 | 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: Zoroark - Master of Illusions
- Review Date: September 26, 2011
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Better but more violent than the usual Pokemon entry.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Pokemon: Zoroark - Master of Illusions is a full-length Pokemon feature that includes all the usual Pokemon stuff: capturing and collecting Pokemon, plus battling and violence. However, this movie is both more elaborate and more violent than the usual Pokemon fare. Besides fighting and explosions, there are vicious attacks and cries of fury, terror, anguish, and pain that can be shocking. Parents might be concerned with the consumer aspect of the Pokemon franchise, which encourages kids to collect cards and toys. Expect some skimpy skirts on female characters and a character who declares his love for every cute girl. Parents might appreciate the quick and subtle -- but positive -- messages about the environment, bullying, and fighting.
What's the story?
Everyone is excited about the Pokemon Baccer World Cup in Crown City. Ash, Dawn, and Brock are on their way there, with Pikachu and the other Pokemon in tow. Unexpectedly, they meet a Pokemon they've never seen before, a shape-shifter called Zorua that can speak via telepathy and is looking for "Mema." Meanwhile, three legendary Pokemon begin rampaging through Crown City, requiring a complete evacuation. Refusing to comply, Ash and company instead discover a sinister mystery. What is the connection between Zorua and the rampaging Pokemon? Why has Celebi, the guardian of the forest, suddenly returned after 20 years? And what does it all have to do with Kodai, the businessman that controls all the media in Crown City?
Is it any good?
The Pokemon movies aren't usually about quality of animation or artistry; they're produced quickly and in a rather slapdash manner to fulfill the demand of a legion of fans and collectors. Happily, the feature film POKEMON: ZOROARK - MASTER OF ILLUSIONS is a cut above the rest, using gorgeous computer-rendered backdrops, as well as some surprisingly majestic and lovely moments. Unfortunately, it's also a bit more violent than we usually get from this series.
It's also very complex, with a dozen human and Pokemon characters to remember, as well as a 20-year timeline, time travel, predictions of the future, illusions, and more. Despite the extra effort that the filmmakers put into the movie's look and feel, their storytelling skills are a bit lax. Younger viewers are liable to get lost in the movie's labyrinthine plot but will probably enjoy it moment-by-moment; parents may find it tolerable as well.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's violence. Why did the filmmakers feel it was necessary? Does it make the movie more thrilling or less appealing?
Did watching this movie make you want to buy more Pokemon toys, games, or cards? Why?
- What is the movie's message about the environment? Why do movies like this use political or cultural issues in their plot?
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AGE
Program would be PG-rated if rated.
If this program was rated, it would be PG-rated due to the peril.
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Kid, 8 years old
April 14, 2012
AGE
It's decent
Now, I LOVE Pokemon. (I forgot the m in my username) But... Dawn is so annoying I want to burn my ears. Now, let's start with the good stuff: There's a bit of education... and a postive message. Be nice to your animal friends. And, there are role models. Take.. Hmm... Zoura for example. Zoura stays strong when his mother is captured, and gets help to free her. Ash is a GREAT role model. He respects all of the Pokemon. The bad stuff: Quite a bit of violence, but it doesen't scare me. Zoroark is captured, Pokemon battle, Main characters get trapped in one scene, But.. It's just a cartoon! It's not real-life! Pokemon is not Animal Abuse, either. Pokemon are just made-up creatures living in a made-up world. And oh, everybody likes Mario? Mario is lame to me now. I recommend Pokemon more then Mario, It's SOOO much fun then Mario, and has easier play then Mario. Now, Look, and you'll like this movie.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Kunihiko Yuyama |
| Cast: | Emily Bauer, Sarah Natochenny, Sean Schemmel |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 96 minutes |
| DVD release date: | September 20, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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