Pokemon The Movie 2000 MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +4 Content: -1/2

This sequel to the original 1999 smash hit, " Pokmon the First Movie," continues the adventures of young Pokmon trainer Ash Ketchum and his two young friends, Misty and Brock. In this fast moving, colorful animated adventure, Ash and his friends, along with the lovable little Pokmon called Pikachu, find themselves on a tropical isle. Here, they are caught up in a ferocious battle between a greedy Pokmon collector, Lawrence III, and three mythological birds who control three islands in the area. If Lawrence can capture these birds in his huge spaceship, along with another beautiful flying creature who controls the ocean world, he will control the entire world. Ash is called upon to save the world from Lawrence and accepts the challenge even though hes just a youngster and not sure of his abilities. One violent battle after another follows as the huge birds battle Lawrence III and Ash comes to their aid. All this action and excitement will undoubtedly make this sequel another big winner in the continuing Pokmon saga. Further, children will delight in a short feature which precedes the main story about colorful Pokmon in a magical underground forest paradise.

The theme of this animated adventure is that one person can make a big difference in the world and a hero does something good for others. Ash is that hero and stands up for what is good and right. A unique feature of the Pokmon is their superhuman strength and magical powers. They can hurl powerful bolts of fire, electricity and other forces at their opponents and perform miraculous feats. These powers do not appear occultic or New Age in nature, but more akin to folklore and fantasy. However, the incessant fighting, battles, and injuries exploit violence to entertain and are excessive, particularly for younger children. Although, no blood is shown in the conflicts. Happily, theres no foul language, sexual content or drug abuse in the film. The audience for this film will be predominately children under 12 with many under 6 years of age. Like the first film, the movie is associated with the enormously popular Pokmon games which are played on electronic devices or trading cards. The games feature fierce battles and some game devices link together so two players can battle each other. The excessive violence of this film and its associated violent games for youth pose a serious concern about the Pokmon craze along with its apparent promotion of occultic-like phenomenon in associated games.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Warner Bros., 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522