Pokemon Movie 1: The First Movie

FreddyCrab Dec 6, 2011

8

Story: Aah Pokemon, a show that gets worse with every passing series, with every new episode something likeable about this anime is flushed down the toilet....Thankfully this film however, was made back in 1998 so was created at the time when Pokemon was almost a animated masterpiece- if only times were still like then *sigh* The story of this film is actually more interesting than your typical Ash-meets-up-with-a-legendary-Pokemon-and-helps-it-get-freed-from-the-clutches-of-serveral-greedy-organisations film. This story is about Ash getting invited to an island where all the top Pokemon trainers are and fighting the ultimate Pokemon: Mewtwo. This movie is actually very interesting, for the first time Team Rocket weren't the ones right behind all the problems going on- they just stumbled along by accident. An actual Pokemon being a bad guy with extremely strong strength was an interesting plot-line also. The ending of this film I actually found quite touching, it was sweet and there wasn't too much over-the-top fighting between the Pokemon what went on for eons and eons. Animation: For 1998 this animation was very good- the battle scenecs were creative, but I found the characters in particular, especially towards the end of the film, looking very well animated- better than some of the animes I've seen from around 2005 or something. Sound: During the touching parts of this anime, the music was very bitterweet and throughout the action sequences it was very strong and exciting. Music in Pokemon Movie 1 is very good. Characters: Probably one of the best things about this film is the fact that it has Ash, Misty and Brock in it- the best set of protagonists from any anime. Ash brought the typical strong, stubborn facet to the team; Misty brought the caring and sweet part to the team and Brock brought the logic (and pervertedness) Mewtwo's character was also unique, his cruel one-sided way of looking at things made him seem a ruthless Pokemon and at times I saw him as a human and totally forgot he was a Pokemon, which I found a good thing. Overall: Probably one of my favourite Pokemon films, this one has a satisfying blend of action and deep moments in it. I suggest watching this film, because this may be one of the only films ever of Pokemon that is actually GOOD.

Dale Feb 25, 2016

8

Story: The story is actually interesting. A scientist genetically clones a Pokemon named Mewtwo from another Pokemon named Mew. Mewtwo then starts to question its existence and destroys the lab where it was created. For some reason Mewtwo sends invitations to a bunch of trainers to take part in its challenge. Ash, Misty and Brock take part in its challenge where they soon find out about Mewtwo's evil plan. Animation: The animation is ok. It not good but its not bad. In 1998 I bet the animation was very good for its time.  Sound: The music in this movie was ok. Really, there's nothing really notable about the music. Characters: I really enjoyed the characters in this movie. Like in the Anime the characters are Ash, Misty and Brock. But I found Team Rocket (Jessie, James and Meowth) really made the Movie. Overall:This movie talks about some dark topics for a Pokemon movie such as is it ok to clone Pokemon and force them to fight? For a Pokemon Movie its some what dark and as a kid I just watched it for the cool fight scenes. I don't think kids would really understand any of the messages. The two only major issues I had with this Movie is how much it contradicts itself, Pokemon is all about capturing monster and forcing them to fight each other. This Movie clearly says don't force Pokemon fight each other but in the anime it says its ok to. It ends with Ash and his friends learning a lesson then Mewtwo flys off wiping everyone's memory. By doing that, this makes the whole movie meaningless. Overall I recommend this Movie to any Pokemon fan!

allegro Jul 17, 2020

7

==MOSTLY SPOILER FREE== Story Get some tissues and prepare to cry as it's emotionally very moving, and for what some call a kids' film, suprisingly dark. Not that this is a bad thing; it adds a whole new level of depth to the franchise and Pokémon world, especially at what was such an early stage in the series at time of release. There are ups and downs, as well as emotions changing at a fast pace. I think the ending is a bit weak, but it doesn't detract from the story particularly. Animation/Art Some may call the art and animation of this film outdated. I disagree however, as I believe that the style of this film has the charm that drew so many into enjoying anime in the first place. The film's animation is comparatively higher quality than the TV show, and that gives it an extra level of special. Sound The music of this film is hands down the best part of it. The way they use the TV show's OP in the film is excellent, and the emotions conveyed in the music caused tears at more than one occasion. The only criticism is that at certain points, some of the music/sound is excessively loud and it lessens the immersion slightly. Characters It's broadly said that Pokémon films don't really know what to do with their supporting cast. This holds true in this film, but it isn't true of Mewtwo. His character development is excellent and authentic, as well as the scenes with the Meowths, or when Mew saves Ash both reflecting the conceptions of the characters that the film has built, and the overarching message of tolerance and friendship that the franchise is known for. Summary I would be lying if I said this was an outstanding piece of cinema that all would love. But if you've ever liked Pokémon, put this on, and I'm fairly sure you'll enjoy it.