Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns (Video 2000)

Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns (Video 2000). 1h 3m | Not Rated

“In order for sequels to be successful, the story that continues the original narrative must be cohesive enough to make sense. For the Pokémon franchise, while the very first theatrical film made bank on its budget, it was largely panned for its contradictive message and characters only fans would understand. Since then the series has turned out a feature every year in between seasons, so itu0026#39;s no surprise the only people who would continue to follow these entries are obviously fans. The first film may have many viewers riding their experience on nostalgia but it canu0026#39;t be said for the two sequels that came after. One made almost no sense while the other stepped it up slightly, but still felt lesser compared to the original. Now, the first direct-to-video release sees the return of the first filmu0026#39;s antagonist. Itu0026#39;s almost an equal,…sort of.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWith pretty much all cast and crew members returning again, there really isnu0026#39;t a change in the quality of the effort put into the production. The only thing that truly matters at this point is the screenplay, which was originally written by Takeshi Shudo and English adaptation by Michael Haigney. Stepping in and taking full control of direction was Masamitsu Hidaka, who before only served as assistant director for the past entries. Ash, Pikachu, Misty, Brock and Team Rocket meet a couple of people along the way at a location called Purity Canyon. It just so happens that Mewtwo and the cloned Pokémon he created have made a home for themselves there. But Ash and company arenu0026#39;t the only ones headed towards Mewtwou0026#39;s direction. Turns out Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket wants to reclaim Mewtwo as well.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhat works in this feature is the story acknowledging what happened in the past and confirming the current status in this entry. Learning that Giovanni did not have his mind wiped after the events of the first film at least explains why heu0026#39;s on the hunt to find and control Mewtwo. Also seeing main characters not reacting to Mewtwo the same way they did in the first film was on point as well. Although it does beg the question why Mewtwo didnu0026#39;t confirm Giovanni had his memory zapped. Guess Mewtwo just assumed Giovanni was killed after he blew up his gym. However, what doesnu0026#39;t work story wise is Mewtwou0026#39;s internal struggle. At the end of the first film and start of this feature, Mewtwo states he understands his wrongs now knowing itu0026#39;s what you do with life that determines your character. Then he proceeds to exile himself and company from society because he feels they are different.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhy is it that Mewtwo canu0026#39;t make up his mind? Itu0026#39;s one thing if he and his clones were living among other Pokémon and then ambushed,…itu0026#39;s another to understand the mistake and then go back on it. What caused the change in comprehension? Itu0026#39;s confusing when that happens. That is not to say the performances are not credible though. All returning voice actors do as good a job as they have been doing throughout the series. Dan Green who also voiced Entei in the last feature replaces Jay Goede as the original voice of Mewtwo. Both sound pretty similar and while Green is more recognizable, Goede definitely had a talent for having an imposing voice as well. Again, thereu0026#39;s cinematography from Takaya Mizutani but not sure how thatu0026#39;s utilized in production of the feature.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAnimation on the other hand looks spectacular in this entry. This is the first film to use digital ink and paint coloring instead of the usual traditional animation cel. While classic animation is always great, the digital animation in this feature provide a much sharper and more vibrant image to the world of Pokémon. For the music, much of it is recycle tracks from the first movie composed by Ralph Schuckett and John Loeffler. Which in a sense is appropriate, but because it is a new story, viewers may be expecting some new themes to appear. But that is not the case, which could leave people who find the most entertaining storyline so far disappointed. Reason being is it will only remind the viewers of the scenes the original music belonged to.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe story stays true to last events no problem thanks to the returning crew and cast members for the production. The animation is also very crisp and colorful, now if only the music was more than just recycled and Mewtwou0026#39;s characterization wasnu0026#39;t so flip floppy.”