Howdy! This is Phantom Strider! (Pokeball bouncing off the logo)
Let's explore the world of "Pokemon!"
Pikachu: (Happily) PI-KA!
Strider: At this point, Pokemon contains 150--(Buzzer)
Okay... 350--(Buzzer)
Okay, fine.. *650*--(Buzzer)
Oh, come on! How many are there now? (Ding)
Eight hundred and two Pokemon, and One Thousand and Thirty episodes!
So rather than *attempting* to talk about the monstrous, insurmountable Cthulu that is the "Pokemon" anime...
let's talk about the Pokemon movies!
Sometimes these movies try and step up the quality of the anime
*generally*.
Though once again, we're delving into anime.
And I'm simply not qualified to talk about these anime movies *alone*!
(TV static)
Robyn: (Mischieviously) Did I hear someone say anime~?
Strider: Ah, hey Robin, good to see ya!
We're talking about "Pokemon" movies today.
Robin: Ooo! "Pokemon" movies? I'm in!
(Pokeball opening anime sound)
(Singing in background: I know it's my dest-in-yy!)
Robyn: Well, a few years back, my channel hosted Pokemon Month
where we reviewed some of the anime series, and some of the movies, so.. I'm a bit of a "Pokemon" fan.
Strider: Me too! In fact, our generation grew up with these "Pokemon" movies.
And we saw the very first Pokemon movie in cinema.
And I actually found that some of them struck a deep, emotional chord with me, growing up.
Robyn: Sometimes, the "Pokemon" movies even hit on a powerful universal message.
But other times... The movies felt like shameless advertisements with cheap, rehashed stories.
Strider: They certainly could be *that* too...
So let's check out both in the "Top 3 Best & Worst Pokemon Movies!"
And, of course, keep in mind, these are very subjective. People are very split in general on what the worst *and* best Pokemon movies are!
So take this list with a pinch of salt.
Anyway... Onto the countdown!
(Singing in the background: Arm and arm, we'll win the fight!)
Strider: The third *worst* "Pokemon" movie is...
"Genesect and the Legend Awakened!"
(Sigh) Here we are, at the *17th* "Pokemon" movie.
Fem-Mewtwo: I am also a Pokemon who was created by people.
Ash, Iris, and Cilan: (Gasp)
Strider: To start with...
Well, why do Ash and Mewtwo act like they've never met?
I repeat, this is the **17th** Pokemon movie!
Fem-Mewtwo: I am Mewtwo.
Cilan: Mew*two*!?
Strider: They've literally met, like,  *four* times at this point!
Hell, Ash has lugged Mewtwo's dying body across an island to save his life!
They should be, like, BEST BUDDIES at this point!
(Paraphrasing his opinion on what Ash should say:) Hey, Mewtwo, my main man! It's been ages!
Robyn: (Paraphrasing for Fem-Mewtwo) Yo, Ash! Slap me some skin! (High five)
Ash-Strider: How about we ignore these Genesect and go see a movie?
Fem-Mewtwo-Robyn: Sounds like a plan, I'll text you when I'm in the Food Court!
Strider: (Normal) On the subject of Mewtwo, his depth has been shrunk in this movie to, basically, an emo outcast.
Fem-Mewtwo: I don't need you gratitude. I was only trying to save the Pokemon.
Strider: And for some reason, he suddenly sounds like..The Watch-Mojo narrator?
Fem-Mewtwo: I know *precisely* how they feel.
Cilan: I'd say Mewtwo doesn't seem to like people very much.
Strider: No way! Really!? *Whatever* gave you the impression Mewtwo didn't like people very much?
The part where he mass murdered an island's entire population?
The part where he tried to flood the world and kill every living creature that wasn't a clone?
The part where he isolated himself on an island indefinitely to be away from all mankind?
Boy, oh boy! These new characters have a deep, astute sense of deduction!
Robyn: I know, I know. Iris, Cilan, and Eric are just sad replacements for Misty and Brock in this movie.
Let's just try and push through.
Strider: (Groans) The movie is yet another of Ash's never ending, meandering, Legendary rehashes!
(Fem-Mewtwo audibly shoots past, causing Team Rocket to momentarily shout in surprise)
With Team Rocket thrown in as nothing more than a side-note.
But this time, the movie involves... GENESECT!
(Dryly) Woooh!
Probably the best part about this movie is the animation is crisp, and gorgeous.
But frankly, with the overbloated pockets of the "Pokemon" movies after the last 17 years, it should be!
Another big problem is that Ash, Iris, and Cilan feel like they've just been shoehorned into the movie.
