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08/16/07
Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (1999)
15 %
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Reviews Counted: 72
Fresh: 11
Rotten:61
Average Rating: 3.6/10
Consensus: Audiences other than children will find very little to entertain them.
Runtime: 1 hr 35 mins
Genre: Childrens
Synopsis: The first major motion picture from the Pokemon empire is sure to keep children coming back for more. When a scientist clones a Pokemon named Mew, the resulting clone, Mewtwo, begins cloning... [More]
Starring: Ted Lewis, Veronica Taylor, Ikue Otani
Director: Michael Haigney, Kunihiko Yuyama
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Reviews for Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back
The repetitive plot is essentially a string of excuses for fantastical combat sequences, but somehow several characters' insistence that violence is bad doesn't come off as hypocritical.
02/28/07
Top CriticIt would be nice to think that 'the kids' would take on board the heavy-handed moral messages, but more likely they’ll be looking out for new Pokémon to collect, therefore fulfilling Nintendo’s merchandising dream.
12/30/06
If you're over 10 years old I have four words for you: See Princess Mononoke instead.
05/26/06
For Pokemon fans? Give it a shot.
04/09/05
In the tradition of such drivel as 'The Care Bears Movie' and 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,' it's essentially a commercial disguised as a feature film.
07/01/03
Abysmally bad.
05/14/03
The kids in the audience at my showing were certainly enthralled, and I only fell asleep twice.
02/08/03
The movie may have been designed to shift Pokémon product but it also comes down hard on the side of friendship, mutual respect and resourcefulness.
12/02/02
Unfortunately, dear grown-ups, no end to the Pokémon invasion seems imminent.
08/02/02
With its undertones of slavery and cockfighting, Pokémon" may have the most unsavory premise ever for children's entertainment.
07/12/02
Probably too verbose to significantly influence the target audience.
06/25/02
The wisdom of putting bad experiences behind us never rang more true than after viewing this movie. Avoiding it though, may be impossible, so be prepared.
04/05/02
Top CriticWould it have been too much to ask for just a tiny bit of interest for the grown-ups?
12/10/01
If you don't mind plunking your kids down in front of a 90-minute commerical, go nuts.
10/10/01
Disney's wild, creative but beautifully-controlled set-pieces, eccentric memorable characters, and sheer rush of colour tower over anything on offer here.
04/17/01
This Japanese film's free will philosophy is in stark contrast to the determinism that seems to be running rampant in today's Hollywood films.
01/01/01
Kids will come away with the moral of the story: Trust your heart. Adults will just be happy to come away.
01/01/00
A lot has been written about the admirable lessons that Pokemon teaches children about responsibility, teamwork and obedience. But some unfortunate messages are being sent as well.
01/01/00
Top CriticThe Japanese animation is beautiful, and the script adaptation for the English-speaking audience is well-paced, clever, and absorbing enough to keep parents from squirming.
01/01/00
Top CriticLatest News for Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo...
January 01, 2000:
Pokemon is a quality example of the genre, and it is indeed one of the most successful anime shows ever. 
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January 01, 2000:
I knew it was gonna happen ... Pokemon: The First Movie. Whatever!
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January 01, 2000:
If you're not already hip to the world of Pokemon, you soon will be. Don't say we didn't warn you.
More...
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