Pokemon: The Movie 2000

Movie review by Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Pokemon: The Movie 2000 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 6+

Better than the first, but that's not saying much.

G 2000 102 minutes
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

age 5+

Based on 13 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Pokemon: The Movie 2000 is the second entry in the Pokemon movie franchise and has lots of simplistic cartoon action that little kids might find scary. The established heroes encounter explosions, shrieking birds that fight while engulfed in fire and lightning, and severe storms that rage around them and dash their boats and vehicles into rocky islands. Plenty of dark music, an ominous villain, and an overriding theme of the Earth's possible destruction may prove unsettling, as well. A similarly action-packed, 20-minute short, Pikachu's Rescue Adventure, is included on the DVD.

Community Reviews

Holly R.
Holly R. Adult
June 22, 2019
age 5+

Good but not great...

In the 2nd entry into a franchise that currently as of writing has 21 animated films, a live action spin-off and an upcoming CGI remake of the First Movie, a man named Lawrence III is hording Pokemon for his collection and sets his sights on the legendary birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres to flush out Lugia so he can add it to his collection. After capturing Moltres, we see Ash and his friends out at sea on a boat when bad weather forces them to take refuge on a island that is having a festival. Ash is told by an islander that he is "the chosen one" and as festival tradition must gather up three treasures tied to the bird trio. Nobody realises at first that the balance of nature and the date of the entire world is at risk for real until the unusual weather patterns and the birds fighting eachother because they were disturbed and that Ash really IS the chosen one. When Lugia shows up and teams up with Ash to bring balance back to nature, Lawrence III's greed gets in the way and Ash must now finish setting things right without Lugia. It has nice animation and a nice story but the music is the movies strongest point with songs by the late Donna Summer and her song "The Power Of One" and popular music group Westlife and their song "Flying Without Wings" and even a parody song by Weird Al "Polkamon" as well as a beautiful score to set the tone for the grand finale is what makes it one of the best ones that got a theatrical release back in the glory days of the series. There's also not as much violence in this one. Just peril.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much consumerism
Catelyn P.
Catelyn P. Adult
March 21, 2018
age 7+
Violence between Pokémon. Says stupid multiple times. Lots of references to boyfriend/girlfriend. A “welcome” kiss on the cheek.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 4 parent reviews

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 lineup 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.

Talk to Your Kids 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!").

  • How do you think this movie comapres with the first Pokemon film?

  • Kids may also want to talk about how Ash's mother feels -- proud and scared at the same time when he is risking his life to save the world. When she tells him, "You're my hero every day," she lets him know that she's proud of him for who he is as well as for what he does.

Movie Details

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