Serving no purpose to be there other than, well, they're the main characters.
Robyn: That that's a recurring problem in *many* of the worst "Pokemon" movies!
Ash and... *whoever* is on his team are unnecessarily dragged in, serving no real purpose to the story.
Strider: "Genesect and the Legend Awakened" feels... Unnecessary!
I found the Genesect a pretty boring plot-device.
And the entire thing feels like a *dump* on Mewtwo's character purely for the sake of advertising his new Mega-Evolution.
Robyn: Yeah... I'd recommned giving this "Pokemon" movie a skip!
(Singing in background: Arm and arm, we'll win the fight!)
Strider: And the third *best* "Pokemon" movie is...
"Lucario and the Mystery of Mew!"
Yeah, there's a freshness and Arcane majesty to this movie.
It's like the writers actually wanted to take the story seriously!
(Pokemon growling, and crashing loudly as they butt heads)
It feels like, all the Pokemon in this movie weren't contractually shoehorned in just to advertise something.
They were actually there because they were... *relevant* to the story being told!
Pikachu: (Sadly) Pika, Pikaa...
Meowth: Suppose you'd rather go back to your twerpy pal than hang around here, wouldn't ya?
Robyn: And for those of you who know me, you know how much I hate seeing Team Rocket nowadays, because it's like they're never gonna leave.
And.. there's just no point for them to be in the story, they're just pushed in because they're Team Rocket.
But for this movie, it feels like they have a real *purpose* to the story.
Unlike many other Pokemon movies, they organically fit their own charming role in the movie.
I actually found myself genuinely glad to see whenever Jessie, James, and Meowth popped in.
Meowth: What's going on?
(Other Pokemon making their noises, and Mew flitting excited to Meowth's side)
Hey, it's Mew!
(Mew giggling)
Strider: I agree. Jessie, James, and Meowth were a welcome sight in this one.
Unlike "Pokemon 4Ever" where everything's set in one plain forest, the story's kept interesting by splitting between Mew, Team Rocket, [and] Ash & Lucario.
All in their own different environments!
And Ash is really at his best in this movie too.
It took me back to the start of the series, back when he *actually* had personality!
Robyn: I agree... In many of the later "Pokemon" movies just a wide-eyed blank slate staring in wonder at everything he sees.
But in "Mystery of Mew" he actually gets mad, frustrated, and he feels grief.
He feels a lot more like the Ash we knew from earlier seasons.
Strider: I liked the story, I liked the extra depth put into the characters, and I particularly liked the beautiful landscape settings.
Robyn: If I had one complaint about this movie, it's that it takes a good 40 minutes to get the story started.
Which to me is a bit on the long side.
Strider: Y'know, that was probably my main complaint too.
The beginning of the movie particularly has a tendency to sandbag.
But apart from that, "Mystery of Mew" is what I wish modern "Pokemon" was like.
We have the fancy graphic and the fresh new Pokemon, yet there's still that strong narrative, and the characters still have personality.
Robyn: This was our final farewell to both our favourite "Pokemon" voice actors, and much of those last vestiges of the original "Pokemon's" charm.
Ash: I'll miss you buddy! I love yo-(swallowed by blob with voice bubbled over)
Pikachu: PIKA!
Gen VII Ash: (Rapid-fire cuts) Hoh! Wow! Woah! (Laughing) So many Pokemon!
(Singing in background: Arm and arm, we'll win the fight!)
Strider: And the second *worst* Pokemon movie is..
"Giratina and the Sky Warriors!"
Pikachu: Pika.. (strains) CHUUUUUUU!
(Electricity crackling)
Robyn: Well, from the get-go at least we can say it's visually stunning.
In fact, I'd call this one of the prettiest "Pokemon" movies so far.
We get introduced to the Reverse World by Giratina, and it's a real Kaleidoscope spectacle to behold!
Strider: (Sigh) Yeah, that's part of the tragedy, really.
These modern Pokemon movies can look so beautiful! Yet be such an exhausting tedium to watch.
But the main problem here is a pretty big one. A big, spiky, irritating, little snot of a problem!
Shaymin: Go, this way! No! This way!
Ash: (Visibly angry) Make up your mind!
Strider: Shaymin, this movie's Legendary, is a complete and utter brat!
The Pokemon's not interesting, complex, hell.. It's not even powerful!
It's just a... loathsome little twerp!
Shaymin: (Smugly) I would say you owe me a *big* thank you!
Ash: (Groans) We're supposed to tell you that!
Robyn: (Excitedly) Ah yes!
(Disappointed) Shaymin.
Legend claims this to be the "*Gratitude* Pokemon."
