Recap: The Bridge Bike Gang

Hello everyone! Happy Pokémon day! While it’s been a while since I first saw this episode, I thought I would share it with you all for the festivities today! Let’s open up “The Bridge Bike Gang!” 

We open on the narrator describes everyone getting past fond memories in the Safari Zone. Oh yes, fond memories of having guns pointed at their heads and trying to stop bombs!

Everyone happens upon a bridge to Sunny Town, and it turns out the Cycling Road is on it. Yet, it’s never referred to as such in the dub. Most likely because 4Kids didn’t know what it was. I wouldn’t put it past them; this is the same company that infamously claimed that Arbok evolved into Seviper.

The traffic cop, Norman, even points out that they can’t walk across the bridge. Only cars and bikes are allowed, even if it was completed. Misty laments her roasted bike, and everyone points out the massive cost of the bikes at the shop. I remember this part in the game. You had to get the bike voucher from the president of the fan club and exchange it back in Cerulean. Then, you could use the Cycling Road as an easier way of getting to Fuchsia City and the sea route to Cinnabar Island.

At the Pokémon Center, everyone wonders what to do. I would also like to point out the oddity of Nurse Joy’s interior design; which includes some off-model paintings of a Pidgeot, a Farfetch’d, a Gastly and a Haunter. That’s like something I would do for my place!

Brock, of course, is all too eager to to help Nurse Joy; and everyone agrees to deliver medicine for Pokémon in Sunny Town, and she just conveniently has some bikes to loan them. Everyone then crosses the bridge to the anime’s arrangement of the Cycling Road theme.

Team Rocket then looks on from a raft; and it turns out Jessie and James have some history in Sunny Town. Everyone stops on an observation deck for a drink; where they’re ambushed by the titular bike gang, who would not be out of place among Schumacher-helmed Batman punks; or better yet, the Jokerz gang in Batman Beyond. 

As it turns out, these folks combine the biker trainer class from the games with the real-life “bowzock” punks in Japan. Their leaders, Chopper and Tyra; demand a battle as introduction. Their bikes have all sorts of flashy modifications on them; and they’re all dressed in varying degrees of leather, hair dye; and ‘90s street fashions. Brock tries to hit on Tyra, and Tyra hits him instead!

Ash engages Chopper, who sends out Golem. He counters with Bulbasaur, who should technically be doing double damage against Golem, but is not even denting him. Then, he uses Charmander, with half damage, wins the fight. Oh, the hilarity of Kanto; being so ludicrous and awesome that the time just gives it a free pass to do what it wants.

Tyra then sends out Cloyster; and Misty decides to engage it, but Psyduck pops out. What follows is one of my favorite comedic fights in Kanto, and possibly the entire series. His bumbling manages to hit every area except the one where it counts, the head.

Then, Team Rocket comes riding in on unicycles. I don’t know, I’m more of one for mono wheels, like the ones Ray Steam and General Grievous use.

It turns out that Jessie and James were once part of the biker gang; known as “Big Jess” and “Little Jim”. They have yet more names, “Chainer Jess,” who swung a chain around; and “Trainer Jim,” who had training wheels on his bike as he rode around in a quasi-Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure getup.

Officer Jenny and some backup chase everyone away; as everyone continues towards Sunny Town with the rain falling down. I guess the wanted meter wasn’t all that high.Then, Ash, Brock, Misty and Pikachu are riding the storm out, as foretold by REO Speedwagon. 

Chopper, Tyra, and the other gangsters encourage Jessie and James to ride in the storm; as well as Meowth. The Nurse Joy in Sunny Town is still awaiting the arrival of the medicine, and Team Rocket and the kids then go towards each other on the bridge as it lifts to make way for a barge docking.

Sure enough, Ash, Misty, and Brock complete the stunt jump. The gang is impressed; and they escort them towards the Pokémon Center. I missed this part when I was younger, since the friend’s house where I saw this episode had a dad that didn’t think too highly of the franchise at its peak. My mother and my friends’ mother were generally more receptive to the idea.

The medicine is administered to the Shellder; and the gang grants Ash and Misty the titles of “Awesome Ash” and “Mighty Misty.” When Brock suggests the title of “Honey,” he gets another taste of Tyra’s pimp hand as we close on Team Rocket pedaling out of the bay.

