Brief Summary
This YouTube video provides a comprehensive review of the first 22 Pokémon movies and Detective Pikachu, from "Pokémon: The First Movie" to "Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution". The reviewers discuss plot points, animation quality, and overall enjoyment, rating each film and sharing personal anecdotes. They also touch on the evolution of the franchise, changes in animation styles, and the recurring themes present throughout the series.
- The first few movies are nostalgic but flawed, with questionable morals and pacing issues.
- Later movies suffer from poor writing, repetitive plots, and unnecessary additions like talking Pokémon.
- Some movies, like "Pokémon: The Power of Us," stand out for their character development and engaging storylines.
- The live-action "Detective Pikachu" receives mixed reviews due to its disturbing Pokémon designs and casting choices.
Intro
The video starts with an introduction where the hosts express their intention to discuss all the Pokémon movies, from the first to the twenty-second, along with "Detective Pikachu". They joke about the possibility of uncovering hidden secrets and share a humorous anecdote about a cut scene from the fifth movie.
Pokemon: The First Movie
"Pokémon: The First Movie," also known as "Mewtwo Strikes Back," receives a mixed review. One host expresses nostalgic fondness, while the other criticizes its dark themes and philosophical questions as simplistic and pretentious. The plot involves Mewtwo questioning his purpose and ultimately deciding to fight all other Pokémon. The hosts discuss the movie's message about fighting and whether it contradicts the spirit of Pokémon. They also mention a prequel book that is considered superior to the film. The movie received negative reviews from critics upon release.
Pokemon 2000
"Pokémon 2000" is considered a superior film with better animation. The plot centers on a rich man attempting to capture Lugia by exploiting the fighting of the three legendary birds: Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. The hosts discuss the love triangle between Ash, Misty, and a local girl, highlighting the missed opportunity for romance. They also criticize the film's generic plot and the villain's defeat.
Pokemon 3 The Movie
"Pokémon 3: The Movie" is about a girl who uses the power of the Unknown to create her own reality after losing her father. The Unknown are described as the fabric of reality. The girl creates a fake Entei as her father figure and transforms her castle into a crystal structure. Ash and his friends intervene, and Charizard makes a dramatic return. The hosts find the movie dark but ultimately cowardly in its storytelling.
Pokemon 4ever
"Pokémon 4ever" involves time travel and the mythical Pokémon Celebi. The villain uses "dark balls" to corrupt Pokémon, turning them evil. The hosts discuss the ambiguity of the dark balls and their effects on Pokémon. They criticize the film's 3D animation and find the plot uninspired, despite Celebi's cuteness.
Pokemon Heroes
"Pokémon Heroes" is considered a decent movie set in a Venice-like city. Ash meets a girl who is actually a Latias, and the film features two entertaining villainous sisters. The plot involves a machine powered by the soul dew of a Latias. The hosts find the character interactions enjoyable but the overall plot uninteresting.
Pokemon: Jirachi Wish Maker
"Pokémon: Jirachi Wish Maker" features Jirachi, a mythical Pokémon, and a former Team Magma member who seeks to reawaken Groudon. The hosts criticize the film's pacing and excessive length, describing it as a "torture" to watch. They highlight a bizarre scene where Brock and May sing a song with nonsensical lyrics.
Pokemon: Destiny Deoxys
"Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys" involves Deoxys' arrival on Earth and its conflict with Rayquaza. The hosts heavily criticize the film's pacing and unengaging story, noting its excessive length. They also point out numerous references to "Evangelion" in the film's design and plot elements.
Pokemon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew
"Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew" features Lucario, who has been betrayed by his master and distrusts humans. Pikachu is kidnapped by Mew, leading Ash and Lucario on a journey to rescue him. The hosts find the movie decent, with a nice feel, but criticize its prolonged climax.
Pokemon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea
"Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea" is considered the worst movie due to its excessive length and poorly developed plot. The film introduces Manaphy, who inexplicably talks, and a pirate villain seeking to find an underwater temple. The hosts criticize the film's need to establish the universe and its characters, leading to a drawn-out and unengaging experience.
Pokemon: The Rise of Darkrai
"Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai" features Darkrai, who is initially portrayed as a villain but is later revealed to be misunderstood. The hosts criticize the film's pacing, particularly the extended climax, but acknowledge that the early parts are decent.
Pokemon: Giratina & The Sky Warrior
"Pokémon: Giratina & The Sky Warrior" introduces Shaymin, a Pokémon who talks and is portrayed as a "prick." Giratina is angry at Shaymin and chases him. The hosts criticize Shaymin's character and the film's complicated plot, but find it slightly better than previous installments.
Pokemon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life
"Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life" is considered one of the better movies. The plot involves Arceus seeking to reclaim a jewel that was stolen from him. The hosts praise the film's Japanese voice acting and time travel elements.
The not offensive but still bad arc:
The hosts introduce a series of movies they consider "not offensive but still bad," indicating a decline in quality and effort.
Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions
"Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions" involves Zoroark impersonating legendary Pokémon to protect Zorua. The hosts find the movie inoffensive but unremarkable.
Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram and White—Victini and Zekrom
"Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram and White—Victini and Zekrom" are two versions of the same movie with slight differences in the legendary Pokémon featured. The hosts struggle to recall specific details, finding the films forgettable.
Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice
"Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice" features the Swords of Justice and Keldeo, who seeks to join their ranks. The hosts note that Keldeo's character development is rushed and that the movie is short but decent.
Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened
"Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened" involves Genesect and Mewtwo. The hosts criticize the movie's plot and the portrayal of Mewtwo as a woman.
Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction
"Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction" features Diancie, who is tasked with creating a diamond. The hosts criticize the film's Japanese-style montage and the inclusion of Yveltal, whose presence feels forced.
Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages
"Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages" involves Hoopa, a genie-like Pokémon who can summon legendary Pokémon. The hosts praise the film's first act but criticize the later parts, where Hoopa becomes evil.
Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel
"Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel" features Volcanion and Magearna, a mechanical Pokémon. The hosts criticize the film's complex plot and the voice acting of Volcanion.
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!
"Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!" is a reboot of the Pokémon anime series. The hosts praise the film's pacing and animation but criticize the third act, where Pikachu speaks.
Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us
"Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us" is considered one of the best Pokémon movies. The film focuses on a community and its diverse characters, each with their own storylines. The hosts praise the film's character development and well-written plot.
Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution
"Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution" is a 3D remake of the first movie. The hosts praise the film's animation but criticize the character designs, finding them disturbing.
Detective Pikachu
"Detective Pikachu" receives mixed reviews. The hosts criticize the acting and plot but acknowledge Ryan Reynolds' performance as Pikachu. They also discuss the contentious Pokémon designs, finding them disturbing and unrealistic.
