Recap: Pokémon 3

The animation doesn't display the kind of artistic advances that would compensate for the underdeveloped story. -Robert Koehler, Variety

The animation and script still look as crummy as ever.- Peter Bradshaw, Guardian

Even little trainer's pet Pikachu appears to have seen it all before.- Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle, 2/4

Nap time for adults.- Anita Gates, New York Times, 2.5/5

A 75-minute sensory assault.- Robin Rauzi, Los Angeles Times, 0.5/5

It's enjoyable only if you're under the age of 7 -- or the influence of psychedelic drugs.- Bruce Fretts, Entertainment Weekly, C-

Critics say that the third Pokemon movie has a better plot than its two predecessors. This is not enough, however, to recommend it to those not already fans of the franchise. -Rotten Tomatoes, 22%

These are yet again a small sample of the negative reviews given to Pokémon 3. That last one often has me think, “22%? Honestly? Worse than Green Lantern? Guess I forgot how cool Entei was in this movie.”

Even so, it’s necessary to put one in that timeframe. The year is 2001. As dark forces threaten to befall a land full of magical creatures, three young children will rise to face the challenges ahead and protect the world from evil; but enough about Harry Potter. Let’s open up another cinematic obsession of my 9-year-old self, Pokémon 3! 

Please note that I have not seen the Japanese version, and as such; will only be addressing one change that was made when the time comes to address it. My plan, as with previous films; will be to take the dub on its own merits. So, let’s get started.

We open on Professor Spencer Hale reading a story about Entei to his daughter Molly. He has been raising her alone; since his wife went missing two years prior. OK, right off I’ll have to address the Donphan in the room: Spencer is voiced by Dan Green, who tragically lost his wife in childbirth in late 2011. This has a very big effect on the film, but more on that later; so let’s continue.

As he and his daughter play, he gets an email from his associate Schuyler; and it can apparently play streaming video in 2001. Even in 2016, sometimes my streams don’t want to cooperate on my new source for videos.

Spencer and Schuyler then investigate the ruins for clues to the whereabouts of the Unown, a mysterious type of Pokémon.

He finds a box full of artifacts with symbols pertaining to the Unown, but then, is swept into their world! 

Needless to say, when Molly finds out, she’s heartbroken; and opts to use the artifacts to write herself a message: “Papa, Mama, they’re together, with me…” 

The Unown then turn her house into a crystal castle; trapping Schuyler and the servants outside!

As her pain shows through, Entei, also voiced by Dan Green; then shows up to take care of her! So, the premise of the movie is essentially that a young girl loses someone close to her and creates the world around her as a way of dealing with that pain, and has Entei fill the void left by her parents. That’s actually a pretty creative story, and a bit different than what one might expect from Pokémon.

The next day, Ash, Brock and Misty then come across a young woman named Lisa (no relation to the Simpson) who challenges Ash to a battle. Ash; ever eager for a challenge, accepts.

As the credits roll, we once again get a remix of the Johto theme suited for a movie; and since it’s 2001, it’s in a bubblegum pop style. Have a listen for yourself. 

I have to wonder, though: why does Lisa, or anyone in this area; for that matter just hang around waiting for a battle? Is it like in the games where they just sit around waiting for the off-chance that someone will walk by their line of sight and challenge them? I love this opening battle as much as ANYONE, but it’s still pretty small potatoes in the grand scheme of the movie’s plot.

As the group has lunch; Lisa tells them all about the area of Greenfield; and they all decide to head over there when they finish.

Lisa leads everyone to the Pokémon Center, but they’re taken aback by the landscape before them being totally crystallized!

Team Rocket of course, isn’t far behind; and they’re accompanied by their buffoonish companion, Wobuffet! Yeah, at the time I first saw this movie; I hadn’t seen the episode where Jessie got it yet. Long story, might think about recapping it later this year. Still, my primary emphasis will be on the movies rather than episodes of the anime from here on. You’ll still see some when I want to, though.

