Pokemon Double Feature

In celebration of the release of Pokémon Sword & Shield for Nintendo Switch, I will do two reviews of two great Pokémon movies: Detective Pikachu and Pokémon 2000: The Power of One.

     Welcome to the world of Pokémon! In the first live-action/animated Pokémon movie based on the hit spin off game, Detective Pikachu captures the legacy of both Pokémon and classic film noir tropes. The film stars Deadpool's Ryan Reynolds as Detective Pikachu and Justice Smith as Tim.
    Our story begins on February 6th, when Mewtwo was created and first caused havoc to the Pokémon world. Its wrath caused a famous detective named Harry Goodman to disappear. After hearing about his dad's death, Tim Goodman is prompted to find out what happened. While on his mission, Harry's old Pokémon partner, Pikachu, joins forces with Tim to solve the mystery. They venture in Rhyme City in Kanto, where trainers and Pokémon live in harmony. Along the way, Tim and Detective Pikachu uncover shocking truths and plot twists.
    At first, I wasn't crazy about the movie because I thought it wasn't going to do well. But when it came out this past summer, I heard great things about it. So, I gave it a watch and instantly, I loved every part of it. I loved how realistic the Pokémon look in the movie. And I especially love how Detective Pikachu notices the plot twists in the situation going on. Detective Pikachu holds the love of Pokémon that has been going on since Pokémon's debut in Japan in 1996. Without a doubt, it's a video game movie worth watching.

   Parents Guide: The movie is rated PG for thematic elements, action/peril, suggestive content and rude humor. There was a part where Pikachu mentions nipples. There's language in the movie. Some hells and two damns and one almost use of the S word. There's also one drug reference. The appearance of Charizard might be frightening to younger viewers. And there's at least one jump-scare in an investigation scene. 

    Did You Know?: Justice Smith's (Tim) favorite Pokémon is Totodile. Justice Smith was actually one year older than his character. Alex Hirsch (Disney's Gravity Falls) was approached to write the screenplay. But he left production to pursue other projects. The movie, Se7en, was the inspiration the interrogation scene with Mister Mime,

And now for my favorite Pokémon movie so far in my life:

  In this Pokémon movie, Ash Ketchum becomes a true hero as he makes all the difference in the Pokémon world. Originally released in Japan in 1999 as The Power of One, and released in the USA one year later as Pokémon the Movie 2000. 

    An evil mastermind kidnaps the three legendary bird Pokémon: Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, in hopes for controlling the Pokémon world. Meanwhile, Ash, Misty, Tracey and their fellow Pokémon visit the three islands each bird Pokémon came from for an island tradition. They discover the evil genius' plot and are prompted to put an end to this. And, surprisingly, Ash's rivals, Team Rocket turn good and help the heroes save the world. Can Ash Ketchum save the world before it's too late? Watch it and see.

    What I don't understand is that the critics are giving this Pokémon movie a low score. It may not be like they expect it to be, but the Pokémon fans seem to love it. I love it, too. In fact, I got this movie on VHS. (I still own a VCR.) What I love about this movie is the story, because it sounded like an epic, Pokémon wise. Sure, it's not as epic as The Ten Commandments, but to me, Pokémon 2000 is epic in its own way. But, I think you should give this Pokémon film a chance and decide whether or not it's a movie worth watching. 

  

Parents Guide: The movie is rated G. Nothing much to worry about, except for some kissing scenes and violence. So, this movie should be okay for younger viewers. 

Did You Know?: The movie reveals the first names of Professor Oak and Ash's mom: Samuel and Delia. Patrick Stewart was considered for the role of Lawrence III (The Collector). The 2016 Blu-Ray and DVD release of this movie excludes The Pikachu mini-movie, Pikachu's Rescue Adventure. This angered a lot of fans claiming that the movie is incomplete.  

Pokémon Sword & Shield is now available in your nearest video game shops for Nintendo Switch. Gotta Catch 'em All!  

Anger Management

  Do you got problems with your anger? Well, I don't know about you, but Adam Sandler's Anger Management was somewhat helpful. I emphasize somewhat. The film stars Sandler, and Jack Nicholson (The Shining and Batman) as Dr. Buddy Rydell, Sandler's therapist. 

   After a misunderstanding on an airplane that goes crazy, mild mannered Dave Buznik (Sandler) is ordered to attend anger management sessions with Dr. Buddy Rydell (Nicholson). Later, Dave got into another mishap and goes to court once more. To avoid jail, Dave must have Dr. Buddy to help him regain his temper. But, Dr. Buddy's strategies seem to be a little too crazy for Dave. But let's see how he can handle that.
   The movie's okay, but in most scenes, it's a bit too much. There were a lot of sex references and I, for the most part, can't handle that.  But most of the comedy is okay. Like I said in my Billy Madison review, I'm not big on Adam Sandler, but his stuff is okay, except for Jack and Jill and Eight Crazy Nights. I do like the fact that Jack Nicholson is in the movie. He's a great actor and he's a legend, well, to me he is. In conclusion, this movie could be toned down a little. So, for the first time on my blog, I'm giving out a 50/50 rating.

  Parents Guide: This movie is rated PG-13. Lots of sexual references and content in the movie. There's talk about private parts, pornography and other sex related stuff. There's also a lot of profanity in the movie. One F-bomb at least.  There is some violence, but nothing bloody. So, obviously, not for little kids.      
        Did You Know?: Eddie Murphy, Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, and Bill Murray were considered for the role of Dr. Buddy Rydell. This was the final film of Lynne Thigpen. The cars used in the movie are a 1993 Saturn SL2 and a 1995 Land-Rover Range Rover County LWB Series I.