Pokemon 4Ever: Movie
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Movie Reviews of Pokemon 4Ever: Movie
Movie Review: Maybe not 4ever...
Summary: 3 Stars
After a short, limited release in theaters last year, Pokemon 4Ever is finally coming to video courtesy of Miramax. And while it's not the vast improvement to the previous Warner Bros DVD releases we were hoping for, it is still a decent offering.The story, basically, is that Ash and company come across a boy named Sam and a Celebi, who have traveled 40 years from the past. But before Celebi can bring Sam back to his own time, it is captured by the Iron Mask Marauder, who captures Celebi using a Dark Ball, and transforms it into a destructive monster. While the Marauder and Celebi destroy the forest, Ash and Sam must try and save Celebi. There are some surprisingly emotional scenes in the movie, especially towards the end as we find out the fate of Celebi and Sam's relationship with Ash.
The DVD offers trailers for this movie and the Japanese trailer for the fifth movie, as well as previews for other Miramax titles. Fans will be pleased to know that the Pikachu short has been restored for the DVD, and as usually, it's pretty funny and features plenty of cute Pokemon. It also a multi-angle animation progression feature, but the footage shown is very brief; each of the four segments clock in at barely under a few seconds, if that. One major complaint about this DVD is that despite the fact that this is the fourth Pokemon feature, it is still only presented on DVD in FULLSCREEN. There are many instances in the movie where a character is speaking, but you can't see him or her, since they are cropped off the screen. I'd hoped this unfortunate tradition was left behind with Warner Bros, but the curse follows the series to Miramax. Listen up, Miramax, we don't mind the black bars on the screen, we really don't. This problem is even worse when compared with the Warner releases, because the picture seems to be zoomed in a bit more and after repeated viewings, you actually begin to notice that the screen is constantly wobbling. A very poor transfer.
Another complaint, though not as major, is the commentary featuring the producers and the cast. While it's fun to finally hear what the actors really sound like, they don't really react to anything on-screen; it's more like a Q&A session. While it does answer some interesting questions, it would have been better off to leave it as a separate feature and keep a regular commentary with just the producers. The commentary track also only runs under an hour, so it cuts off with about 20 minutes of the movie left to go. Hopefully they won't do this with movie 5, since the commentaries are my favorites part of the Pokemon movies.
Otherwise, it's a solid film, and fans will be pleased that the movie sticks very close to the original Japanese script. It won't convert any Pokemon haters, but then again, nothing probably would.
Just please, Miramax, when you release movie 5 on DVD, please do so in widescreen.
Movie Review: Well, it's stylish...
Summary: 3 Stars
Yes, it's definitely the most stylish of the four so far released in the US. The entire movie takes place in a forest, so they decided to do some creative computer animation and special visuals. The forest-themed threat of walking tree branches in the form of Wargreymon called forth by a possessed Celebi was a neat touch.This movie, very much like the third one, was more about art direction and visuals than a good story. This is most apparent in the far-too-long scene in which Celebi takes Ash and his new friend Sammy flying with him. This scene does absolutely nothing other than show off the forest. It doesn't move the plot in any way, shape, or form. Also, Jesse, James, and Meowth are put way way in the back seat for this movie, since a new Team Rocket member has come to steal the show.
Strong points? Excellent animation, the best of all the movies. Also, of all the Legendary Pokemon, Celebi is the most loveable. Even more loveable than Mew. Also, the Pikachu short is pretty entertaining. I'm sure a lot of people out there would love to see Pokemon get attacked by a raging lawnmower. Come on admit, you can't wait to see Pokemon get attacked by a raging lawnmower. Well, that's on this DVD.
And, of course, the best part of any Pokemon DVD: the commentary. I remember listening to it on the first one and I really liked those two guys, Norman Grossfeld and Michael Haigney. This time, they brought in some guests, including a writer and the cast. WARNING: About the guy who does the voice of Meowth, MEOWTH'S VOICE IS HIS REAL VOICE. Don't get freaked when you hear it because I warned you. Sadly, the commentary ends way before the movie does. I've never seen that before, weird.
Anyway, if you want to see Pokemon get attacked by a raging lawnmower, then get this DVD. If not, well the commentary is entertaining, even if it is short. Otherwise, it's not that great.
Movie Review: Don't expect too much
Summary: 3 Stars
We missed the limited theatrical release of the movie and so, being loyal Pokemon fans, it was with great anticipation that we watched the movie on DVD.The movie plot has been dealt quite extensively by the other reviewers, and so, I will only deal with the good and the bad of the movie.
The good? Improved visuals in some parts of the movie due to the CGI employed. A twist in the plot which was interesting. And the thrill of getting to see Suicune and Celebi, plus many other pokemon previously encountered in the TV series or the video games.
The bad? With the exception of the twist, the plot was pretty predictable. There was a lot of potential in the plot that could have been explored (especially with the time travel element) but unfortunately, the story turned out to be pretty simplistic. In fact, one part of the movie reminds me of Peter Pan! What is missing is the anticipation found in Pokemon: Mewtwo Returns, the heroism found in Pokemon The Movie 2000, or the aura of mystery in Pokemon The Movie 3: Spell of the Unown. And of course, the goofiness and antics of Team Rocket (comprising of Jesse, James and Meowth), since they were pretty much sidelined in this movie.
Another thing that was lacking from this movie was the songs. Other than an uninspiring theme song, there was no other song in the entire movie, which is a great pity, cos the songs do play a part in enhancing the story (e.g. Brother My Brother by Blessed Union of Souls in Mewtwo Returns, The Chosen One by B-52 in Pokemon the Movie 2000).
I find it interesting that for the last two movies, the legendary "canine" pokemon were featured i.e. Suicune and Entei. That, of course, leaves us guessing on the possibility of encountering Raikou in the 5th movie...
In the final analysis, don't expect too much from the movie and you won't be too disappointed.
Movie Review: Surprisingly good...
Summary: 3 Stars
I didn't originally see this in theaters, mostly because I didn't really have the desire to. However, I recently picked it up on DVD and decided to give it a watch. I actually really liked this movie.I've noticed how much better the scripts have improved since the monstrous re-writing of "Revelation Lugia", and much to my delight, they've kept the original musical score in tact. I have to say that it was a very good move; it was excellent.
The ending in my opinion could have been written better. It seemed just a bit too obvious about what was going to happen (I'd rather not say here, because people are stingy about spoilers), however the interesting twist in the end was a rather pleasant surprise.
Animation was very good, storyline was good, music was excellent. I'd say that you should give this a watch.
Movie Review: Perhaps the Downfall
Summary: 3 Stars
This is my official Pokemon movie review part 5 of 10. Pokemon 4ever was not the movie that it's predecessors had been. While I watched this I was thinking about it being a real long television episode. This is partially biased due to my dislike of cute legendary Pokemon. I think their plots really dwindle. Although Suicune is one of my favorites I think a little more air time with him would have been more exciting. I was thinking delving deeper into a connection between Suicune and Celebi.