 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Pokemon: The Movie 2000
- Review Date: May 19, 2003
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2000
Common Sense Media says
Better than the first, but that's not saying much.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie features a lot of cartoon-style action, with characters in peril, but no one gets hurt. Like Harry Potter, Ash and Misty are at a point where there are some uncomfortable boy-girl feelings. When Misty is accused of being Ash's girlfriend, she bristles. But she does not allow the fear of acting like a girlfriend prevent her from acting like a friend, and her special water skills turn out to be just what Ash needs. There is also some mild potty humor.
What's the story?
In POKEMON THE MOVIE 2000, a bad guy plans capture the birds that control elements of nature in order to disrupt the "harmony of fire, ice, and lightning." Then, he'll unleash the monster currents of the ocean, and capture the ultimate treasure, Lugia, for his collection. Meanwhile, champion Pokemon trainer Ash and his friends arrive on an island for the annual re-enactment of an ancient legend. The girl selected to be the star of the re-enactment thinks it is all a little silly. But then she realizes that it is more than a legend, and that by paying careful attention to the words and music, she will have the key to restoring the balance of nature, protecting Lugia, and preventing catastrophic weather conditions that could wipe out all living things. According to the legend, "the world will turn to Ash" if the harmony of nature is disturbed. And Ash needs help from everyone, even the usually dastardly Team Rocket, to save the day.
Is it any good?
This installment of the series is better than the first one. There are a few moments of interesting animation and what passes for a plot is a bit more coherent than it was in the first one. As in the first movie, there is also a short film at the beginning, "Pokemon's Rescue Adventure," featuring the Pokemons on a human-free, and almost dialogue-free frolic. Pokemon fans will enjoy the line-up of favorite characters, and may even learn something about loyalty and teamwork.
The characters undergo some transformation or make use of a secret to attain power, a theme that's endlessly interesting to kids who can feel overwhelmed by a world built on a scale that is often too large for them. Kids, especially those ages 6-10, also love to memorize and sort endless facts. It gives them a sense of mastery, especially because they can do so much better than adults. And it becomes an important part of their social development, creating a shared language with their friends. This can be particularly meaningful for kids who are insecure about talking to other children. Excruciating as it can be for parents to endure, it may be worthwhile for kids to see the movie.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the importance of loyalty and teamwork and how Ash sometimes feels that he is not up to the task ("Training Pokemons is tough enough, but saving the world is way too hard!"). Ask kids why Team Rocket decided to become good, and whether they think they will stay that way. Kids may also want to talk about how Ash's mother feels. She is proud and scared at the same time when he is risking his life to save the world. She is sorry that his life as a Pokemon trainer takes him so far away from her, but when she tells him, "You're my hero every day," she lets him know that she is proud of him for who is is as well as for what he does.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
horrible movie
Stupid film just like the originals
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Good for the kids!
Good movie for 6 year olds to teenagers! I like Pokemon and I am 15 years old. The movie has very cartoonish violence,no language,and some scenes involving boys and girls flirting. Good Movie! I loved it!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Extremely Unrealistic
Well duh on the peril. The movie is really exaggerated and is NOT something kids can relate to. A kid Ash's age would NEVER be given a responsibility of saving the world, nor going off in a situation like this on their own. Kids may misenterpret this so-called "Message."
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Not as good as the first.
The first film had a cool villain. In this movie the "bad guy" is a collector. He never even gets what he deserves. Very annoying.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Actually one of the better video game movies out there, and a far better TV adaptation than some could ever hope to be.
Rating: G (mayhem with some property damage, implications of weather cataclysm, near drowning, very mild sexual innuendo [talk of girlfriends and marriage], creatures fight with no permanent injury, no smoking or drinking)
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
You people have had your youthful spirit sucked out of you
Why do you people hate Pokemon? "Oh it's so childish I hate it!" and now we switch to "Boy/girl silliness, potty humor, characters in peril, my God, our children can't see this!" Make up your mind, hug your inner child, eat an ice-cream sundae and go your merry way! It's obbiously a good movie, or else it would not have been translated to English, it is acceptable for kids, because it's rated G. Now I admit, this was a ground-breaker for Pokemon, especially with Meowth saying he's afraid of getting hit by Zapdos' droppings, but that's all. And I thought the entire series is Nintendo's way of marketing and commercialism. Or did you change your mind?
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Well... a Pokémon movie.
Yeah well, I must say I love Pokémon. The first time I saw this movie I was like AMAAAAAAZED, but nowadays it's just a regular Pokémon movie. But trust me, it's full of memorable sentences you can repeat to annoy or to laugh with somebody. Aside from the movie, the DVD has the Johto Pokérap, that's cool. Erm. There's not a single issue about it, and not letting a kid watch it because of the Pokémon's powers or the girl kissing Ash is pure hypocrisy. This is not harmful in any way.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Michael Haigney |
| Cast: | Eric Stuart, Rachael Lillis, Veronica Taylor |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 102 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 21, 2000 |
| DVD release date: | November 14, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
