Pokemon: The First Movie MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +3 Content: -1 1/2

Capitalizing on the Pokemon entertainment craze sweeping the globe, Warner Brothers now brings us the animated POKEMON: THE FIRST MOVIE. Adapted from a wildly popular animated Pokemon film produced and released in Japan recently, this Americanized version is also expected to very successful. It features the young human character, Ash Ketchum, and his fellow Pokemon trainers, Misty and Brock. These three embark on an harrowing, dangerous adventure to a remote island upon the invitation of the evil, bio-engineered Mewtwo, a master Pokemon trainer and the worlds most powerful Pokemon creature. And they are accompanied by their favorite, lovable Pokemon creature, Pikachu. Upon arrival at Mewtwos dark, forboding castle, they soon find themselves in many violent battles with Mewtwo and his specially created race of Super Pokemons. Prior to the main movie, a short comedy feature is presented about a Pokemon family who goes on an outdoors vacation. Their experience features the antics of a variety of colorful Pokemon types, along with much fighting, threatening chases and some injuries. To a large extent, this short feature and POKEMON: THE FIRST MOVIE come across as a violent, frantic Saturday morning cartoon. They are too violent and frightening for younger children, who will be a large part of the audience.

Exploiting violence to entertain, this frenzied film is filled with violent confrontations, battles, threatening destructive forces and frightening bizarre creatures. But no bloody scenes are present, although a number of Pokemons are injured, and some apparently killed. The Pokemons possess magical, supernatural strength and powers, including psychic powers. These powers and some occultic Pokemon games have caused considerable concern among discerning parents, teachers and Christian observers. Further, children are encouraged to develop their own supernatural powers within themselves (For more information on this subject, see the Internet site: www.crossroad.to) And Pokeman fighting can desensitize children to violence. On the other hand, after all the battles in the film, remarks are made that Pokemons are not meant to fight, and that fighting is wrong and can only bring pain. Further, Mewtwo wants to know the meaning of life, and ultimately concludes that what a person does with his gift of life determines who he is. Of course, the concept of God and serving Him is not mentioned. Though some of the films messages are admirable, this film will increase the popularity of the Pokemons and lead some children into dangerous Pokemon games, undesirable beliefs and a mesmerizing fantasy world.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Warner Brothers Family Entertainment, 4000 Warner Blvd. Burbank. CA 91522