This film has some nostalgic value for me. In the summer of 2007, my parents and I flew to Los Angeles to visit Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Glen. One day while we were there, we watched this movie. Rewatching it brings back memories from those years ago, but judging it on its own, I still think this is a stellar Pokémon movie.
This, in my humble opinion, is one of the top 3 Pokémon movies. It does everything right. It's not quite as big in scope as some of the others, but yet it's a more engaging movie. It has everything you could want in a Pokémon movie and much more.
The story is very interesting. Team Rocket members Annie and Oakley are after the jewel that protects the city of Altomare and it's up to the guardians Latios and Latias and Ash and the gang to save the day. Annie and Oakley, while a little ditsy at times, are above-average as far as Pokémon villains go.
Latios and Latias are wondrous Pokémon, and the bond Ash grew with Latias is one of the best the series has to offer. I thought Lorenzo and Bianca were really nice supporting characters (although I would have liked for them to be a little more developed).
The animation still today is breathtaking. There is wonderful scenery in Altomare. It gives you a sense of wonder, and even at times feels like a Miyazaki film. It also has some of the best music and one of the best soundtracks in a Pokémon movie, which also adds to the movie's feel.
There is plenty of action and excitement, from the opening race scene to the climax. The ending where Latios sacrifices himself to save Altomare is genuinely heart-wrenching and has the kind of emotion rarely seen in a Pokémon movie.
Along with "Lucario and the Mystery of Mew," this is my favorite Pokémon film. This is an essential viewing for anyone remotely interested in Pokémon.
RATING: A
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