Mar 11, 2009
As the 11th movie to come out for Pokemon, I seriously think this one higher than recent ones (Manaphy's film coming to mind). I found that not only did it achieve what it was meant to (admittedly, to advertise Platinum) but gave a great story while doing so, though it had some pitfalls here and there.
To be clear, I find my enjoyment score biased on behalf of Giratina. ^^;
Story:
I found that the story itself was smooth, and the fact that is brought in some information from the 10th movie (Dialga vs Palkia vs Darkrai) was great, and showed continuation (unlike many of the movies,
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whose storylines stay fixated in their own space bubble). I did enjoy how Shaymin's journey to the Garden ended up leading Ash and co right into the Zero and Giratina conflict, instead of Ash and co immediately jumping into it - so there were ultimately two plots. As I'll explain in detail later, the villain in this movie was exceptionately good and well-crafted for this installment. He effectively posed a great threat to the world. And, as expected, there are plenty of instances of humor.
Art:
Though Pokemon artwork may not come close to some animes, I believe FOR Pokemon, the art was a "very good". I appreciated the Reverse World, to name something in particular. It certainly set the mood as a place fit for a Pokemon like Giratina (spooky and almost like a dangerous fun house). However, things like Zero's giant ship/machine was...out of place. It was a little too 3D for the 2D world it was thrown into. However, that's a matter of taste. It's the same effects of Pokemon 2000's catching sky-mecha.
Sound:
I always find that the sound effects in Pokemon movies are actually quite good, and that's no different here. For Giratina in particular, I think the sounds they had it emit fit it very well, very "other-worldly". As usual, background music fits. After that, I don't really pay attention to this area much.
Character:
And here's where it gets interesting. Ash and co are generally the same as they are in the show - kinda corny, good-hearted people who would help any Pokemon in need. (take that any way you please). That's to be expected. Now for the real characters, because to be completely honest, I felt the whole time Ash and co (as well as Team Rocket, for that matter) took a back seat and watched the new characters have the spotlight.
Shaymin and Giratina were the "stars" of this movie, and certainly played as so. I liked that Giratina was made out to be a villain the whole time and then at the end, it really wasn't, which made it seem like a guardian at his post - doesn't care about anything else but it's duties, even when people are trying to help. Shaymin, on the other hand, I didn't like so much. I know some people might get tired of it's stuck-up-ness after the first few times. It just gets irritating, especially in the dub. Bascially, it acts like a spoiled brat. Upon turning into Sky Form, it gets better, but it doesn't stay like that long enough to save the character. -.-
Zero, the true villain of the movie was great, and so pulls the whole score up to where it is. I did find him similar to the second movie's villain, in that he is trying very hard to capture a legendary Pokemon and has a large, souped up machine to aid him. However, his objective is completely different. In fact, his diabolical plans have nothing more to do with Giratina but take its powers (in the process, killing it, though it's not mentioned outright) and ruling the Reverse World. He is completely insane...and I love him. XD
Enjoyment:
Personally, I really did enjoy it, but in effect, I felt it short and then even lacking at parts. It starts off with a bang and ends beautifully and the climax is all there...it's just that rising action that wasn't very...action-y. There was some information to take in, but a lot of it was filled up with trips to the reverse world and fights against Zero's hoard of Magnemite. Hard to explain...all I can say is that if you loved movie 2, you'll like this one.
Overall, I give it an 8, biased as I might be.XD I think any Pokemon fan will like this one, whether its for one specific reason or not. I don't think it's possible to like everything about it, but it is entertaining for one reason or another.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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