Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2013

52%

WISE Score

A mid-tier Pokémon movie where Mewtwo returns to face off against robotic bug Pokémon—safe, predictable, and honestly kind of boring.

Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened

movie

PG, 2013

52%

WISE Score

A mid-tier Pokémon movie where Mewtwo returns to face off against robotic bug Pokémon—safe, predictable, and honestly kind of boring.

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a Pokémon movie from the franchise's middle years when they were churning them out annually, and it shows. The ratings tell the story: 5.5/10 on IMDb, 43% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, 2.6/5 on Letterboxd. Even Pokémon fans weren't feeling it.

It's perfectly safe and hits the usual beats—friendship, teamwork, misunderstood legendary Pokémon—but the execution is forgettable. The Genesect are interesting in concept (ancient bug Pokémon revived and modified), but the movie doesn't do much with them. Mewtwo's return feels more like franchise obligation than creative inspiration.

If your kid is in peak Pokémon obsession and has already watched the better movies (the first one, Pokémon 2000, maybe Lucario), sure, throw this on. But if you're looking for quality family viewing, there are way better options both inside and outside the Pokémon universe. This one's a C-minus effort that'll keep the kids quiet for 71 minutes but won't leave any lasting impression.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-10 who are actively into Pokémon. The low ratings across the board suggest even die-hard fans found this one skippable, so it's really only for completists or kids who need their Pokémon fix.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Standard Pokémon fare with themes of friendship, cooperation, and understanding between different creatures. Ash and friends work together to prevent conflict between legendary Pokémon. The emotional tone is appropriate for kids, though the central conflict involves misunderstood creatures rather than pure villains. Models problem-solving through empathy rather than just battling.

Imaginative

Features legendary Pokémon and a city-scale adventure, but follows the well-worn Pokémon movie formula by 2013: legendary creature appears, conflict arises, Ash mediates. The Genesect are visually interesting as ancient Pokémon revived through technology, but the plot doesn't break new ground. Doesn't particularly invite creative play or exploration beyond existing Pokémon engagement.

Safe

Typical Pokémon battle sequences with no real violence, gore, or inappropriate content. CSM rates it for age 6. Battles are fantasy-based and bloodless. No scary imagery beyond what's expected in the franchise. The conflict is resolved peacefully. Entirely predictable and safe for the target demographic with no surprise content.

Enriching

Touches on themes of displacement, environmental change, and finding home, but doesn't develop them deeply. The message about understanding those who are different is present but surface-level. Minimal cognitive challenge or meaningful takeaways beyond 'fighting is bad, friendship is good.' Entertainment value is also questionable given the weak ratings (5.5 IMDb, 43% RT audience, 2.6/5 Letterboxd).

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

If your kid is deep in their Pokémon phase, they'll watch literally anything with Pikachu in it
Mewtwo's return might appeal to nostalgia-seeking older fans who remember the first movie
Completely safe viewing with zero concerning content—you can zone out guilt-free
Themes about finding home and understanding displaced creatures have potential, even if underexplored

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What to Watch For

Fantasy battle sequences typical of Pokémon—nothing intense, but still conflict-driven
This is widely considered one of the weaker Pokémon movies, so manage expectations
The 71-minute runtime might still feel long given the thin plot

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the Genesect were so angry when they woke up in a different world?"
"What would you do if you woke up and everything you knew was gone?"
"Why did Mewtwo understand the Genesect better than anyone else?"

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