Recap: Pokémon The Movie- The Power of Us (2018)

Dedicated to the memory of Unsho Ishizuka 

1951-2018

“I think inside every adult lies the heart of a child. We just gradually convince ourselves that we have to act more like adults.” -Shigeru Miyamoto 

Hello everyone, and Merry Christmas to you all. As a mutual parting gift, let's open up my final Pokémon recap; "Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us!"

We open on a young woman named Risa getting off school and going to see her brother in the hospital; who is bedridden with a leg injury. His name is Rick, and he asks her to go to the Wind Festival in Fula City to catch a Pokémon. While she isn’t terribly experienced, she reluctantly agrees. As I pointed out before, I rather like this opening. It almost doesn’t seem like a Pokémon movie at first, it seems like the opening to the original Beauty and the Beast.

Within the first 10 minutes or so of screen time, we see the other characters introduced as they make their way into Fula City, such as Mayor Oliver and his daughter Margo. The braggard Callahan, his sister Mia and her daughter Kelly. There is also a young scientist named Toren and an old woman named Harriet. Ash and Pikachu don't even make their way in until they hop off a train and our title card pops on screen.

I must admit: I was wondering what would happen when longtime director Kunihiko Yuyuma handed the reins to Tetsuo Yajima, and I can say that I'm very happy with the result already. The animation already looks impressive, especially given the director's previous work on the XY series and the excellent Origins miniseries.

On that note, this movie builds upon the precedent set by last year's movie; taking the ideas of world-building and characterization further. It's a fairly common idea to create the world of what you're working on first, and this movie definitely goes to great lengths to make the setting and characters fully realized rather than just randomly skimming through information on Bulbapedia or Serebii. While Yuyama is still staying on in an advisory role, I am eager to see what comes next. It also helps that even though this isn't exactly what I was expecting, the script Eiji Umehara and Aya Takaha wrote is one of the closest things to what I had in mind if I had to just jettison the existing series and reboot it (even as someone who's vehemently opposed the idea in the past).

In between some key moments are some viral videos from "Pokémon Channel" (no relation to the lousy GameCube game), and though the disguise is a bit obvious; at least Rick's getup is more convincing than Anorak the All-Knowing. 

Anyway, the purpose of his job as host is to help provide the Wind Festival experience for those who can't make it from the comfort of their own homes; or anywhere they stream. 

He also explains that the festival dates back many years, and that Lugia is a symbol of prosperity and goodwill to the city. You can tell it's the old days, since the audio was kind of scratchy and the visuals were in sepia tones! Also, like the last movie, Lugia is less of a plot device this time around and more of an inspiration to everyone.

"Disturb not the harmony of fire, ice and lightning..." 

The first day of the festival has a special event of a catching race, and wouldn't you know it; Ash and Callahan are two of the participants! Before that happens, though; Ash breaks up a fight with Margo over lemons!

Ash's Pikachu is able to take out a Phanpy with one single Iron Tail attack as everyone heads to the catch race! Of course, Team Rocket isn't far behind; and it seems their outfits have been redesigned for the movie. A bit more breezy, but not really that different.

As Ash walks with Margo to the festival, we get some backstory about how Lugia brings the city good fortune on the winds every year. There's also some good shots of the city itself, including an old power plant that was the site of an accident many years ago. Rather than just a big introdump near the beginning, I actually like how most of the information of the plot is given naturally by the characters. It flows naturally over the course of 100 minutes, and it fits perfectly for the world the movie is building.

After Callahan wins a Poké Doll for Kelly at a carnival game, he bumps into Risa asking for help finding a rare Pokémon. We're not shown what it is yet, and by that proxy; I won't say what it is just yet either. Callahan tips her off, but Mia is not happy with her brother's constant flights of fancy. Given what we find out later, he kind of reminds me of Usopp from One Piece.

Elsewhere, Toren is in a bind, as it turns out someone who was hired to speak for their research firm can't make it. So, unless they can find a new speaker by tomorrow; Toren will have to give the presentation himself. Unfortunately, while he is highly intelligent; his social skills and public speaking ability leave much to be desired.

Harriet also comes into the firm to turn in some documents to the festival admins, but accidentally gets some extract of Pokémon pheromones spilled on her. This does lead to some relatively amusing gags, but there is a reason for her dislike of Pokémon amid all this. We'll get to that when the time comes.

