Pokémon: The Movie 2000
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
An ancient prophecy tells of a day when the titans of ice, lightning, and fire are disturbed. When this occurs, Lugia, the guardian of the sea, will rise up and restore harmony. Enchanted by the words of the prophecy, Gelardan, a Pokémon collector, sets out on his airship with a dreadful plan to capture Lugia by going after these three titans. After Gelardan makes his move, drastic climate change begins to take place, as terrible storms start popping up all over the globe. One such storm causes the ship carrying Pokémon trainers Satoshi, Kasumi, and Kenji to drift off course and land on Shamouti Island. Upon arriving, Satoshi is told of the ancient prophecy, and of his destiny as the chosen one who will help Lugia restore balance to the world. With the fate of the world in his hands, Satoshi must summon the courage to face the chaos that threatens to tear everything apart and stop Gelardan.
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is largely positive, with many viewing it as one of the best Pokémon movies, especially for its nostalgic value and the epic portrayal of Lugia. However, there's a significant split regarding the narrative quality, with many criticizing the weak villain and thin plot while praising the action and emotional moments.
Strengths
- Lugia's portrayal and "Guardian's Song" are majestic and emotionally resonant.
- The action sequences, particularly the fight with the legendary birds and Lugia's reveal, are well-executed and visually impressive.
- The voice acting, especially in the dub (Morgan Freeman comparison for Lugia), is praised.
- Nostalgic value and connection for fans who grew up with the series.
- Beautiful and detailed artwork with lovely imagery, especially in older animation style.
- The orchestral score and Lugia's theme are highlighted as superb and emotional masterpieces.
Weaknesses
- The villain is underdeveloped, predictable, and lacks stopping power, sometimes being absent for large portions of the film.
- The plot is considered thin, predictable, formulaic, and at times nonsensical (e.g., the birds fighting on their own islands).
- Many plot points and character interactions lack depth, payoff, or are considered pointless filler scenes.
- The integration of 3D CGI backgrounds clashes with traditional 2D animation, appearing ugly and out of place.
- New characters and the villain are forgettable.
- The dialogue is criticized as 'omega cringe' and not appealing to a wider audience beyond young children.