This episode is an enjoyable little romp on the cycling road; filled with some very humorous battles and colorful punks who would not surprise me if they grew up to join the Clown gang. I also enjoyed seeing what motivated Team Rocket to pursue a life of crime more. Go ahead and add this to one of my many reasons why I got back into the franchise as a teenager. See you, space cowboy!

Blog Update: Software Reinstall, Wakanda and Other Delays.

Hey everyone, just thought I would give you all an update on what's going on. I did go see Black Panther this weekend and loved it; so I would definitely recommend it.

On a more disappointing note, my main computer unexpectedly needed to have its operating system reinstalled; and that's taking longer than expected. I already have something written for Pokémon day next week; but other subject matter I had planned (such as my next recaps of Code Geass R2) will have to be delayed until this issue is resolved. Depending on how long it takes, I may have to find other usable computers to work on my 400th post. It will be as I pointed before: a positive recap of my favorite Miyazaki film, Spirited Away; which I hope to have done sometime in March at the earliest. Just thought I would let you know so you don't just think I'm playing games and watching stuff on Netflix and Crunchyroll (though that's true too).

I will let you know anything else later, though based on past experiences, I anticipated something like this would happen. So, keep an eye out for what's coming next. If you have seen Black Panther, great. If not, I definitely recommend it; since it really is that good. Later.

All the Pokémon Movies, Ranked.

Hello everyone. Given the recent DVD and Blu-Ray release of Pokémon the Movie I Choose You, I thought I would do something I've been wanting to for a while for Valentine's day. I thought I would rank all the main Pokémon movies. Anime News Network did something similar a bit ago; but to say I had issues with their list was putting it mildly. Heck, my dissatisfaction with their style was one of the main catalysts for starting this blog. So, rather than lump them all together, I thought I would use a simpler numeric ranking. Some of my choices might surprise you, others will not. So, here is my ranking of all the Pokémon movies.

20. Pokémon Jirachi Wishmaker

This film is still my least favorite entry in the series, even though it's not the worst film I've covered here. That, and it wasn't the film that ended my initial fandom either. That goes to The Legend of Thunder. It's basically an episode's worth of material and stakes stretched to an 80-minute runtime; nothing more.

19. Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea

As the last film of the Advanced Generation, it was a similar film to the Jirachi one; but a much better one to end on than they started; even considering how some fans feel, and the unpleasantness about the voice actor change at the time. It also helps that the film had more action than the Jirachi film; and it was a fun swashbuckling adventure on the high seas that definitely seemed ripe to cash in on the success of Pirates of the Caribbean at the time.

18. Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life

As the final film in the initial DP "trilogy," I found it to be enjoyable even though it's definitely not my favorite DP film. It definitely took a lot of creative license with Arceus, but the film was definitely bolstered by a unique take on the premise; some good animation and how cruel Marcus was as a villain. That, and referring to Pokémon as "magical creatures" reminds me of that Let's Play of the hilariously-bad Vietnamese Pokémon Crystal translation.

17. Pokémon: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction

A solid film to start off the XY series; it's not perfect, but still a lot of fun. I can definitely recommend viewing the full movie on the DVD or Netflix, since the initial airing on Cartoon Network cut some parts from the movie for time.

16. Pokémon: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages

While not everybody likes this movie as part of the XY series, I still found it to be a very solid way to spend 78 minutes overall. It may be thin on plot and characterization, but it does have some slick action and nice animation, video game-like CGI notwithstanding.

15. Pokémon: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel

I still ended up enjoying this movie a lot more than I thought I would when I first heard about it. The film had plenty of creative settings and good animation on the battle scenes, and it made good use of the Pokémon they had at their disposal.

14. Pokémon The Rise of Darkrai

This was a good movie to lead off the Diamond and Pearl films with, and I'm glad it featured one of my favorite monsters of Generation IV. It was also one of the darkest films they did up to that point; being the first main film to be rated PG by the MPAA (not counting Mewtwo Returns, probably going to do another ranked list for the side story anime in the near future). The animation also helped make it a great start to the DP "trilogy", and it was one of the films that helped me get back into the series a teenager.

13. Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior

Even though I can understand how some people feel about the liberties this movie took with Shaymin, I feel that Giratina was done justice here; and I definitely enjoyed the film's counterpart to the Distortion World from the games, the Reverse World. There were also very fun supporting characters with Newton Graceland as well as the villain; Zero. ... My next Code Geass R2 recap will be next and I have some choice words for it.

