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.
Comment
02/28/07
Rate this Movie 
Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (1999)
15
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work
Reviews Counted:73
Fresh:11
Rotten:62
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
Get This Movie
Reviews for Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back
Top CriticIf you're over 10 years old I have four words for you: See Princess Mononoke instead.
05/26/06
The animation is relatively bare-bones and often shoddy. It assumes its audience's preknowledge of the concept and characters, and explains nothing.
01/01/00
It makes the Star Wars mythos play like Pong.
01/01/00
Top CriticI shudder at the thought of several sequels to this flick.
01/01/00
There is a new definition of the term, 'critic-proof movie,' and it goes by the name Pokémon: The First Movie.
01/01/00
Just because something makes money doesn't mean that it is good.
01/01/00
Even the kindergarten target audience will be hard-pressed to sit still for this elementary and lumbering Saturday morning reject adventure.
01/01/00
The movie's slim charms are such that they are unlikely to convert many adults to the cult.
01/01/00
My baseline for boredom had been standing in line to renew my automobile registration. But now, thanks to this Pokemon film, I have a brand-new baseline.
01/01/00
Strictly a kids' movie.
01/01/00
Top CriticThere’s all sorts of fighting between pokemon (pokemonesians?) that goes on. No one ever seems to get hurt, but then there’s the obligatory 'violence begets violence' homily at the end. Give me a break.
01/01/00
The values of POKEMON's protagonist have tapped into the unconscious of a generation that compulsively watches the show and codifies its critters without really knowing why
01/01/00
Pokemon has opened up another front in an unrelenting campaign to bankrupt parents around the world.
01/01/00
A shameless plug for Pokemon merchandise? You betcha.
01/01/00
Top CriticFor the legions of Pokemon fans, the film gives them everything they crave and more.
01/01/00
Top CriticFor Pokemon fans? Give it a shot.
04/09/05
Would it have been too much to ask for just a tiny bit of interest for the grown-ups?
12/10/01
[An] overreaching, hypocritical mess.
01/01/00
The first half of the movie is filled with mystery, danger, and excitement. Unfortunately, heavy moral overtones start creeping in midway through the movie.
01/01/00
Latest 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. 
More...
January 01, 2000:
I knew it was gonna happen ... Pokemon: The First Movie. Whatever!
More...
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...
RT On Current TV
What’s Hot On RT
Fresh Links
Featured
Wes Anderson on Fox
The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox
Animated Oscar?
Hollywood.com ponders whether or not an animated film could win Best Picture.
TIME's Holiday Movie Preview
Richard Corliss previews the season's best offerings and hottest tickets.
Scenic Routes
The AV Club's Mike D'Angelo airs his beefs with Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men.
Promos
Follow RT on Twitter
Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!
IGN RSS Feeds