Before the catch race begins, we see see Margo leaving an offering of some food and a Moomoo Milk by a burnt-out old building in the forest outside the city. She speaks to a mysterious figure before heading back on her way. We just see a shadow and hear some growling noises before we're back in the city.

As the catch race is about to begin, Risa is still on her search as Ash and Callahan are about to take part. There are numerous monsters with special markings on them for the race, and the way it's portrayed is kind of like a special event in Pokémon Go. I think that's the first time parts of that game have been adapted, though there is an anime in the works based on Niantic's previous game, Ingress. 

The signal to start is given, and the race is on! Ash manages to bag an Ekans in a pinch, but Callahan is doing pretty well; thanks to borrowing a Staryu from Toren and getting instructions from him via an earpiece with Toren on the other end of the phone.

Then, trouble occurs when a wayward Tyranitar crashes through some vendor stands and gets a wire tangled around its neck! Ash realizes that he has to get it off and stop the beast before anyone gets hurt! The ensuing action scene that comes from chasing Tyranitar and trying to remove the wire is another great piece of animation in this movie. Much like his work on Origins and the XY series, Yajima really understands the technical aspects of the series and is able to create something that has a lot of great dynamic camera angles and energetic movements. Having seen this once in the theater, on Disney XD and again on their app to write this; I have been eager to talk about this ever since my first viewing.

Ash gives chase to Tyranitar as Callahan adds more catches to his score; while also drawing the attention of a goofy Sudowoodo. The Tyranitar is freed from the wire thanks to some quick thinking; Pikachu's Iron Tail and Ash doing some parkour in the city!

Callahan wins the catch race, though Ash is awarded second place for helping save Tyranitar and all the civilians; on the grounds of upstanding moral fiber! So, kind of like the second trial in the Goblet of Fire.

As the next video from "Pokémon Channel" plays, I definitely like how a Squirtle on a train is looking at their trainer's phone playing it. It's little details like this that make this movie so fun.

The sun sets on the first day of the festival; and Risa is stopped on her way up to the mountains before she can find the Pokémon she wants to catch for her brother. Not only is the area off-limits, but it turns out that the one in question can't be caught: it's Eevee! Also, she looks like she had to fight someone to get more than just that. Her makeup almost looks like warpaint.

"If you want someone to do whatever you want, whenever you want, you should find yourself a girlfriend!"

The next day, Ash is greeted by Risa in by the elevators of the hotel, who asks for his help for real, after realizing she's been had. It's not the first time in 20 years that he's been accosted by someone who looks like a stalker.

"Ridiculous, me Ash's girlfriend!"

After she gets herself cleaned up, she, Ash and Pikachu go find an Eevee for real; and sure enough, there's one right outside the city as he agrees to help her make her first Pokémon catch of her life! 

Though it's a bit tricky for someone who's a relative newcomer, thanks to some help from Ash and Pikachu; she manages to catch Eevee! As the two frolic in a nearby field, Risa again thanks Ash for his help for real. She also tells him that she used to be the regional champion for her track team, but hasn't ran that much since she injured her leg when she pushed herself too far. She has been recovering since then; and this part is one of the big moments that foreshadowed her role later in the movie for me.

Ash is grateful that he was able to lend a hand, and I must once again state how impressive the animation is in this movie. While I wasn't sure what to think of his latest redesign at first, I actually rather like it. It's distinct from the TV show in its own way, and the outfit integrates all three primary colors and elements of all his previous clothes. I still don't know what to make of all the rule 63 they made of him, but I can say I've got some new profile pictures after this movie.

Heading back into the city, Harriet is demanding an antidote to the pheromones; but Toren is still trying to get ready for their firm's presentation. Callahan apparently agreed to do so in his stead for his help with the catch race, but he's having some trouble reaching the firm after Risa confronts him about his lies. I still like him better than "Individual 1," anyway.


Someone has also made a mess of the festival, with rocks in the train tracks and soap in all the fountains. Though on the surface, this seems like typical pranks, some of the kids in the lemon scene from before blame Zeraora and its curse; which Margo disagrees with. While not quite what I expected, this seems eerily similar to Absol; and why I often work their misunderstood personae into my headcanon.

