(spoiler free)
Quite possibly the most important decision any child will ever make; Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirlte? Pokémon has been a part of many children’s and adult’s lives for twenty years now. Whether it be the games, TV show, trading card game, books or movies Pokémon has become a pillar of popular culture. ‘Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You’ is the twentieth film in the Pokémon canon and acts as a commemoration of the twenty year anniversary of the Japanese anime. The film has a new narrative but also loosely retells the original story of Ash Ketchum’s adventures in the Indigo League saga.
As well as the better known original story of the Indigo League Ash & Pikachu are also on the quest to find legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh after a unique encounter early on in the film. This overall narrative is fine, however there’s nothing particularly engaging about it. Sure it’s always cool to see some of the Legendary Pokémon in the spotlight but the story needed more creativity and potentially more simplistic content. What it does do well though is incorporate all aspects of the Pokémon universe, celebrating everything that Pokémon has been and has become. Those who have stuck with Pokémon over the years will enjoy this celebration the most. It brings together elements from the games and the TV series, with plenty of familiar moments that will bring the nostalgia flooding back. The peak of this nostalgia could well be that glorious theme tune from the TV series which plays over the opening credits. Prepare to hold yourself back from belting out all the words like you most likely did in front of your TV in your pajamas all those years ago or what the hell just go for it, this is meant to be a celebration after all!
The actual animation work is surprisingly unimpressive. Especially considering the time in which has been available for progression. Maybe it was the mixture of different styles of animation which I wasn’t so fond of but I just couldn’t help thinking that I preferred the animation in the orignal TV series. Nonetheless this didn’t overly bother me and shouldn’t audiences either. Those who will have bought tickets to see this film are their for the story, action and characters.
Those fans from the very beginning might be disappointed by the absence of Brock and Misty here and there’s no denying that they are missed. Their absence makes way for new characters and Pokémon, it will be personal preference as to how viewers take to these. I know I found it slightly jarring seeing classic pokémon such as Charmeleon fighting against Incineroar, a completely new Pokémon from the Sun & Moon generation. Thankfully there’s plenty to appreciate even if you’re not completely up to date as the infamous Team Rocket feature and although they do feel somewhat shoehorned in their appearance alone is enough to bring a smile to any fan’s face. There are loads of fan favourite Pokémon included too and even if only featured for a moment it’s great fun spotting them and remembering the excitement of stumbling across them in one of the games! Ash and Pikachu were always the stars though and ‘Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You’ understands this giving their relationship a lot of the focus. Excluding one particularly odd moment this is successful and works as the core of the film.
Ultimately ‘Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You’ nails the essence of Pokémon, the adventure and excitement of it all is here in abundance. It has to also be remembered that this is a kids movie and it shouldn’t be judged against the standards of anyone else. Older audience members won’t have as good a time with this as the youngsters will and they might rather be watching Ash battle Mewtwo on New Island but it’s done an admirable job in trying to please all fans. It’s a sure success in celebrating all things Pokémon and achieves that wonderful nostalgia, I wouldn’t be surprised if after watching you’ll be hunting out that Gameboy Color and starting your Pokémon journey all over again!
Written by Hamish Calvert
Rating – 6/10
Question: Which six orignal Pokémon would make up your ultimate party?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)
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