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POKEMON
THE MOVIE 2000 review by C.J. Henderson
REVIEW: Last year Ash had to save the world from certain destruction in the first Pokemon movie. He was outclassed and outgunned but he managed to save the day against all odds. It was the absolute greatest Pokemon adventure of all time and there's no way any other Pokemon movie could be as exciting--right? Believe it or not--wrong. "Pokemon--the Movie--2000: The Power of One" is just as action-packed, with just as epic a storyline, as the first. And, in a number of ways, it's even better than its predecessor. Let's look at how. First off, last year's film was preceeded by the short "Pikachu's Vacation." While there was nothing actually wrong with this cartoon, it was obviously made for the youngest members of the audience. Childish and silly, it did not do much for most of the audience except make the running time of the film longer. Small kids loved it, but that was about it. This time, the latest film is preceded by a new short, "Pikachu's Rescue Adventure." The piece involves the gang's Pokemon, led by Pikachu, in a rescue of Togapee (who falls down a hole into an underground world). The cartoon has a real adventure, lots of excitement, and a Broadway-style musical number that is just plain fun to watch. It's still aimed at the youngest members of the audience, but at least it isn't boring for anyone over six. At a ceremony (meant mainly as a tourist attraction), Ash finds
himself falling for the charms of the cute island girl whose duty
it is to pick the Chosen One. Before long the islanders discover
that this year their ceremony is the real thing, but it's too late
to change their minds. Ash is the Chosen One they've picked and
thus the fate of the world is in his hands. All in all, "Pokemon 2000" is a fine piece of entertainment. The translation is good (and in many instances actually improves on the original Japanese version) and the dubbing is excellent. Especially improved are Jesse, James and Meowth who are a lot funnier in this new version. The story is top notch, as well. Not only does the film introduce a bit of adult feeling as Ash becomes the central focus of a romantic triangle, but it holds back from inflating Ash's heroics. A simpler writing team would have just had their hero dash off and save the world. Not here. Ash is a ten year old boy, and he acts like one. He doesn't want to save the world. To be a bit more blunt, he doesn't want to die and knows it's quite possible he might if he gets involved with trying to stop the monsters that Lawrence III stirs up. There is a tense, intelligently mature scene at this point in the film where the young trainer weighs his options and then makes his decision to go ahead. Such subtlety is rare in television-inspired animation and should be applauded when it comes along. And, so should every other aspect of this tidy little film. The sound track is good and clean and, although some of the American songs are a bit typical, everyone is well-advised when the credits role to stay in their seats to wait for Weird Al's Polka-Pokemon Rap near the end. It's a great way to end a good, solid bit of entertainment. Some people feel the Pokemon craze is beginning to wane. With new episodes of the show running out and Ash and Misty about to be retired and replaced by a new cast, they may be right. On the other hand, with films like this one in the theater, counting Pokemon as down for the count may be underestimating a franchise that still has more fight up its sleeve than anyone realized. OFFICIAL
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SYNOPSIS:
A ruthless collector, Lawrence III, has set his sights on capturing
a legendary Pokemon--Lugia. It has been foretold that such an action
will bring about the end of the world. But, Lawrence isn't one to
let cosmic destruction stand in his way. However, it's also been
foretold that a champion -- the Chosen One -- will rise to
the occasion and put everything aright. I'm sure you can guess who's
elected to safeguard the planet.