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Pokémon the First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (1999)
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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 Pokemons as well. Enter Ash Ketcham, who travels... 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 Pokemons as well. Enter Ash Ketcham, who travels to the evil island with a group of friends to battle the clones and attempt to restore normalcy to the planet. A definite plus is that the film ends on a moral note, with the realization that fighting is wrong and pointless. [More]
Starring: Ted Lewis, Veronica Taylor, Ikue Otani
Starring: Ted Lewis, Veronica Taylor, Ikue Otani
Director: Michael Haigney, Kunihiko Yuyama
Director: Michael Haigney, Kunihiko Yuyama
Screenwriter: Michael Haigney, Norman J. Grossfeld, John Touhey, Takeshi Shudo
Producer: Norman J. Grossfeld, Tomoyuki Igarashi, Choji Yoshikawa, Takemoto Mori
Composer: Manny Corallo, Ralph Schuckett
Get This Movie
Release:
Mar 21, 2000
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Pan & Scan - 1.33
- Single Side - Single Layer
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
- Mini-Movie - PIKACHU'S VACATION
- The Story of Mewtwo's Origin
- Sneak Preview Of The Second Pokemon Movie
- Ash's Journey
- Audio Commentary - 1.Michael Haigney - English Adaptation Director
- 2.Norman J. Grossfeld - Producer
- Music Video - 1.M2M - DON'T SAY YOU LOVE ME
- Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Features:
- Interactive Menus
- Scene Access
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Production Notes
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.
It 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.
If you're over 10 years old I have four words for you: See Princess Mononoke instead.
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.
The kids in the audience at my showing were certainly enthralled, and I only fell asleep twice.
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.
Unfortunately, dear grown-ups, no end to the Pokémon invasion seems imminent.
With its undertones of slavery and cockfighting, Pokémon" may have the most unsavory premise ever for children's entertainment.
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.
Would it have been too much to ask for just a tiny bit of interest for the grown-ups?
If you don't mind plunking your kids down in front of a 90-minute commerical, go nuts.
Disney's wild, creative but beautifully-controlled set-pieces, eccentric memorable characters, and sheer rush of colour tower over anything on offer here.
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.
Kids will come away with the moral of the story: Trust your heart. Adults will just be happy to come away.
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.
The 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.
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. ![]()
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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. ![]()
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