True to my word, I will review the movie in full once it begins streaming; and while I’m not sure I will be able to post said review on the day of release, my plan is to hopefully have it out within a couple of days of the movie going live on Netflix. The only thing I will say ahead of release is that I consider it to be a good movie based on the subs, and I will tell you more in my full review of “Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution!” Later.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
"Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution" Coming to Netflix February 27
Hey fellas: I’m still working on other material that I want to have out soon, so I wanted to address this real quick: after much speculation, “Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution” will see its official release on Netflix on February 27. Fittingly, it will be on “Pokémon Day” (as in, the day the games first released in Japan in 1996), and while I wouldn’t have objected to a theatrical release (the Anime Expo premiere notwithstanding), I can understand why they’re doing it like this.
True to my word, I will review the movie in full once it begins streaming; and while I’m not sure I will be able to post said review on the day of release, my plan is to hopefully have it out within a couple of days of the movie going live on Netflix. The only thing I will say ahead of release is that I consider it to be a good movie based on the subs, and I will tell you more in my full review of “Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution!” Later.
True to my word, I will review the movie in full once it begins streaming; and while I’m not sure I will be able to post said review on the day of release, my plan is to hopefully have it out within a couple of days of the movie going live on Netflix. The only thing I will say ahead of release is that I consider it to be a good movie based on the subs, and I will tell you more in my full review of “Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution!” Later.
Friday, January 10, 2020
Thoughts On: Pokémon Coco, M22 Dub, Generation VIII Expansions, Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX.
Hello everyone: by the time you see this, I will have had my 28th birthday. Here is one new segment I’ve been considering for a while, where I give my thoughts on subject matter that wouldn’t fit in my other post styles. So, here is the first of what I hope to be more posts of this nature. To begin: here are my thoughts on this week’s developments in the Pokémon series.
As of yet, an English dub of “Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution” has yet to be announced. Though Ash’s current voice actress Sarah Natochenny seemingly confirmed in an interview that the movie will be released this year instead (some Pokémon Go events and TCG tie-ins were released in 2019, but the film’s rumored November release date never materialized); so far, there’s only been tentative release dates for South Korea and the Netherlands feed of Netflix. I wouldn’t object to a theatrical release, but it’s odd to me that a film that would fit well for capturing the emerging nostalgia market (though contrary to popular belief, that’s not the main reason the film was made) is being relegated to a DTV/Netflix release after the surprise critical and box office success of “Pokémon Detective Pikachu.” At the same time, however, I can maybe understand the people in charge not wanting to take the risk: the market is very different than it was in 1999; and family audiences might have overlooked it in a holiday season that’s been dominated by the likes of “Frozen II,” “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and “Jumanji: The Next Level.”
While a dub of “Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution” is still to be announced, the first footage of the new movie has debuted: titled “Pokémon Coco,” this film will see Ash and Pikachu crossing paths with a young man who was apparently orphaned as an infant; though little else has been revealed as of yet. The film will be released in Japan on July 10. Though the movie has also yet to be confirmed for an English release, it should be interesting to keep an eye on; and I will bring you any new information as I get it.
On the video game front, a Nintendo Direct livestream that took place yesterday revealed some of the plans for the coming year. The Pokémon Home mobile app will be launching in February. On top of this, a reversion of the first two “Pokémon Mystery Dungeon” games, known as “Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX,” will release on the Nintendo Switch in March. A demo of the game is currently available for those interested. I want to opt into the app as soon as I can, and though I will not be getting the new Mystery Dungeon right away; I am interested to see how it does once I’m done with the demo.
Now, comes the big reveal from the presentation: rather than a third version, direct sequel or “Ultra” version; a series first will happen, with both free updates and expansions on the way for this year for Generation VIII. The first chapter will be released in June, known as “The Isle of Armor,” and the second will be expected in November, called “The Crown Tundra.” In addition to reintroducing more than 200 monsters from the series’ history; the games will feature a host of new challenges, special moves and monsters that will be unique to this update. The cost to opt into this update is $30 on the Nintendo eShop.
