What Parents Need To Know
Parents need to know that Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You! is a 2017 Japanese animated film based on the Pokemon toy and media franchise. Expect some cartoon violence — fiery explosions, some monster imagery. Younger viewers may be upset by scenes in which some Pokemon are neglected and left alone by their trainers because they didn’t emerge victorious in battle they have the distinctive large, tear-filled eyes that seem to be a hallmark of anime in general. Some positive messages on learning from mistakes, and being a good sport in both victory and defeat. Overall, while loosely based on the pilot episode of the Pokemon anime series, this twentieth Pokemon movie is best for fans of the franchise, as the complications of the plot and extraneous characters will confuse everyone else.
I Choose You Provides Examples Of:
Is It Any Good
A common tendency in mediocre-at-best anime is to layer the story with as many plots and subplots as possible in the space of a feature-length film. Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You! is yet another example of this unfortunate tendency. What could be the simple story of the beginning bond between Ash and Pikachu turns into a chaotic snarl of extraneous characters, side stories, and something about a rainbow feather. By the third act, the story thread more or less unravels, but it shouldn’t be a spoiler to reveal that the aforementioned rainbow feather turns gray when it’s taken by those whose hearts aren’t pure.
While somewhat of an origin story , Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You! is best for Pokemon fans or those who know enough about Pokemon to understand the battle scenes and already know and care enough about the characters to fully understand what’s at stake. Otherwise, the needless and overwrought complexity to the story isn’t really worth the trouble to try and grasp it.
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Pokmon The Movie: I Choose You
| Pokémon the Movie: | |
|---|---|
| Gekij-ban Poketto Monsut Kimi ni kimeta! | |
| Literally | Pocket Monsters the Movie: I Choose You! |
| Directed by | |
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| Running time | |
| 3.31 billion $37.6 million |
Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! is a 2017 Japanese animated adventure film and the 20th film in the Pokémon anime series created by Satoshi Tajiri and produced by OLM. Loosely adapted from the anime’s pilot episode of the same name and much of the first season, it was directed by Kunihiko Yuyama and written by Shoji Yonemura. The film stars the voices of Rica Matsumoto, Ikue tani, Unsh Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara, Shin-ichiro Miki, Inuko Inuyama, Kanata Hong, Shiori Sato, and Ryta saka. Set in an alternate timeline, the film follows the journey of Pokémon Trainer Ash Ketchum and his friends, Pikachu, Verity, and Sorrel, as they seek to meet the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh at the summit of Mount Tensei.
I Choose You! premiered at Japan Expo in France on July 6, 2017 and was then released in Japan on July 15. The release coincided with the 20th anniversary of the anime series. The film grossed $37.6 million worldwide and 3.31 billion in Japan, and received mixed reviews from critics.
Talk To Your Kids About
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Families can talk about movies inspired by games and toys. Why do you think cartoons are often based on games, toys, and other merchandise designed to appeal to kids?
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What positive messages does this movie share about good sportsmanship and learning from mistakes?
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Why do you think Pokemon is still so popular? What are some other examples of kids’ movies and television shows that manage to remain popular for a long time?
- In theaters: November 5, 2017
- On DVD or streaming: February 13, 2018
- : March 2, 2022
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A mystical, positive take on girl’s coming of age.
age 5+
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Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.
age 9+
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Beautifully animated fantasy about friendship fit for all.
age 5+
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Differences From The Main Series
With this movie taking place in an alternate timeline, there are many differences between events that happen in the main series and in the movie.
- Pikachu knows Iron Tail, a move he doesn’t learn until Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire.
- Charizard knows Slash, a move he doesn’t learn until Pokémon the Series: Black & White. As a Charmeleon, it was able to use Seismic Toss, a move it didn’t learn until evolving into a Charizard.
- Butterfree knows Gust, a move he doesn’t learn at all in the main series.
- In the beginning of the movie, Ash Ketchum is watching a battle between Neesha and Corey on TV instead of the two unidentified Trainers from the first episode.
- Ash is watching the battle in his whole outfit in the original episode, but in the movie, he is just wearing his T-shirt and pants without his hat, jacket, or gloves.