Pokemon: Mewtwo Returns Parent Guide

Parent Movie Review
by Donna Gustafson

Just like the once revered Pokemon cards have now slipped into that forgotten zone behind the dresser, so the latest Pokemon movie has moved from big screen to the direct-to-home video section.

Film number four of the heavily merchandised franchise features the return of Mewtwo, who debuted in the original theatrical release. Just in case you don’t remember that epic (because you were too young, you fell asleep, or ...gasp! ...you missed it), the first few minutes recap the story. It ended with all the characters having their memories wiped anyway.

The only person not suffering from amnesia is the evil, power-hungry scientist Giovanni, who had the pocket monster cloned from a fossil in the first place. Careful laboratory tweaking made Mewtwo the most powerful Pokemon of all time. After the first movie, the formidable catlike creature left town with a band of other cloned critters to find a place far away from mankind where they could live in peace.

But the dastardly creator discovers their refuge on Purity Mountain, the highest peak in the Johto range. Coincidentally, famous Pokemon trainer Ash, his side kick Pikachu, and their friends Misty and Broc, just happen to be touring the surrounding canyon when Giovanni and Team Rocket begin their recapturing scheme.

To keep every one in pace with the plot, Mewtwo acts as narrator, using the most melancholy tones to explain the clones’ self inflicted exile. A hyperactive Meowth kindly translates any banter exchanged between the Pokemon. While there is nothing deep or thought provoking, messages of accepting those who are different, being willing to sacrifice self for others, and nature conservation are expressed.

This time the customary battling between the monsters and the bad guys is justified as protecting your homeland. The violence is typical of that seen in the TV series based on the same characters, providing opportunities for each to display their unique powers against Team Rocket’s high-tech light-beam blasting machines.

Although still a bit of a yawn for parents, fans may find it motivating enough to start rooting around the house for all those lost cards.

Updated July 17, 2017

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.

Pokemon: Mewtwo Returns
Rating & Content Info

Why is Pokemon: Mewtwo Returns rated Not Rated? Pokemon: Mewtwo Returns is rated Not Rated by the MPAA

Overall: B
Mewtwo, the most powerful Pokemon of all time and his band of cloned pocket monsters are discovered in their secret refuge by the evil Giovanni and his Team Rocket agents. Ash, Misty, Broc and Pikachu must aid in their quest for freedom and a right to co-exist on earth. Positive messages of acceptance and self-sacrifice are carefully explained amidst the typical Pokemon battles and Team Rocket antics.

Violence: B
Strong wind picks up bus—no one injured. Character kidnapped. Falling rock narrowly misses character. Characters in peril because of weather conditions and reckless behavior. Characters hang from rope on cliff face, later from hot air balloon. Hot air balloon pops; some occupants land in water, others safely on land. Electrical charge used as weapon. Characters prepare to battle each other. Characters imprisoned. Aircraft fires light beam that causes explosions, or renders characters unconscious. Use of psychic power causes property damage. Some characters bound, others trapped in Poke-balls. Character imprisoned in force-field, subjected to pain. Characters held hostage and threatened. Character uses weapon against others. Bugs drop scales from their wings, causing explosions or making characters fall asleep. Character slips and falls into bucket. Pokemon battle other characters. Machines explode. Character thrown into water.

Sexual Content: A-
Male character makes flirtatious comments to female character on two occasions. Character mistakes common concern for romantic intentions and utters melodramatic rhetoric. Two female characters depicted in midriff-baring shirts, very short skirts and high boots.

Language: A
None.

Alcohol / Drug Use: B+
Spring water causes euphoric feeling when swallowed. Healing powers of spring water used for medicinal purposes.

Miscellaneous Concerns:
Large bug Pokemon depicted. Exploiting nature for man’s purposes mentioned.

Page last updated July 17, 2017