TLDR;
In this episode, Surfi and Paul from SP Filmviewers review "Digimon: The Movie." Paul, a long-time fan, introduces Surfi to the Digimon franchise, comparing it to Pokémon. They discuss the film's storyline, character designs, and music, and its segmented structure. Surfi shares her initial impressions as a newcomer, while Paul offers nostalgic insights. They also touch on the film's cultural context, humor, and overall impact, and give scores.
- The movie is a compilation of three shorter films, two of which were directed by the same person.
- The first two parts of the film are coherent and enjoyable, while the third part is weaker and confusing.
- The film's humor and music are very much of the time period in which it was made.
Intro and Background [0:17]
Surfi and Paul introduce the film they'll be reviewing, "Digimon: The Movie," chosen by their patrons. Paul expresses his excitement for this "Nostalgia trip," while Surfi admits she's not very familiar with Digimon, seeing it as a Pokémon ripoff. Paul clarifies that Digimon stands for Digital Monsters and highlights differences in character design, noting Digimon's designs are less cute and more "High techy" or "gun orientated". Despite this, he believes Digimon has a stronger storyline and more dramatic tension than Pokémon.
First Impressions and Expectations [1:38]
Surfi expresses uncertainty about liking Digimon as much as Pokémon, due to the character designs. Paul hopes the film adequately explains the Digimon world to newcomers. He mentions owning the DVD, emphasizing its 90s aesthetic. Reading the back cover, they summarize the plot: a powerful new internet Digimon consumes data, and the digidestined kids must stop it before it causes irreversible damage. Surfi compares the plot to the first Pokémon movie, but Paul hopes Digimon will evoke a different emotional response.
Patreon Shoutout [7:30]
Paul takes a moment to promote the SP Filmviewers Patreon page. For a small monthly donation, patrons can support the show, receive a shout-out at the end of each episode, and have the opportunity to pick a movie for Paul and Sophie to review.
Initial Thoughts on the Film's Presentation [8:45]
They discuss the film's '90s vibe, particularly the music, which Paul describes as a "hype song." Surfi notes it feels like a "time trap film" that couldn't be replicated today. They then discuss the short cartoon, Angela Anaconda, that precedes the film. Surfi recalls the show's unique animation style and its place in that era of cartoons. They ponder its inclusion in the film and its potential impact on viewers unfamiliar with the show.
Digimon: A Segmented Film [12:58]
Paul explains that "Digimon: The Movie" is actually three segmented films put together, two of which were directed by the same person, Mamoru Hosoda. He mentions Hosoda's other works, such as "Wolf Children" and "Belle." Paul expresses his initial enjoyment of the first two segments, which coincide and show character growth. However, he feels the film should have ended after the second part.
Analyzing the First Segment [14:48]
Surfi notes the main character, Ty, resembles Ash from Pokémon. Paul anticipates accidentally saying "Pokemon" when referring to Digimon. They discuss the "mon" suffix in Digimon names, finding it somewhat lazy. Paul explains the evolution stages of Ty's Digimon, Agumon. Surfi finds the opening scene with Ty and his sister cute, giving it a Studio Ghibli vibe. She appreciates the storyline and plot, which she finds superior to Pokémon.
Comparing the Worlds of Digimon and Pokémon [17:18]
Surfi questions whether the film adequately explains the Digimon world, comparing it to the coexistence of humans and Pokémon. Paul clarifies that Digimon come from a separate Digital World, making their presence more like an alien encounter. He contrasts this with Pokémon, which are integrated into daily life. Surfi notes that the second film feels more like a video game, as the characters aren't physically present with their Digimon. She finds the Digimon concept confusing, especially with her Pokémon knowledge.
Digimon vs. Pokémon: Character Design and Evolution [20:32]
Surfi states that if she had to pick between the two, she’d pick Pokémon. She finds Pokémon cuter, more structured, and more coherent in their evolution. She also says that she didn’t realize which Digimon they were. Paul explains that Digimon were initially based on Tamagotchis. Surfi admits she was fully immersed in the beginning of the film, embracing the storyline.
Analyzing the Second Segment [27:06]
The second segment, set four years later, follows Ty and his sister as they navigate summer vacation and deal with a bug online. Surfi appreciates the portrayal of summer vacation and the millennium bug. Paul highlights the humor in the dub, such as the phone line being busy. He also mentions the music, including the song "One Week" by the Barenaked Ladies. The threat of a nuclear missile adds urgency to the situation.
DNA Digivolve and the Internet World [32:47]
They discuss the concept of DNA Digivolve, where Digimon evolve together. Ty and his friend are drawn into an internet world, reminiscent of "Summer Wars." The Digimon become one, then separate back into their baby versions. Surfi finds this illogical. The segment ends with the bug defeated and the missile stopped.
Analyzing the Third Segment [35:14]
The third segment shifts focus to a new character, Willis, who has a Digimon egg. Paul notes that Willis was originally meant to be only in the third film, but was included in the first two for the American audience. Surfi admits she doesn't have much attachment to the new characters or story. She finds the third segment weaker, especially since it's directed by someone else.
Digimon Designs and Character Development [37:05]
Surfi says that the third part was okay, and that the cutest Digimon was in this one. She found it strange that the Digimon spoke, rather than just making noises. She also says that the third part dragged a little bit. Paul says that the third part has been heavily edited, and that the original Digidestined were trapped in a digital world.
New Characters and Rushed Storylines [44:52]
Surfi says that she wasn’t vibing with the new characters as much. She also says that the last fight scene was crammed in. Paul says that when Pokémon evolve, they still look similar, but that Digimon have very drastic evolutions.
Shrek Reference and Unresolved Questions [48:42]
Paul mentions the "All Star" song by Smash Mouth, which is also in Shrek. He says that Shrek wasn’t the first film to do that. Surfi says that it’s still Shrek to her, because that’s where it impacted her the most. Paul says that the bit wasn’t meant to be at the end, but partway through. Surfi asks if there are types, and who is stronger than the other. Paul says that there are boundaries, and that the little stagey ones can’t take on the really big ones.
Digimon Lore and Game Comparison [51:38]
They discuss the Digimon lifecycle, from egg to baby stage, and how they can be reincarnated. Surfi asks if she can feed her Digimon to make it stronger. Paul says that there are many Digimon games, and that they are harder than Pokémon. Surfi asks what the aim of the game is, and Paul says that it varies.
Final Thoughts and Preferences [55:16]
Surfi asks Paul if he prefers Pokémon or Digimon. Paul says that Pokémon is his first love, and that Digimon is secondary. He also says that the principle of a digital monster is the same aspect, but that it works in the way that it could easily be related to today.
Scores and Final Remarks [57:09]
Surfi says that she was really invested in the film, but that the third part hinders it massively. She gives it a seven. Paul says that he would have given Pokémon a nine, but gave it a six for being really critical. He gives Digimon a seven. Surfi says that she really enjoyed the first two parts, and that she liked terryon from the third part.
Patreon Thanks and Outro [1:03:07]
They thank their patrons and encourage listeners to check out their other episodes on various podcast platforms. They also promote their social media handles. Sophie expresses her enjoyment of the anime run. They conclude the episode, thanking listeners and saying goodbye.