Though I have mixed feelings about the idea on paper, this seems less like the infamous Oblivion $2.50 horse armor; the Fallout 76 nylon duffel bag fiasco or the EA “surprise mechanics” debacle and more like something in the vein of the “Octo Expansion” in Splatoon 2, the Fighter Pass in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and the Champion Trials in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. I usually don’t go for season passes in games in general; but this is one case where I’ll make an exception. My stance on DLC is that I generally don’t go for it unless it offers something I know isn’t usually accessible in the base game; and these chapters look like they’ll have close to a full game’s worth of content (like the other Nintendo titles I just mentioned). Though the ethical debate over such a prospect is ongoing, I already knew this was one of the contingency plans I had in mind. So, I know that I’m at least on the same page as the developers. Besides, I’m very eager to play with what’s in the updates when they officially go live; especially in the case of Inteleon’s new special move. I will opt into this as soon as I can.
That will be all for now, I will do more with this new feature in the near future. Later.
As of yet, an English dub of “Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution” has yet to be announced. Though Ash’s current voice actress Sarah Natochenny seemingly confirmed in an interview that the movie will be released this year instead (some Pokémon Go events and TCG tie-ins were released in 2019, but the film’s rumored November release date never materialized); so far, there’s only been tentative release dates for South Korea and the Netherlands feed of Netflix. I wouldn’t object to a theatrical release, but it’s odd to me that a film that would fit well for capturing the emerging nostalgia market (though contrary to popular belief, that’s not the main reason the film was made) is being relegated to a DTV/Netflix release after the surprise critical and box office success of “Pokémon Detective Pikachu.” At the same time, however, I can maybe understand the people in charge not wanting to take the risk: the market is very different than it was in 1999; and family audiences might have overlooked it in a holiday season that’s been dominated by the likes of “Frozen II,” “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and “Jumanji: The Next Level.”
While a dub of “Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution” is still to be announced, the first footage of the new movie has debuted: titled “Pokémon Coco,” this film will see Ash and Pikachu crossing paths with a young man who was apparently orphaned as an infant; though little else has been revealed as of yet. The film will be released in Japan on July 10. Though the movie has also yet to be confirmed for an English release, it should be interesting to keep an eye on; and I will bring you any new information as I get it.
On the video game front, a Nintendo Direct livestream that took place yesterday revealed some of the plans for the coming year. The Pokémon Home mobile app will be launching in February. On top of this, a reversion of the first two “Pokémon Mystery Dungeon” games, known as “Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX,” will release on the Nintendo Switch in March. A demo of the game is currently available for those interested. I want to opt into the app as soon as I can, and though I will not be getting the new Mystery Dungeon right away; I am interested to see how it does once I’m done with the demo.
Now, comes the big reveal from the presentation: rather than a third version, direct sequel or “Ultra” version; a series first will happen, with both free updates and expansions on the way for this year for Generation VIII. The first chapter will be released in June, known as “The Isle of Armor,” and the second will be expected in November, called “The Crown Tundra.” In addition to reintroducing more than 200 monsters from the series’ history; the games will feature a host of new challenges, special moves and monsters that will be unique to this update. The cost to opt into this update is $30 on the Nintendo eShop.
Though I have mixed feelings about the idea on paper, this seems less like the infamous Oblivion $2.50 horse armor; the Fallout 76 nylon duffel bag fiasco or the EA “surprise mechanics” debacle and more like something in the vein of the “Octo Expansion” in Splatoon 2, the Fighter Pass in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and the Champion Trials in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. I usually don’t go for season passes in games in general; but this is one case where I’ll make an exception. My stance on DLC is that I generally don’t go for it unless it offers something I know isn’t usually accessible in the base game; and these chapters look like they’ll have close to a full game’s worth of content (like the other Nintendo titles I just mentioned). Though the ethical debate over such a prospect is ongoing, I already knew this was one of the contingency plans I had in mind. So, I know that I’m at least on the same page as the developers. Besides, I’m very eager to play with what’s in the updates when they officially go live; especially in the case of Inteleon’s new special move. I will opt into this as soon as I can.
That will be all for now, I will do more with this new feature in the near future. Later.
Saturday, January 4, 2020
RIP Syd Mead (1933-2019)
It is with great sadness that I report the death of Syd Mead, who passed away late last year at age 86.
Mead was a conceptual artist whose numerous credits include the design work in films such as Tron, Aliens and the Blade Runner series. His notable credits in anime include design work for the series "Turn A Gundam" and the OVA "Yamato 2520."
