Well, it's here. Pokémon 3 has arrived. Is it any good? Will it sway any non-believers? Probably not, but it's an enjoyable romp for any Pokémon fan. Even my mom liked it and thought it was better than the previous 2 movies. Well, enough with the intro, time to do some reviewing!
First, I'll tell ya about the card. Yes, the card. Instead of the holofoil being on the picture like most cards, it's on the background where the attacks, Weakness & Resistence are. Pretty cool, although it's not "Reverse foiled" like the commercials say. It ain't Ancient Mew. It's Pokémon Power is Bolt, which says that unless Entei is K.O.ed, the next attack sends Entei & all cards attached back into the deck. Not the best power in the world, but it's attack is cool. It costs 3 Fire Energy, delivers 50 points of damage and blocks all damage to your Benched Pokémon. ^_^ Overall, it's a nice showpiece, and unlike Ancient Mew, it can be used in the card game.
The movie itself starts out with "Pikachu & Pichu". While not as good as "Pikachu's Vacation", the featurette does elict a few laughs, like the one Pichu mocking Pikachu. Unfortunately, Pikachu doesn't get hurt at all. The Pichu shock themselves, but that's it. It starts out well until the three get to a giant tire house and all sorts of Pokémon like Bellsprout, Igglybuff, Cleffa, Magby & Hitmontop show up. Then it goes downhill. Also, in a surprising development, they actually gave Misty's Poliwhirl a voice! Yes, it actually says "Poliwhirl" not "Poliwrath"! Amazing! Anyway, only Pikachu gets any real screen time out of the 3 trainer's Pokémon. At least it has narration unlike "Pikachu's Rescue Party".
The main feature is "Spell of the Unown". Ash, Misty & Brock are walking to find some new challenge when a trainer named Lisa shows up to challenge Ash to a battle. Ash goes on a 6 on 6 with her & wins. BTW, the song here, while better than the movie themes of the past, is really downbeat for an intro. Since the original "Pokémon Johto" song is on the soundtrack, they shoulda used that. Anyway, Ash & co. are eating lunch with Lisa, and decide to travel to Greensville, which is said to be extremely beautiful. However, when they get there, it's all crysalized. See, 8-year old Molly accidentally released the Unown after sorting out a puzzle using Unown tablets her father was trying to dig out before disappearing. When the Unown show up, they make all of Molly's fantasies come true, and create Entei, who is now her surrogate daddy.
When the trainers get to Greensville, they see Professor Oak & Deliah Ketchum pull up. Both are old friends with Molly's dad, Spencer Hale, and have come to investigate. Entei appears after Molly says she wants a Mama (They can see what's going on outside through Molly's Laptop/TV.) Entei kidnaps Ash's mom and runs back to the crystalized mansion. Ash, Misty & Brock head out to find her that night, and Lisa gives him her Poké Gear so that they can stay in contact. Team Rocket plays a lesser role than in "Power of One" and complain about their lack of screen time. As always, Team Rocket's got the best lines. Anyway, after getting inside, Ash & co. face off against Entei. Misty & Brock try to stall Entei & Molly, but it doesn't work. Cyndaquil & Totodile & Pikachu aren't powerful enough, but Charizard returns to help his old buddy out.
The movie is very well done. The music isn't as drab as the previous two movies, and the sound never gets soft. In fact, it's too loud. There's lots of crystal breaking & explosions, and all of it is in surround sound. Think "Lost in Space". The battle between Entei & Charizard is awesome, as are the battles between Molly & Brock/Misty. If you like the TV series or the games or the previous two movies, check this one out. Don't listen to the adult film critics who hate almost every Japanese animated film and only like the Disney stuff, and see this movie.
Pros: Ash uses all his Pokémon, lots of action, Misty & Brock DO something, Team Rocket, Entei's voice, Ash's Mom having a big role, Charizard returns, Unown look cool
Cons: Intro song sucks, Pikachu & Pichu is OK, Team Rocket has basically the same role as in MSB, except they help save Ash at one point (saying: "If you're gone, we'll be out of showbiz!")
Basically, this is for Pokémon fans. Some animated action people might like this, but not those who despise Pokémon altogether.
Can't wait for the next movie, Celebi: A Timeless Encounter!