'Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back' Review: Mewtwo's origin gets 3DCG upgrade making it a refreshing watch
It's hard to review something that induces generous amounts of nostalgia. Pokemon is a classic. It had a massive fanbase that eagerly looked forward to everything the anime had to offer since its first run in 1997. In 'Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution', a recreated version of the original, Pokemon makes a solid entrance by managing to factor in all the elements— fun, emotion, impressive battles, cheesy one-liners, and combine it with some cutting edge animation.
'Mewtwo Strikes Back' is an origin story of the most powerful Pokemon out there. Scientists unearth the unique DNA of Mew and try to bring it to life so as to create the world's most fantastical and immensely powerful Pokemon. And no surprises, when things go haywire. Sure, there's a Mewtwo, except it's confused and rage-filled.
In due time, Mewtwo develops a mind of its own. It's a Pokemon that doesn't need a trainer and this is brought out rather well in the latest installment. Mewtwo has enough questions about its origins and while they get answered, it's hard to get through to especially when each answer gives rise to more questions. This may come across as a bit of an unending plotline, but our best guess: The writers are hoping to lend Mewtwo a voice that questions the very reason why it or the other creatures exist.
Mercifully, the famous trio of Ash Ketchum, Brock and Misty don't go through too many changes likewise. Their arc starts when they get a chance to battle on New Island by a trainer proclaiming himself to be the greatest trainer in the world. Adding to this storyline is Team Rocket. God! We missed those guys.
The battles make good use of the new animation tech and that's a standout. The island storyline where Mewtwo confronts the trainers becomes a tad predictable as they have no answers to its onslaught. The 3DCG effects are a major boost and serve the 90-minute feature well. A major part of the story unfolds on the island and at best, the many battles make the watch worth it. On a side note, it's also best if viewers don't compare this with the Ryan Reynolds starrer 'Pokémon Detective Pikachu' and for a good reason.
No doubts that Netflix got this out for the younger audience and definitely no surprises that it has been received well. There's a bit of a darker theme in the original that 'Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution' tends to conveniently skip, but the top-notch action and the vibrant-looking Pokemon make up for it.
The last word remains the pokemon fans won't be disappointed.
'Pokemon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution' is available for streaming on Netflix.