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Pokemon Heroes (G, 2003)

common sense media says

Below-average and too violent for younger kids.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie is violent for a G, including peril (electric shock waves are directed at characters, including children) and the death of a character who essentially sacrifices himself to save the community. There is one sweet kiss on the cheek.

Violence & scariness: Character dies. Pretty intense peril for a G.
Sexy stuff: One kiss on the cheek and a couple of boy/girl jokes.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: A commerical for the Pokeman brand.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Pokemon Heroes

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why Annie and Oakley did not seem to care about anyone but themselves. Families might want to look at photographs of Venice, which inspired the imaginary city of Altomare.

What's the story?

What's the story?
In POKEMON HEROES, Pokemon master Ash and pals Brock and Misty visit the Venice-like city called Altomare, which is guarded by two legendary Pokemons named Latia and Latios. They are dolphin-shaped creatures who can make themselves invisible and disguise themselves as human and who communicate in annoying fingernails-on-blackboard screeches. Meanies Annie and Oakley, teen-age girls with midriff-baring outfits, steal the jewel that is the source of Altomare's power.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Each of the previous Pokemon movies has seemed slightly better to me than the one before, but this lackluster fifth in the series is at least two steps back. There are some briefly lovely background paintings but other than that this is below average for the Pokemon series, too violent and confusing for younger kids but not enough character, plot, or visual interest to engage older children.

There are three reasons that children are drawn to characters like Pokemon. First is the perennial appeal of characters who appear to be weak but have hidden sources of power. Kids, who live in a world of powerful giants are drawn to stories of transformations and secret strength. Next, the many facts to memorize about Pokemon give children a chance to master something, giving them a sense of power and competence. Finally, as children start to develop social skills, fads like Pokemon provide a shared language that can help those conversations and imaginative games get started.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Miramax
Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
Cast: Megan Hollingshead, Tara Jayne, Veronica Taylor
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 80 minutes
Theatrical release: May 16, 2003
DVD release: January 20, 2004
MPAA Rating: G
MPAA explanation: General Audiences
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6

Most useful reviews by all members

whyamiusingthi ...
teen, 17 years old
2
 
Not this 'give it a horrible review because you've lost your inner child' thing again
How are female characters being strong a bad message? You people are the sexist ones, not Pokemon. What character dies? Commercial? The only commercial in this movie is when you watch it on cable. Oh no, a kiss on the cheek, this is UNACCEPTABLE! Get the FCC on the phone at once! How is this too violent? Go Deigo Go! is more perilous than this, they put so many animals out in Life-Death situations it's not even fair. Latios and LatiaS (forgot the 's' on the end) do not sound like nails in a chalkboard! They sound cute. When will you people learn?
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ShadowFan567
adult
6
 
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Nectaria
teen, 17 years old
7
 
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Shinjo
adult
 
Who needs to see this garbage?
This stupid movie is just a repeat of all the other pokemon movies. All they want you to do is buy the cheap cards and stupid other materials they make...
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vulpixmagmar
adult
 
Good
This is a good movie. It is funny...
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eonbirdies
teen, 13 years old
7
 
Whats wrong with you people? It's not a stupid movie. I am 11 and its my favorite! If you watch the end, you see that latios is alive. You have no taste. You are the stupid ones!
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golder
teen, 17 years old
3
 
stupid
stupid
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chrrr
parent of 15 year old
4
 
not rating stuuuupid movie
stupid
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Beckstar
adult
7
 
sad, but a great film
Lovely film. But the ending is quite sad. I didn't cry as much as I did in the very first Pokemon film, but it sure stirred the tears. Yes, I shouldn't cry at Pokemon at my age. But it is quite sad
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mkalv
teen, 17 years old
6
 
Boring.
I just don't like this film. At all. Really. Too boring.
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Zachc1126
teen, 17 years old
 
It's not that bad!
only parts thats people think this is bad is corruption & greed! but besides that, it is okay!
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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