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.
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