As a longtime fan of the man and his work, I wish the best for his family, friends and fellow artists at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Mead was a conceptual artist whose numerous credits include the design work in films such as Tron, Aliens and the Blade Runner series. His notable credits in anime include design work for the series "Turn A Gundam" and the OVA "Yamato 2520."
As a longtime fan of the man and his work, I wish the best for his family, friends and fellow artists at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Friday, January 3, 2020
Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution (2019) First Subbed Viewing Thoughts.
So, I just saw the subs of “Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution” the other night. Here are some of my thoughts from the first viewing: overall, I consider it to be a good movie and solid take on the first of many Pokémon movies.
I wasn't sure what to make of the prospect at first, but I can honestly say they nailed the Pokémon designs. Even though remaking any anime in CG is often a crapshoot, this franchise was arguably better suited than most (Hi, Berserk 2016!). Initially, it can look like a feature-length video game cutscene with the humans looking kind of like some of the action figures I used to have; but that feeling goes away after the first 15 minutes or so for me.
Some changes to the story are more subtle, (such as how a scene is framed or a battle is filmed) but the Lapras boat replacing the Viking gondola might be the "Jedi Rocks" of this franchise.
I do like some of the environments being distinct from the original movie; having less of the '90s retro-future look and more of an "Everything is an iPod in the Future" motif (such as the lab on New Island).
The battles are also quite impressive, really showing off how far CGI has come since the 1990s. Kind of like comparing Sid's dog from the first Toy Story, Scud to the CGI cat in the newest one. Some details are more subtle, such as how this new version has seemingly canonized the fate of Jessie's mother; nicely connecting to her own enlistment in the process.
I also don't mind the latest redesigns for the heroes, subtly giving modern touches to the classic designs: kind of reminds me of something from Super Smash Bros. combined with the avatars in Ready Player One.
Much like M01, it reminds me a lot of the 1986 Transformers movie or the first two 1990s TMNT films in how it successfully puts a darker spin on an admittedly absurd concept. I honestly don't know what's holding up an official stateside release (rights issues are still my best guess), but the subs have done a great job at finally giving me a chance to experience this just over a year later.
Don't know about "shot-for-shot," get more of a remake in the sense of A New Hope and The Force Awakens; where there's a similar plot structure with just enough changes to help the new movie stand on its own, like a good one should. Overall, it's a solid update to a movie I already enjoy; and I eagerly await the chance to watch it officially: maybe something will be announced on 2/6 or 2/27. However and whenever it happens, I will probably give a full review of “Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution” then. Later.
I wasn't sure what to make of the prospect at first, but I can honestly say they nailed the Pokémon designs. Even though remaking any anime in CG is often a crapshoot, this franchise was arguably better suited than most (Hi, Berserk 2016!). Initially, it can look like a feature-length video game cutscene with the humans looking kind of like some of the action figures I used to have; but that feeling goes away after the first 15 minutes or so for me.
Some changes to the story are more subtle, (such as how a scene is framed or a battle is filmed) but the Lapras boat replacing the Viking gondola might be the "Jedi Rocks" of this franchise.
I do like some of the environments being distinct from the original movie; having less of the '90s retro-future look and more of an "Everything is an iPod in the Future" motif (such as the lab on New Island).
The battles are also quite impressive, really showing off how far CGI has come since the 1990s. Kind of like comparing Sid's dog from the first Toy Story, Scud to the CGI cat in the newest one. Some details are more subtle, such as how this new version has seemingly canonized the fate of Jessie's mother; nicely connecting to her own enlistment in the process.
I also don't mind the latest redesigns for the heroes, subtly giving modern touches to the classic designs: kind of reminds me of something from Super Smash Bros. combined with the avatars in Ready Player One.
Much like M01, it reminds me a lot of the 1986 Transformers movie or the first two 1990s TMNT films in how it successfully puts a darker spin on an admittedly absurd concept. I honestly don't know what's holding up an official stateside release (rights issues are still my best guess), but the subs have done a great job at finally giving me a chance to experience this just over a year later.
Don't know about "shot-for-shot," get more of a remake in the sense of A New Hope and The Force Awakens; where there's a similar plot structure with just enough changes to help the new movie stand on its own, like a good one should. Overall, it's a solid update to a movie I already enjoy; and I eagerly await the chance to watch it officially: maybe something will be announced on 2/6 or 2/27. However and whenever it happens, I will probably give a full review of “Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution” then. Later.
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