So why is this little, green jerk so ungrateful and rude to Ash!?
Ash: That sure doesn't sound like gratitude to me.
Strider: Even its *whiny voice* just pierces my head and makes me shudder!
And this movie's villain, Zero, is among the most generic, *snore* villains that Pokemon's ever come up with!
While I thought Vicious from "Pokemon 4Ever" what *the* most predictable "Pokemon" villain,
this guy's possibly even sillier!
Zero: That's the entrance into the Reverse World! (Zooming whoosh) At last!
Strider: I can't even work out his motivation!
Does he have any!? I give him a *Zero*/10 for originality! (Ba-dum, tsss)
(Coughing from the audience) Eh-heh-heh...
Robyn: Strider. That pun should be buried, and never seen again.
Strider: (Ashamed) Yes, sorry.
But my point is these characters have all the warmth and charm of a... Death Adder Python!
It's an.. Aussie snake, it almost killed me once.
And it's a shame, I live the concept of the Reverse World they introduce!
A bizarre, creative, Dark Dimension where Giratina can grab his prey, and drag them away to devour them!
And Giratina himself is definitely among the most truly threatening, terrifying Legendaries of all!
"Giratina and the Sky [Warrior]" get a A for concept!
But a solid *D* for execution!
(Singing in background: Arm and arm, we'll win the fight!)
And the second *best* "Pokemon" movie is...
(Singing in background: It's always been our dreeamm!)
"Pokemon: I Choose You!" [2017 movie, not the pilot.]
Hey, Robyn, do you remember seeing the first "Pokemon" episode, now, 20 years ago? When Ash first set off with Pikachu from Pallet Town?
Robyn: I sure do. And it was pretty *nostalgic* to see the episode that started it all remade into a movie.
Strider: Yeah, it really was. "I Choose You" is a feature length, beautifully rendered re-imagining of Ash's beginning in "Pokemon."
In fact, in some ways, I prefer this version to the original!
I mean, I still can't get used to Ash' new voice actor no matter how hard I try, but this version cuts out a lot of the cheesy panning from the original.
And instead focuses on capturing the wonder and atmosphere many of us first felt when we were introduced to the world of Pokemon.
Retracing many of the original's old steps.
(Flock of Spearow squawking and closing in)
Ash: Pikachu! You gotta get inside your Pokeball, now!
Robyn: What's nice is it really works hard to tell its own story too.
"I Choose You" focuses around Ash and Pikachu searching for the Legendary Pokemon Ho-Oh, or as we knew it 20 years ago, The Rainbow Bird!
Strider: This time, there's a much stronger sense of momentum to Ash and Pikachu's journey.
(Onix roars, moves heavily, and Ash exclaims as he grabs Piplup to retreat, Pikachu panting with its run)
Strider: But it still feels well-paced enough to not feel rushed.
And needless to say, 20 years later, the scenery and animation is *gorgeously* rebuilt!
Hey, Robyn! Did you have any, uh, personal nitpicks for this one?
Robyn: Well, one nitpick I had was the ending felt a bit silly, and overly abstract; without giving away any spoilers...
it makes the tear revival look realistic by comparison.
Strider: Yeah... The ending is probably the *cheesiest* ending of a "Pokemon" movie I've ever seen
and that's against some *stiff* competition.
I mean, you've really gotta have cheese tolerance to accept this ending.
But frankly, this is "Pokemon" and we've come to accept these absurd, ridiculous moments that make no sense.
And I actually found myself liking Ash's two human companions Verity and Sorrel more than the majority of friends he's had along -- since Misty and Brock anyway.
Robyn: If you didn't grow up with "Pokemon's" first episode, you *may* not get the nostalgic rush Strider and I got.
But it's still a really graceful and solid re-imagining of Ash's search for Ho-Oh.
Strider: But "I Choose You" does set a very high standard for "Pokemon" movies.
A standard I.. hope they intend to sustain.
(Singing in background: Arm and arm)
And I think you, and I can agree
(Singing in background: we'll win the fight! It's always...)
The number 1 *WORST* Pokemon movie is...
"Hoopa and the Clash of 'the' Ages!"
Robyn: Oooh-hoh! Thank Arceus! Thank you!
Strider: Even by "Pokemon's" poorly translated standards, this plot is confusing, and so many of the voices grate on my ears!
Hoopa:  Pi-kun! Ash-kun! Pi-kun! Ash-kun! PI-kun! (fading) ASH-kun!
Robyn: I mean ook at this! The cover looks *EPIC!*
Too bad it was an epic failure!