At that moment; the coincidental broadcast news starts up, showing once again how the TV always seems to be on at the right moment! Also, the TV station covering the crisis seems to be merely called “TV,” kind of like in Death Race 2000.

Delia Ketchum (Ash’s mother) then goes through a bunch of old photographs as she wonders aloud how much more the Professor can go through. I also have to wonder what happened with Ash’s dad in this picture. I won’t go into too much speculation right now; but how could anyone walk out on this adorable young Ashy’s face? Go on, I’m waiting! 

At Oak Labs, it turns out that Spencer was one of Oak’s best students; as Tracey concurs. Also, Tracey is now an assistant to the professor. I’m going to level with you about that: the official reason is that Tracey didn’t resonate with audiences the way people were expecting (I just think he’s bland), the in-universe reason is that’s what he always wanted. With that out of the way, let’s continue.

At that moment, Delia and Professor Oak then decide to go to Greenfield and investigate what’s going on there.

Apart from the fact that Greenfield is apparently within driving distance of Pallet Town, some of you may notice how… affectionate Pikachu is getting with Delia here. Get your mind out of the gutter!

Then, at Molly’s wishes; Entei swoops in and kidnaps Delia so quickly that Ash can’t do a thing!

Even so, rather than remain hopeless about it; Ash is willing to move heaven and earth to save her! Brock and Misty agree to help; and Lisa even lets Ash borrow her Poké Gear to keep in touch on his mission! Definitely prefer this to Alan saying he’ll do anything to see Maren smile again; failing to realize that her predicament is entirely his fault, as are a great many things going on in XYZ! Long story, we’ll talk later.

In the Charicific Valley, Ash’s Charizard sees what just happened on TV and flies off to help! At the time I saw this movie; I had not yet seen “Charizard’s Burning Ambitions;” and we’ll definitely get to that one later on down the line.

As they make their approach to the mansion; Misty remarks that “at least the water didn’t turn to crystal.”

Misty would be excellent at Cinema Sins.

With the aid of Noctowl, Bulbasaur and Chikorita, Ash manages to climb the waterfall and get inside! Isn’t that something? 

Ash is then called by Professor Oak about what he’s doing. While he’s disappointed, he still tells Ash that can wait until his mother is saved. Also, I find it weird the Poké Gear can get reception in the mansion’s crystallized state; when my phone barely works where I live right now.

Everyone starts climbing the stairs, and it starts turning into something out of Inception! I wonder what Ash’s totem would be? 

They reach the first stage of Molly’s dream world, and it’s a beautiful meadow!

Meanwhile, Team Rocket stumbles upon the Unown, and Meowth posits that “they look kind of like alphabet soup without the soup!”

James adds that he “hasn’t seen this many strange letters since the last time I placed a personal ad.” Well, what do you expect from using Match.com?

Molly then decides she wants to be a Pokémon trainer; and Entei grants her wish with a new form to act out this fantasy!

Brock then decides to engage Molly in battle while Ash and Misty continue to rescue Ash’s mother!

Molly agrees to a 3-on-3 battle as Brock leads with Zubat!

Molly counters with Flaafy! Oh man, I just love that evolutionary line! I may even compile my revised favorites lists for 2016 when it gets closer to Sun and Moon coming out.

Flaafy takes out Zubat, and Brock follows up with Vulpix! Molly counters with Teddiursa; and manages to pack quite a punch! 

As Team Rocket runs up the stairs, James likens the battlefield to “a storybook land invented by a 5-year-old!” That’s because it is, sunny Jim! Here’s another obvious tidbit for you: Bernie Sanders is idealistic! Topical humor, ha! 

Brock sends out Onix, saying that’s how he likes to rock and roll! Ha! 

Apologies to Little Onix for using this joke.

Ash and Misty reach the next stage of Molly’s dream world; and as Misty muses Brock didn’t win, she decides to engage Molly next! Ash then continues on his way to save his mother! 

Upon finding out Misty was a gym leader; Molly changes shape again and fills the land with water to do battle! 