12. Pokémon Destiny Deoxys

This movie is definitely a big improvement over the Jirachi movie, and an overall better film for the Advanced Generation. As the first film to forgo the Pikachu shorts in favor of giving more attention to the film's proper runtime; it was a worthwhile film that not only put Deoxys and Rayquaza in big roles, but LaRousse City has to be one of my favorite settings in the franchise.

11. Pokémon: Kyurem VS The Swords of Justice

As someone that still has the same positive mindset towards Generation V that I did when I first experienced it, this was a fun movie because of how wild it got; and I really enjoyed Vic Mignongna's voiceover as Keldeo.

10. Pokémon 4Ever


This film is one I have seen many times since I was 10, and it still fascinates me after all this time. Despite all the heat it got at the time, it's better than many live-action video game movies in that time frame. I will address the new developments for Detective Pikachu later, since I still have more to do.

9.  Pokémon Heroes

As the final film of the original series, it was a good one to go out on. Again, it's much better a video game movie than the filmography of Uwe Boll or the 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. movie (the animated reboot might be fun, we'll see).

8. Pokémon: Genesect and the Legend Awakened

Forget the haters: I like this movie, and I still submit it's better than most people would have you believe. I found it to be a solid film to help Generation V transition to Generation VI; and I rather like the setting's design. I know it has a lot of similarities to its seniors all the same, such as the next entry.

7. Pokémon The First Movie

I was addicted to this movie when I was younger, and in hindsight; I still submit that it works in a similar fashion to the 1986 Transformers movie or the first two 1990s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films; taking a silly concept and making it work in a darker context. While I still concede the Japanese version is the superior film, it's still a big cult film as a whole for me.

6. Pokémon: Zoroark-Master of Illusions


This is easily my favorite of the Diamond and Pearl films, and was a good one for them to go out in as it transitioned to the Black and White films. Zorua and Zoroark are among my favorite Unova monsters, if not my favorite; since I'm considering revising my favorite lists again as I await more news on what Game Freak has planned for the Switch entry.

5. Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew

Of all the films adapted from the Advanced Generation, this was the one that delighted me the most. It's the movie I credit with reigniting my fandom of the franchise, and giving me my first taste of my favorite Pokémon.  It's also a film that manages to blend a surprisingly good story with good use of a medieval fantasy theme. Definitely prefer that to Black Clover (don't plan on doing that anytime soon, my ears need a break from Asta's shouting).

4. Pokémon 3 The Movie 

I suggested a while ago that the respect for the original anime series may come more from the movies than the TV series, and this film is a good argument for that. As the final film original head writer Takeshi Shudo was directly involved with before his retirement and passing in 2010; it's a good example of the series at its best. I first saw it when I was 9, and it's been in rotation ever since.

3. Pokémon The Movie 2000

My personal favorite of the original three films, which managed to take a lot of the ideas introduced in the first movie and expand on them. It was also a film that had some of the best animation of the series up to that point, and Lugia being introduced to me well before I played Pokémon Silver was a real treat. I will address Lugia potentially being in the new movie this summer later; since I need more information. So, that probably won't be until after my 400th post; at least.

2. Pokémon the Movie Black: Victini and Reshiram/White: Victini and Zekrom


With almost seven years having passed Generation V came around, I still appreciate the elements it brought to the series; and simply don't identify with the trend of denigrating it others have taken to as of late. One of the things I enjoyed them doing for their first film was a dual-release film. It may not be on the level of "Inception" or "Sliding Doors", but it does a good job at having subtle differences between films. One of the things I enjoy must about the medium is finding little details hidden in each frame, and these movies are great example of that. They used to be my favorite entry, but they've finally been displaced as of 2017 by the next choice.

1. Pokémon the Movie I Choose You

As a way to bring the series into a new generation and to celebrate past successes, this is easily my favorite Pokémon movie in years. With a story that honors the franchise as well as paints a picture that helps open a bright future for the series (including another film with a similar concept opening later this year), it's easily a film that I will happily re-experience with my Blu-Ray for ages; even after I leave this blog behind.


So, as I work on my next recaps (they are a surprise for Pokémon day, my next Code Geass R2 recap and my 400th post) and other assignments I have, I wish you all a Happy Valentine's day, Ash Wednesday and year of the dog all at once. That will be all for now. See you, space cowboy.

