Pokemon - The Movie 2000

This movie starts with a little short called "Pikachu's Rescue Adventure." Unlike the short which accompanied Pokemon The First Movie, Pikachu's Rescue Adventure contains substance as well as cuteness. It focuses, as the name suggests, on Pikachu's adventure rescuing--Togepi! The short treats the viewer to Pikachu's intelligence, bravery, and of course, cuteness. Like the first short, it goes out of its way to show a wide variety of Pokemon, including four new ones, which I understand are named Hoothoot, Ladyba, Bellossom and Elekid. Elekid, a new electric Pokemon, plays a major role after becoming friends with Pikachu through an exchange of electricity. (Hoothoot and Bellossom now have played important roles in episodes of Pokemon: The Johto Journeys on television as well.) You'll even finally get to see a Snorlax do something other than eat and sleep!

The Power of One itself seems substantially less dark than its precursor, yet manages to outdo the First Movie's tale of MewTwo versus Mew. The Power of One Introduces us to a new Pokemon, a powerful Guardian of the Water named Lugia which is nearly as large as the three legendary birds--Moltres, Zapdos and Articuno--combined. It's also nearly as powerful as the three combined. I say "nearly" because, according to an ancient prophecy, without the help of the Chosen One all of its efforts to stop the three from fighting will come to nothing, "making the world turn to ash." And who should be the Chosen One? Well, as Misty realizes, the prophecy DOES say that the world will "turn to Ash."

As an added little bonus, the movie finally provides first names for Professors Oak and Ivy, and for Mrs. Ketchum, Ash's mom. It also gives two uproarious, albeit non-speaking cameo appearances by the original companion of Ash and Misty--Brock the Rock. Fans of Brock, myself included, may find his limited role disappointing. Fans of Tracey, Brock's replacement, may also be disappointed at his limited role in The Power of One. Moltres fans might be disappointed that he isn't a good-guy like he was in his one appearance in the TV series, and at the way he's been drawn for the movie. Misty fans, however, will revel in her pivotal role.

Team Rocket fans, perpetually hoping to find their heroes playing a role other than that of the inept butt of jokes, will find their hopes finally realized. Team Rocket too plays a pivotal role in The Power of One, believe it or not, deliberately and through the creativity of Jesse, James and Meowth! Ah Team Rocket, we always knew your tendency to "think outside the box" would pay off one day.

In addition to Lugia and Team Rocket's effectiveness, the movie offers something else new: a new Pokemon called Slowking. Slowking, the final evolved form of Slowpoke and Slowbro, resembles a Slowbro, but with the spiral Shellder on its head rather than on its tail. Best of all, the Slowking can speak. When you hear what he has to say, you'll be glad he can. Lugia's no slouch at communication either--like MewTwo, he just psychically speaks in Ash's head. Neat, huh?

The Power of One offers an amazing spectacle of color and animation. The movie produces vibrant images, color and sound. I found the music good too, although I must warn you that as with the first movie, most of the songs on the soundtrack appear only over the closing credits and have little to do with the movie itself. At least more of the songs from the this soundtrack seem at least generally related to Pokemon. You will definitely want to watch the closing credits, however, both to hear "Weird" Al Yankovic's "Polkamon" song and to see the second, hysterically-funny, cameo appearance by Brock. If you like Pokemon you will like this movie; your little Pokemaniac (either the one you tuck into bed at night or the one hiding inside you) will love it.


Lugia!   October 4, 2000
9 out of 15 found this review helpful

An ancient legend comes true when Pokemon Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres are disturbed after centuries of harmony. As the very forces of nature come unbalanced, life on Earth depends on the unlikely teaming of the mythical Pokemon Lugia and a mysterious "choosen one" foretold in the legend. Can Ash Ketchum summon the courage to save the day? See how one person can make all the difference. Plus-catch the bonus mini-movie "Pikachu's Rescue Adventure!"


An outstanding entry in the Pokemon Series   July 21, 2003
Ironman (Carmel, IN USA)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

While the first Pokemon movie was weak and sadly overly cutsey at times, Pokemon 2000 holds an excellent plot, awsome action, beautiful animation, and overall quality entertainment.

The plot behind Pokemon 2000 is that an insane trainer has created a way to capture the Legendary Birds, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. By doing so he plans to lure Lugia out of hiding so he cna capture it as well. Ash and the gang stumble upon this madman and they try to stop him. Unfortunatly when they free the legendary Birds they go ballistic and so it is up to Ash and Lugia to stop them.

This works because it keeps both parents and kids entertained. While it does lack the moral dilema that the First movie held, it does hold the attention much beter than the first. IT's strong point is definetly action but it does hold a strong enough plot that it keeps everyone entertained.


Around five times better than the first movie...   August 4, 2000
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

After reading several reviews about the original Japanese version, I learned that this movie was a LOT better than Mewtwo Strikes Back. I agree with them. This had more of a plot to it and it seemed much more adventure-some. Again, 4Kids re-composed the music for the English version, and after listening to some of the Japanese soundtrack, I'll have to say that I like the English score better than the Japanese one.

Although they didn't state the collector's name in the movie (which is Lawrence III), he is the typical villain. Out to get what he wants, using any needs neccesary, not caring what happens to anybody else.

This is a VERY good movie. Even those who aren't fans of Pokemon should really enjoy this movie!