A battle between Kingdra and Misty’s Goldeen ensues as Team Rocket swims on by.

James wonders how everyone can breathe underwater; and Meowth wonders “do you think we’ll get a bigger part in the next movie?” … We’ll talk another time.

Misty follows up with her old reliable Staryu, and Molly counters with Mantine! 

I must say, for a movie that came out 15 years ago; the animation has held up incredibly well over that time. Even more when you look at the Blu-Ray remasters they came out with a while ago. They did a really good job with them if you were able to get a copy like I was.

At last Ash reaches the chamber where his mother is being held; much to Delia’s great relief. He sure made good on that “save the world a little closer to home” promise from the last movie fairly quickly, didn’t he?

Yet, Molly won’t let her leave! She doesn’t want even her surrogate family to go! This is even more on the premise of the movie: how it deals with grief and loss is actually pretty intense for a film of its type; and that stands out at me from both the perspective of a 9-year-old and a 24-year-old.

Even so, Ash won’t leave without his mother; and even engages Entei in battle to save her!

He sends out Totodile to take him on; but despite a type advantage, he’s no match for the Legendary Pokémon! 

He follows up with Cyndaquil; but the force of Entei’s attacks force him off the balcony of the castle!

Then, just as things seem bleak; who should show up but Charizard!

Everyone returns as the real battle is about to begin!

Outraged, Entei unleashes his fury as Ash mounts Charizard to take him on!

Though Entei is a powerful adversary; Ash is determined to stop the entire land from being consumed by crystal and save his mother!

Once again, this animation is really good for how long it’s been since this movie came out. The angles, the lighting; the way the Pokémon move during this battle- I can see why so many others like this movie so much even if the second one is my favorite of the original three.

Entei readies for a finishing blow against Charizard, but Molly calls for the fighting to stop!

Everyone then encourage Molly to leave the dream world and come home; but the Unown won’t allow this! They start going mad and destroying everything!

Everyone tries to evacuate, but the Unown won’t let them leave! The crystallization reaches the Pokémon Center as everything goes completely crazy! 

Entei then decides to protect everyone from the Unown as they escape! All it takes is the last bit of Molly’s love for Entei in order to stop their rampage!

With Entei’s last ounce of strength; peace is restored to the land as Professor Hale and his wife return home.

Now comes the time to address that scene I mentioned earlier. It seems 4Kids moved up the scenes where Molly’s parents come back on the grounds that western audiences leave the theater during the credits. So, here are Michael Haigney and Norman J. Grossfeld’s comments from the DVD commentary in a special edition of “Shit CEOs Say!” (Thanks to Dogasu for these quotes)

"See now a lot of people are already getting up out of their seats.”

"Yeah because what happens in these movies is...there are many endings. So we wanted to move some of the endings into the movie to have a little closure."

"And the moms and dads are trying to get...three or four kids together..."

"...Get to the bathroom before all the other families so..."

"...Or the parking lot are wherever they are."

I can kind of see where they’re coming from; given how I mentioned how I was in previous recaps of these movies. Still, it’s quite a bit before a little company called Marvel had this crazy idea to make a cinematic universe of their comic book characters and deliberately put little tidbits in the credits to entice audiences to stay longer; whether it’s setting up a fight against a major super villain or just having everybody celebrating their victory over shawarma. 

I'm not going home, not really.

So, we close on the song “To Know the Unknown” by Innosense, which I totally forgot existed; to be honest. Still, good a time as any to wrap things up.

So that’s “Pokémon 3.” As edits go; 4Kids actually did a decent job keeping the main plot intact; which is saying something given how infamous they were as a dubbing company. So, among the other video game movies to come out that year (Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within); I have to say this one is easily my favorite, and one of the stronger film entries in the Pokémon canon even if my personal favorite of the original three is the second one.

I also want to thank all my readers for being so patient amid these technical difficulties. I definitely want to do more recaps to help closeout this month; and to continue doing these movies, so keep an eye out for my look at “Pokémon 4Ever!” See you space cowboy!