Recap: The Lovesick Pig

Hello everyone. Since I am occupied with some assignments I have for school, I thought I would do something different this month: since it’s February, I thought I would make this month a celebration of love, and I will start with one of my favorite episodes of Lupin III Part IV! While this incarnation of the series may be the latest attempt to make an impact on our shores, the character of Lupin III has been something of an institution in its native Japan; though this charming thief has been something of a cult favorite here as well. So, I thought I would do an episode that I really enjoyed in between my attempts to finish my work with Code Geass R2. Let’s open up “The Lovesick Pig!” 

After a brief intro narration from Lupin, we open on Lupin being invited to an auction of the wine collection of Count McCalman. It seems the count has passed on under mysterious circumstances, and the people in charge of auctioning off his collection of vintage wine also request the people invited bring dates. Naturally, Lupin ends up being caught between his lover/partner in crime Fujiko Mine as well as his starlet wife, Rebecca Minamoto. He doesn’t seem like the type to use social networking, but if he did, that alone would make his relationship status “it’s complicated.”

That night, as he gets ready for the night’s festivities, Jigen remarks that he can’t just take both the ladies; he has to choose. I smell shenanigans at this party. On that note, I do like how Lupin presents himself as a character. A young adult that still acts like a swaggering teenager may not seem like that great an idea on paper, but it’s a concept that works quite well as he puts on his formal suit. 

That's a nice outfit, Lupin. It would be a shame if something happened to it.

Despite the claims otherwise, Lupin is actually going to try to wine and dine both Rebecca and Fujiko. Good thing he’s at this kind of party: he’s going to need a lot of liquid courage for that. 

The auction begins with the crown jewel of the count’s collection: the Lovesick Pig wine from the title! This shot is the most I can show without violating Google’s policy. 

In addition to the count’s death, it also turns out that his wife disappeared under mysterious circumstances; and they fell on hard times in the later years of their marriage.

On top of that, the wine is also a powerful aphrodisiac that can help people find their true love, so it’s naturally worth quite a bit of cash. Based on what happens later, though, things are definitely not what they seem. 

As Lupin is torn between lovers, it also turns out that Rebecca and Fujiko have other ideas than to pay the exorbitant price at auction for the wine; and plan to use Lupin in their own way. I just love a hobby where I get to type things like that. 

Rebecca and Fujiko then slip away to the wine cellar, both using their own tactics to slip by the guards and crack the safe. 

As Lupin wonders where his dates have gone, he notices everyone else at the party is acting rather strange. Must be a Hell of a vintage they’re having.

I must say, given the innuendo and inebriation in this episode, it definitely earns its TV-14 rating. With its current time slot on Saturday nights; I am once again going to presume the moral guardians are probably sleeping.

Rebecca and Fujiko return, and in addition to cracking the safe, they seem to have gotten a whiff of the Lovesick Pig; and they both want to jump Lupin’s bones as a result. It’s fitting, given what he tried to pull; that it worked all too well.

Then, the curator of the collection tries to escape with a barrel of the wine; but this leads to a very crazy motorcycle chase in the vineyards between him, Fujiko and Rebecca! Nice work: you could be part of Kingsman with those skills.

Lupin gets involved, and it turns out that this curator is the Count after all! Now that’s a kick in the teeth. 

The mystery is solved when the stolen barrel is cracked open: it has the Count’s missing wife inside! Given how that’s red wine in that barrel, the symbolism is flowing as free as the vino. 

So, we close on Rebecca and Fujiko leaving, and Lupin being dazed at escaping from the party; minus his pants and one of his shoes. Long story short: they were the cost of his escape from the winos, as well as damage to his jacket. Tell the count that he owes him a new outfit and pair of shoes: Oxfords, not Brogues. 

After viewing this episode, I personally do not endorse and/or encourage the actions taken in this episode. I do, however, find them hilarious. 

“The Lovesick Pig” was a great way to kick of a sort of celebration of love this month, even if it’s in an unconventional way. The animation combines 1970s swagger with modern wizardry; and is a great take on a character that’s a show I’m really enjoying. I am almost done with the show on Toonami, and there is plenty of other content in Lupin’s fictional universe that I definitely can recommend checking out. I know I will: The Castle of Cagliostro is a great film, and was the first film by Hayao Miyazaki; becoming highly influential among both anime and animation as a whole. I have big plans for my 400th post; you’ll just have to wait and see what they are. I also have some stuff planned for Valentine’s day and president’s day weekend; you’ll just have to wait and see what they are. That’s all for now. Bang.