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
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Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (1999)
15
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:20
Fresh:3
Rotten:17
Average Rating:3.7/10
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
1 - 20 (sorted by date)
Top CriticThe 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 CriticA 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 CriticWith intentionally stilted animation, uninspired music and lame jokes, Pokemon is basically an ultralong version of the phenomenon's own boring TV 'toon.
01/01/00
Top CriticSpending 95 minutes with the slight antics of Pikachu, Ash and the gang may seem like an eternity.
01/01/00
Top CriticStrictly a kids' movie.
01/01/00
Top CriticHeart is something sadly lacking in Pokemon: The First Movie.
01/01/00
Top Critic70 minutes of irritation.
01/01/00
Top CriticA shameless plug for Pokemon merchandise? You betcha.
01/01/00
Top CriticA dull, crudely animated Pokemon byproduct.
01/01/00
Top CriticIt makes the Star Wars mythos play like Pong.
01/01/00
Top CriticAdults may cringe at the preachy heavy-handedness and the extremely limited motion animation that sets the art form back a couple of generations.
01/01/00
Top CriticFor the legions of Pokemon fans, the film gives them everything they crave and more.
01/01/00
Top CriticFor the record, it isn't terrible. It's far from a milestone in Japanese animation, and not an especially memorable entertainment. Yet it doesn't try to be either of those things.
01/01/00
Top CriticThis pacifist spirit of brotherhood echoes the heroics in Princess Mononoke and other anime titles, but the artistic gap between the Miyazaki masterpiece and this project is huge.
01/01/00
Top CriticPokemon isn't even good animation, unless the standard of measure is the crude LCD graphics of a Game Boy.
01/01/00
Top CriticIt's just a sound-and-light show, linked to the marketing push for Pokemon in general.
01/01/00
Top CriticClick to read the article
01/01/00
Top Critic1 - 20 (sorted by date)
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...
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