(Robyn cries a little on the outside)
Strider: The whole thing just feels like a long filler movie, and none of the supporting characters, *or* Pokemon we meet are ever seen again!
As usual, rather than displaying any personal growth, character, or learning...
modern Ash just basically acts as a sponge of wonder and surprise  to showcase all at the new sights he sees.
This time he's fascinated by a boring, annoying, but Legendary *Hoop* Pokemon.
You know, Hoopa!
Robyn: And once again, Ash takes the typical "Chosen One" schtick, even though he feels completely shoehorned in the movie!
In fact, Ash is literally dragged into the story by one of Hoopa's hoops!
(Pikachu and Ash yelling in surprise through the hoop)
Hoopa: Howdly Hoopa-roo..Huh!?
Strider: On top of that, it feels like the movie was sponsored by.. Krispy Kreme or something!
As everyone has this *weird* donut obsession!
Why?? Because Hoopa's made of.. Hoops I guess?
And hoops look kind of like.. donuts? This is a really dumb idea.
Robyn: (Exhales) And boy, is the story just *messy*! (Case clatters)
(Case clatters when hit)
Hoopa's hoops are repeatedly used to drag in unrelated Pokemon or people into the movie!
Rather than hoops, they feel more like plotholes that Ash and the others are repeatedly jumping through...
leaving the viewers confused about what's *actually* meant to be happening in the story
We do get other Legendaries showing up for "*cameos* but they're just hooped in for what feels like a weak attempt to advertise new "Pokemon" merchandise!
They don't feel like they're given any real backstory or reason to exist while in the movies.
Other than to say "BUY ME!" before disappearing.
Strider: And on the subject of the Legendaries of this movie, Hoopa is a *stupid* Legendary! I'm sorry, he just *is*!
We've got GRAND Time and Space defying monsters like Palkia, Dialga!
Lugia!
Freaking Arceus!
And for the *18th* Pokemon movie...
We have.. Hoopa!
He likes hoops!
Robyn: Even the ending feels like a weak, Deus ex Machina conclusion!
Arceus, also known as "The *Poke*-God" just shows up and makes everything better again!
Strider: All so Hoopa can finally jump through his own hoops!
Which apparently he needed to Power of Friendship and Poke-God to do?
"Pokemon: Clash of Ages" is a prime example of the writers not even bothering to try anymore!
Hoopa's annoying, the story's flimsy, the voice acting's grating, and as Robyn said
(old cartoon pulling sound effect)
Ash is *literally* dragged into the movie!
What do ya think, Robyn?
Have we found the worst "Pokemon" movie *ever*?
Robyn: Strider, I have to agree with you. "Pokemon: Clash of Ages" just has to be, without a doubt, the worst "Pokemon" movie I've ever seen in ages!
(Ba-dum, tsss)
Eeh? Eeh?
(Coughing from audience)
Yeah, I know, that was bad. (Loud crash)
(Singing in background: Arm and arm, we'll win the fight! It's always been our)
Strider: And before we get to number 1, just a couple of quick Honourable Mentions.
(Singing in background: dreeeammm! Pokemon! Gotta catch 'em all!)
"Pokemon 2000," I saw this one in theaters as a kid, and I've gotta admit, it looked pretty astounding on the big screen.
Lugia in particular really had that sense of wonder to 'em!
It was viscerally thrilling,  but for me, it just didn't leave quite the impact some of the other Pokemon movies did.
Robyn: The downside to me was the character's motivation seemed weaker in this one. Particularly with the villain, Lawrence.
But the soundtrack is actually among the best I've heard in all of the "Pokemon" movies. In fact, "The Power of One" remains my all time favorite score in anime.
Strider: Jeebus, Robyn, that's high praise!
"Pokemon 3 The Movie: Spell of the Unown"
Despite the Unown being the most boring [ant]agonists ever, at least Ash, Brock, and Misty still have their old resonating characters in this movie.
I do still think the Unown are the *stupidest* Pokemon ever! But fortunately, the humans help redeem this movie.
(Singing in background: Arm and arm, we'll win the fight!)
And the number one *BEST* "Pokemon movie is...
Masc-Mewtwo: Life... Is wonderful.
(Energy crackles and beams)
(Ash in soft volume: Stooop!)
Masc Mewtwo: But... Why? (Explosion)
(Bubbles gurgle)
Strider: In no other case have I ever felt a such a sense of ethereal-ambiance to a "Pokemon" movie.
A sense of mystery, and even a feeling of horror...
against the insurmountable power and *hatred* of Mewtwo!
Professor: We dreamed of creating the world's strongest Pokemon...
