The Movie Diorama
Ultimately this review will be somewhat biased, as a massive fan of the franchise I will always have a soft spot for these films. However, of the original trilogy, this is the weakest. Ash and the gang are caught in an elemental battle which could potentially end the world. It's up to him to retrieve three orbs from three islands that are protected by three legendary birds. The plot just reminds me of a 'The Legend of Zelda' game, having to obtain three key items. Anyway, I digress. Obviously tailored to younger audiences, the moral in this story is all about courage. It's not as hard hitting or preachy as the first movie, but still prevalent nonetheless. I do find the plot somewhat contradictory to the main purpose of the franchise. The antagonist is a collector, he wishes to obtain the legendary birds. Something that you are able to do in the video game instalments. He has a terribly designed floating fortress just to hold artefacts and relics. But he is lambasted for wanting to collect Pokémon. Sure he might just use them as show pieces but I don't see any rules against that? Aside from the underdeveloped villain, we have a bunch of new characters like Melody who sparks Misty's jealousy for Ash, Slowking who...just talks and Lugia. Simply badass. Characters are more developed than others, the shining stars though are Team Rocket who indeed change their ethos and instead assists the protagonist in saving the world. A refreshing twist in my opinion. Convenient? Sure but heck I found it enjoyable. The animation has aged extremely well. Plenty more frantic action this time around, particularly as Zapdos, Moltres and Articuno battle each other. The overall narrative does feel like an extended episode rather than a movie, but I quite like that. It harks back to the TV series and gives plenty of cameo opportunities for the likes of Professor Oak and Ash's mother. Fans of the franchise (like myself) and younger audiences will enjoy this. Everyone else? Avoid.
Minahzur Rahman
I was so excited about this as a child. The movie was very good for what it was at the time, and probably right up there among the best of all Pokemon movies to date. The story was wonderful. Characters all had a role somehow, and all blended well together despite Ash being the centre of attention. This was a time where Pokemon was headed to a whole new world – a world of the unknown, and we saw that with the introduction of a new Pokemon region in Johto. Lugia who is a legendary bird Pokemon is one of those Pokemon from the Johto region. It is a good Pokemon movie to watch because it has the three legendary birds from the Kanto region (Zapdos, Articuno & Moltres) along with the "the guardian of the sea" – Lugia. The movie gives an insight into the stories of these legendary Pokemon and their suppose "destinies" Ash Ketchum.
Python Hyena
Pokemon 2000 (1999): Dir: Michael Haigney, Kunihiko Yuyama / Voices: Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart, Madeleine Blaustein, Ikue Otani: What are children to gain from creatures that spout nonsense and gibberish. One line of dialogue is brilliant. "I can sense somewhere, something is wrong." The answer is on the movie screen showcasing this geek show. The human characters are terribly animated while their Pokemon companions sound like excessive farting. To understand Pokemon gibberish one only has to observe a couple alcoholics after happy hour. Children are expose to a language that isn't even taught in any high school language class. Watching a Pokemon movie is about as exciting as having your spleen removed with a dinner knife. Children plug into this junk for hours and learn absolutely frig all nothing because it all seems to market candy coated kiddie violence. Ikue Otani has the unfortunate task of going through life knowing that he provided the noise of Pikachu, one of the most annoying of cartoon creations. Directed by Michael Haigney and Kunihiko Yuyama, each hoping that the other will take the blame. The animation is flat and unappealing. Children in kindergarten can do better using macaroni and pop-sickle sticks and a bag of confetti for good measure. This is absolute junk that should be put in a toaster so it can look as fried as the brains viewing it. Score: 0 / 10
SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain
A bit more of extra action packed Pokemonness. Unlike the latest Star Trek film, the Pokemon films are not geared towards converting new fans. The episodes slip into the television series and make little sense unless you are familiar with Pokemon. Here we find a Pokemon collector, out to capture the legendary bird Pokemon. The plot survives for at least half the run time, but is soon an extended battle between the birds. It's fun and still limits the number of second generation Pokemon. There are a few nice touches, a couple of well timed jokes, and some heavy handed preaching about the environment, which is an odd thing for a franchise about animal fights.
AD
