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Mewtwo plus Genesect should be a slam dunk: two human-made Pokemon, a city under siege, and a finale packed with legendary-level destruction. But sometimes a movie can do everything “big” and still feel weirdly empty, and that’s exactly what I wrestle with as I review Pokemon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened. If you’ve ever watched a franchise entry that looked great yet left you feeling nothing, you’ll know the exact kind of disappointment I’m unpacking here. 

I talk through what works for me first, because there are real strengths. The animation blend and the glossy visuals hold up, the urban setting is a fun change of pace, and Genesect’s upgraded, robotic vibe is legitimately cool on paper and on screen. The problem is that the story doesn’t build the kind of wonder and emotional connection I want from a Pokemon movie. The plot energy feels like a runaround, and even the big action beats can’t replace stakes that make me care. 

Then I dig into my biggest sticking point: talking Pokemon and heavy telepathy. I know some fans love it, but for me it strips away the classic Pokemon charm where emotion comes through sound, body language, and restraint. I also get into why this portrayal of Mewtwo doesn’t hit the same as the original, from the intimidation factor to the sense of presence, and how that hurts the whole movie since Mewtwo should be the anchor. 

I close with my rating out of six Pokeballs and tease what’s next, including a chaotic Cinema Sunday lineup and a friend-filled conversation I’m genuinely hyped for. Subscribe to Couch Critics, share this with a Pokemon fan who’ll argue about it, and leave a review with your take: should Pokemon talk in full sentences or never at all?

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