Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
The shapeshifting Pokémon Zorua and Zoroark are captured by a mysterious group intent on using their illusory powers for their own gain. They unleash Zoroark on Crown City, forcing her beforehand to take the form of Suicune, Entei, and Raikou, the guardians of the town. As Satoshi and his companions visit Crown City to watch the much-anticipated Pokémon Baccer World Cup, they encounter Zorua, who managed to escape captivity. At the same time, Zoroark goes on a rampage, unaware of Zorua's breakout. Disguised as the Legendary Beast Trio, she starts destroying the city and terrorizing its inhabitants. Will Satoshi manage to stop the deranged Pokémon before Crown City perishes? Will the sudden arrival of long-unseen Celebi change the outcome of the seemingly inevitable clash between Zoroark and the impersonated Legendary Beasts?
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is split, with many acknowledging its production quality and entertainment value as a family film, while others criticize its weak plot, underdeveloped characters, and feel it's primarily a commercial for the franchise. While fans of the series might find enjoyment, many agree it lacks depth and fails to deliver a memorable or nostalgic experience compared to earlier installments.
Strengths
- Fluid animation and CGI effects create exciting action scenes.
- The plot flows well enough for a Pokemon movie, with a straightforward but effective approach.
- The presence of Legendary Beasts (Raikou, Entei, Suicune) is a strong point.
- The art design is nice to look at.
- Good family movie offering mindless fun.
- The titular star, Zoroark, is a strong presence and nice to watch.
- Zorua and Zoroark are consistently well-written and animated, saving the film.
- Moderately fun battles are present.
Weaknesses
- The movie is seen as a blatant commercial advertisement with little substance.
- Character design is generic and childish.
- The soundtrack is uninspired.
- Characters fail to evoke empathy or hate.
- The villain is a one-dimensional character.
- Ash and his companions are reduced to pawns with little agency.
- The film feels uninspired and could have been much more.
- The main plot is weak and hinges on character personalities.
- The location of the final showdown is underwhelming.
- The plot is too bland with lame plot twists.
- Pokemon battles are boring.
- New characters are boring and underdeveloped.
- The story is dreadful, underdeveloped, and not well explained.
- No character development is made.
- Action scenes lack actual action.
- It does not leave a feeling of nostalgia.