and mature experience.
Intro
The reviewer recounts attending MCM Comic Con in London, dressed as Ash Ketchum, and engaging in Pokémon-related discussions. One debate centered on whether the first Pokémon movie was actually good. The reviewer recalls loving the film as a child but also feeling disappointed afterward, despite the immense hype surrounding its release, fueled by the popularity of the games, TV show, and trading cards, as well as the introduction of Mew and Mewtwo.
Pikachu's Vacation
Before the main film, viewers were presented with "Pikachu's Vacation," a short film unrelated to the main plot, likely included to extend the movie's runtime. The short features Ash's Pokémon interacting with rival Pokémon, engaging in competitions, and ultimately working together to free a stuck Charizard. The humor relies on visual gags due to the lack of dialogue from the trainers, and the short also includes brief glimpses of new Pokémon from the next generation.
The First Pokémon Movie
The film opens with scientists successfully cloning Mewtwo from Mew. Upon awakening, Mewtwo questions his purpose and, feeling like an experiment, destroys the lab and the scientists. Giovanni from Team Rocket then offers to team up with Mewtwo, promising to help him control his powers, but Mewtwo eventually escapes upon realizing he is merely a servant. Mewtwo returns to his island, declaring war on humanity and Pokémon.
The Invitation
The scene shifts to Ash, Brock, and Misty, where Ash is battling another trainer. Impressed by Ash's performance, a Dragonite invites him to a Pokémon tournament. The trio arrives at a port, but a storm prevents boats from sailing. Some trainers decide to brave the storm, including Ash and his friends, who take a boat from Team Rocket disguised as Vikings. Despite the boat capsizing, they reach the island.
Mewtwo's Island
The trainers who braved the storm are deemed worthy by Mewtwo. They discover that Mewtwo is behind the tournament invitation and that Nurse Joy is his assistant. Team Rocket sneaks into a lab and finds Pokémon clones being created. Mewtwo summons these clones, claiming they are superior, and pits them against the originals. The clones easily defeat the originals, including Charizard.
Clones vs Originals
Mewtwo captures the original Pokémon to create more clones. Pikachu is also captured, but Ash grabs one of Mewtwo's balls, breaking the clone machine. The clones hatch and confront Mewtwo, followed by Ash and the originals. Ash attempts to punch Mewtwo but is saved by Mew. Mewtwo challenges Mew to a fight between the clones and originals.
Fighting is Wrong
The battle commences, highlighting the controversial message that "fighting is wrong," which the reviewer finds hypocritical given the franchise's premise. The reviewer contrasts the US version with the original Japanese dub, where the focus is more on the existential reasons for the fighting rather than fighting itself. The US dub also altered Mewtwo's character, making him more villainous.
Mewtwo's Backstory
The original Japanese dub explores Mewtwo's existential crisis as a clone wanting to fit in. A cut opening segment shows Mewtwo meeting Amber, a clone of a scientist's daughter, who tells him that being alive is what matters. Amber and the other starter Pokémon clones then tragically fade away. This segment was cut from the Western release for being too dark. The US dub changed Mewtwo's lines to create a clear villain.
Musical Score
The US version also altered the musical score, adding music and dialogue to scenes that were originally silent. The reviewer admits to preferring the US soundtrack due to nostalgia.
Ash Turns Into Stone
Ash tries to stop the fighting and gets caught between Mew and Mewtwo's blasts, turning him into stone. Pikachu tries to revive him, and all the Pokémon cry. The reviewer admits to not feeling particularly moved by this scene, finding the revival through Pokémon tears to be contrived.
The Gift of Life
Mewtwo realizes the error of his ways and acknowledges that humans and Pokémon can coexist peacefully. He delivers the line, "the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." Mewtwo then erases everyone's memories of the events.
Conclusion
Despite its flaws, the reviewer enjoyed re-watching the film. The pacing is quick, the animation is improved, and it features Mew and Mewtwo. The film was a commercial success. The reviewer recommends watching the original Japanese dub for a more complete experience, especially with the uncut Mewtwo origin story.
