Review; Pokémon The Movie: I Choose You
Review by Paul and Zach Fiander
Zach's view (7 year old Pokemon fan)This is by far the best Pokemon film I have seen. My biggest problem is that it was over far too quickly (it is a 98 minute film so not too bad in length (Paul)). The main reason for this is we find out all about Ash and Pikachu and how they met as well as seeing Ash's other original Pokemon. Three are a few sad parts in the film but there are not too many. The battles are great and very exciting and I just would love to have a real Pokemon one day to become a Pokemon trainer. |
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There is something rather magical about animation, it allows a level of imagination that special effects can not come to replicating within the visual sphere. A great example of this is the world of Pokemon. The vast array of creatures that inhabit the world are hard to count let alone recreate in live action filming. There is however another reason why I love animation and that is the ability to convey complex emotions with expression and in this regard the Pokemon animators are some of the very best. The facial construction of their characters are not overly intricate but due to the large expressive eyes they are able to convey the true feelings of the subject be they Human or Pokemon perfectly. The image to the left shows this with Ash, Pikachu and Caterpie all looking suitably happy to the given situation. Ash himself is certainly one of the most expressive figures in animation and thanks to this it allows for a rich vein of humour, turmoil and sadness throughout the film and any Pokemon visual experience.
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Now for the film, Pokémon The Movie: I Choose You is a retelling of the first meeting of Ash and Pikachu. It helps to create their bond and also show how Ash begins his journey to become a Pokemon trainer. Along the way you are treated to the sight of numerous Pokemon spread throughout the rich environments that at times are stunning.
Through a chance encounter with Ho-Oh a legendary Pokemon Ash earns a rare artefact that leads him into a mixture of adventures in his quest to battle the impressive flying Pokemon, along with some new companions in the shape of Sorrel and Verity. This departure from his original travelling mates Brock and Misty is a bit of a odd situation for the start of Ash's journey, but it works rather well and after a few minutes you can almost gloss over the loss of the older two companions. The reason I say this is because this film is more concerned with the relationship of one boy and his Pokemon. The two new companions do add fun and knowledge to proceedings and you can feel the spirit of Brock at least in one chance encounter with a Rock Type behemoth who I will not name here. |
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The whole of the Pokemon franchise is built on the road trip idea and I choose you sicks nicely to this formula. With Ash on a never ending quest to see all there is to see, from one side of the world to the other. This allows for a variety of discoveries including both friends and foes. The always unlucky Team Rocket do blast off more than once in the running time. The real villain of the piece however is a Pokemon trainer called Cross. He shines a light of Ash's character and this leads to one of a few emotional moments in the film. I'm not a viewer who claims a room is getting dusty instead I call like it is. If something is sad I will shed a tear or two and generally feel better for the experience. I would say there about four of these moments spread throughout the film with each one creating a scenario that mirrors real world situations in one form or another.None feel too heavy handed and there are comical elements thrown in at some points that openly made me chuckle.
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To echo Zach the battles were tonnes of fun and as always visually arresting. The fight choreography allows each battle participant a chance to show off their moves while still keeping an air of mystery to the battle's outcome. This is because Ash is not infallible and does make mistakes.I appreciate this type of character development as although he has his struggles overall he comes back fighting each and every time. Making him a great storytelling device as well as a great role model.
Along with Ho-Oh we get some encounters with various Pokemon both Normal and Legendary. Entei (pictured Right) is just one of the Pokemon we meet along the way helping you to flex your Pokemon Lore to the extreme. You do have to keep your eyes open at times as the creators giving you fleeting glances in order to keep you on your visual toes. |
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Overall I was very impressed with the film. I have enjoyed learning about and experiencing Pokemon for the first time (I'm in my alte thirties) with Zach and the high production values and rich narrative of films such as I Choose You make for wonderful family occasions both at the cinema and in front of the TV once the films are released. I will be going to the cinema on Saturday the 5th with my wife and daughter (she is only 3 so the preview showing was too late for her to attend) to go though the wonder of the film all over again.
Pokémon The Movie: I Choose You is in cinemas on the 5th and 6th November for a limited run.
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