... and we succeeded.
(Whooshing)
(Explsoion)
Robyn: There's certainly a strong sense of heaviness and scope to this movie.
For the first time humanity is facing a desperate situation unlike any other.
And it's up to Ash, Misty, and Brock to save the world. Alone.
Masc-Mewtwo/hypnotized-Joy: Child's play.
Masc-Mewtwo: Is that a challenge?
Ash: You bet it is!
(Ethereal and psychic whirring)
Strider: Exactly, unlike future movies, there's no Super-Legendary to aid them  the same way this time
Mew puts up a bit of a fight...
But he's not the focus.
They feel severely outmatched, and completely out of their league the whole way.
It feels hopeless.
Masc-Mewtwo: Do not attempt to defy meee!
Ash: (Lifted as the ethereal whirring begins) Uhhh... (Thrown back) Aaaahhh!
Strider: Adding to that *real* sense of dread and suspense!
There's also a sense of brutality to this Pokemon movie that I simply haven't felt in other ones.
But a big part of what made this movie so powerful was Mewtwo himself.
He's probably the most interesting, memorable, and complex Pokemon character I've ever seen in "Pokemon"
Unlike almost every other Pokemon movie I've seen, Mewtwo actually feels sentient, multi-layered, and interesting!
There's a real psychology behind him.
Robyn: Mewtwo felt legitimately threatening and it felt like nothing could break through his hatred for all of human-kind.
Strider: And there's a real eeriness and mystery to Mewtwo's lair.
The entire place looks like something out of a gothic nightmare.
My main complaint for this movie has always been the same.
I always find the fact that "Pokemon are fighting,  but shouldn't be fighting this way" a really confusing message.
I mean, isn't Pikachu just using Doubleslap on the other Pikachu here?
Robyn: Well, however you see it, the fighting still makes for a powerful drama.
And the message of this movie is among the most powerful, memorable messages I've seen in *all* of anime.
Masc-Mewtwo: I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant. It is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.
Robyn: This whole movie gives us a resonating, timeless message. It's what you do with the gift of life that determines. Who. You. Are.
It's about not accepting circumstances as excuses for who we are.
We don't need to lower our standards because life is tough.
Be *someone* who can rise up from the ashes and stand on your own.
Strider: Exactly!
Seeing Mewtwo put aside his hate-filled, horrifying past in order to see what the world can truly be, with positive action, it's just one of the most beautiful, memorable moments in all of anime.
And to finish with,  I'd also like to share with you my own personal favorite quote from my other favorite "Pokemon" movie, "Mewtwo Returns."
For some reason, this moment has just stuck with me for nearly 20 years.
I can't even fully explain why it's so beautiful, I just love this scene.
Masc-Mewtwo: Why are you helping meee?
Ash: Well, for one thing, you save my Pikachu, that's a good reason.
Masc-Mewtwo: The only one?
Ash: Do you always need a reason to help somebody?
Masc-Mewtwo: Perhaps you are unique. A unique human. *One* of a kind.
Ash: You're one of a kind too.
Everybody is.
Mewtwo: (Chuckles weakly) I do not know *what* I am!
Strider: While a lot of these "Pokemon" movies can be cheesy, and transparently marketable...
I think it's important to acknowledge the positives of a franchise that has affected so many people over the years.
And when they did strike a chord, they really did affect me deeply.
Because regardless of what we think of the franchise, "Pokemon" is still gonna be there.
And it's gonna keep affecting both kids and adults for a long time yet.
And personally, I still think "Pokemon" does a lot more good than harm.
Hey, thanks a lot for your perspective on these movies, Robyn.
It's always a pleasure to have you on the show.
Robyn: Hey, any time Strider.
Anime is a huge part of my life,  and it is my passion, and a part of that passion is... "Pokemon!"
It's been with me ever since I was a kid, and I've loved it ever since. So it was a great excuse to look back at all of these movies.
Strider: And feel free to leave all of you favorite "Pokemon" movies, or *least* favorites, in the comments below.
And as always, thanks for watching. And I'll see you next time.
So Robyn, did you have any favorite Pokemon, or a favorite Pokemon type?
Robyn: I just tend to go towards Fire-types, and my favorite Pokemon is Flareon mainly because of what it took for me to get the Flareon holographic card from when I was  a kid.
And because of those memories, I cherish Flareon the most. What's your favorite, Strider?
Strider: I personally have always liked Psychic and Ghost Pokemon particularly. I used to use Gengar, Misdreavus, Manaphy, and Crobat myself.
Subtitled by Jadrek Myers. Commissioned by Phantom Strider
