Sunday, December 28, 2014

Pokecember: Pokemon Heroes

   Okay, I thought I would be able to do all of the Pokemon movie this month. Eh, if I were to end it, this would be an appropriate place. The end of the original series, and the final film released in theaters. So,  the first Pokecember will end with the last film of the Golden Age of Pokemon, Pokemon Heroes. Let's not beat around the bush.
    Our film begins by telling us the story of Alto Mare, a city inspired by Venice. In particular, it tells the story of how a Latios and Latias (along with several other members of their species) saved the city from an evil monster. (In the American version, the entire backstory was cut and replaced with one about an evil trainer threatening the city.) The story is being read by Team Rocket (in the American version) operatives Annie and Oakley. They are looking for the Soul Dew, a mysterious gem implied to be the soul of a dead Latios. They set out for their journey. Meanwhile, in Alto Mare,  Ash and Misty are participating in a race led by water Pokemon. However, a mysterious force influences Ash into losing the race. After the race, Ash saves a girl being pursued by Annie and Oakley. Later, they visit a museum, and learn the history of Alto Mare. Ash find  the same girl from earlier, and follows her. However, she claims she had never seen him before. However, she appears again to led Ash to a mysterious garden. It is revealed that the girl was, in fact, Latias, impersonating a human who lives in the garden. The garden is the holding place of the Soul Dew. Of course, Annie and Oakley find the garden, and kidnap Latios, as well as steal the Soul Dew. Latias escapes and comes to Ash. She tells him that the two intend to use the Soul Dew to power the defense mechanism in Alto Mare, and this defense mechanism could corrupt the Soul Dew, leading to an even bigger disaster. Can Ash and Friends stop Annie and Oakley from carrying out their plans?
   Honestly, I have little to say about this film. It is very mediocre. It isn't great, but I'd hesitate to call it bad. What I enjoyed about it was the mythology, and the design of Alto Mare. It is very vivid and detailed as a background. The Aerodactyl and Kabotops also are a nice touch. Also, Misty and Brock, or at least their Pokemon play a role in the film, which was refreshing to see. And... Well, the race at the beginning was cool. Annie and Oakley are also somewhat enjoying. Also, allowing Latios to die, and not be resurrected was a good choice (to be revisited to greater effect in a later movie...)
   Bad.  The script is not particularly interesting or daring really, in any way. The details around the defense mechanism and even the Soul Dew are vague, and I didn't really know how either worked. Especially with the giant wave at the end. What exactly did the corrupted Soul Dew do to cause that. Also, this movie kind of drags a little. There is more that happen in the movie than I provide than in the little synopsis. However, none of it is particularly relevant, so I left it out.
   Once again, not much I could say about this one. I don't hate it. However, it is not among my favorites. If you just want to watch it just for the sake of watching all the movies, or you want to see it than watch it. Otherwise, I'd say skip it. While I watch on occasion for enjoyment, it really doesn't do anything for me. Anyway, thank you for reading these reviews, and Pokecember will continue next year, with the Silver Age (or the Advanced Generation). I will post the "Top Films of 2014 in the few days, so check that out.  Happy New Year. 

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