The speech at the firm doesn't go as planned, and Team Rocket gets caught trying to steal an experimental pathogen! The ensuing commotion results in Eevee getting clipped by the panicked crowds, and I must say it's a pleasant surprise that the musical score from the Japanese movie is intact. Even though I don't mind TPCI's edits as much as some other people do, I can't deny that it's really cool to hear the anime version of Johto rival theme in a movie. Still my favorite rival theme to this day.


Team Rocket escapes to the mountains, but it turns out they dropped the vial of the pathogen as they were fleeing the scene. While their role in the movies often varies, this time they were responsible (albeit unwittingly) for one of the central conflicts of the movie. I also notice that almost all the conflicts are caused by the characters of the movie, including what led to Zeraora being the subject of legend and myth. In fact, this may be among other firsts; the first Pokémon movie not to have any one major antagonist.

In fact, the closest I can think of are a couple Pokémon hunters that try to steal Zeraora; but they're quickly driven off after Ash and the others intervene. Even when Zeraora is injured, the beast is still able to hold its own; though knowing Close Combat gives it an advantage over their Houndoom and Sneasel. That, and its base stats can easily be 1,042 before training.

Mayor Oliver then explains that 50 years ago, the town was nearly consumed by a forest fire; and Zeraora was held responsible and driven into hiding. Once again, while it's different from the usual backstory of each movie, I still like how it handles the lore. 

The mayor also then decides to stop perpetuating the lie that they've been living ever since that day. I guess this means that I can't use that comparison to the mayor from Jaws that I had in mind. His ancestor, on the other hand; is another story. 

Just then, the vial from before explodes, releasing the pathogen into the air! Now, the climax of the movie begins; as Ash rallies everyone to help contain the toxin and save the city! Since the winds have stopped from the "Eternal Flame" being removed from its pedestal, it must be returned to call Lugia and bring them back! So, while the characters may have all contributed to the movie's conflicts in some way; it also falls to them all to resolve them. While Ash, Risa and Margo will help return the flame and protect Zeraora; everyone else will help back in the city any way they can!

I also note that each new character's personality reflects their story arc: Callahan is an exaggerator who needs to be more honest with himself and others. Harriet is a reclusive old woman who needs to let others in. Toren is a scientist who needs self-confidence. Most of all, Risa is an athlete who needs to believe in her abilities. Like the last movie, I'm kind of reminded of the Power Rangers reboot; and I am curious to see what Hasbro will do with another movie. Whether it's a sequel or another reboot, I welcome it.

As the pathogen starts enveloping the city, the others start lending their help. Callahan, after teaming up with the Sudowoodo from earlier; assists in evacuating the city and protecting Mia and Kelly from further harm!

Toren doubles back to the lab, and after opening up to his colleagues and senior; starts crafting an antidote for the pathogen. Team Rocket even helps by giving him the Lum berries they were selling earlier; which, much like in the games can cure any ailment.

Harriet, while initially reluctant to accept help from the Pokémon; finds an old key in her possessions from when she was younger. 

Just then, an explosion occurs; which knocks out the power to the festival and starts a fire in the mountains! Zeraora, sensing danger, then heads to the scene in a flash of lightning!

Since Eevee hasn't fully recovered from its injuries, it means Risa is the only one that can return the flame to the beacon in time! With no time to lose, she puts her hair up; removes her footwear and heads off! I must say, this is a very effective scene; and the sound of a starting gun in the background as the music starts to swell is a very nice touch.

Her brother Rick is also able to guide her through the flames and find the quickest way to the beacon! While this may be a different kind of action scene from the final battle on the peak of Mt. Tensei in the last movie, it's still a great scene in an age where many blockbusters make the final act of their movie one big final battle; to varying degrees of success.

It's also revealed that it was the same fire 50 years ago that is the root of Harriet's distrust of Pokémon: the blaze ended up killing her Snubbull and burning her hand. Still, both Callahan and the spirit of her Snubbull encourage her to go on. Forgive the meme in this tense scene, but: "Mr. Stark, I don't feel so good."

While not as dark as the last movie in some respects, this one is darker in others; especially in how it handles the narrative and characterization. The new continuity that it follows not only keeps up the precedent set by the previous movies, but it also takes the material seriously the same way the 1986 Transformers movie and the first two 1990s TMNT movies did. You fellas definitely earned that PG rating.

Zeraora has also reached the stadium, and using its signature move of "Plasma Fists," is able to quite literally electrify Ash and Pikachu for the final battle! The way the attacks clash is just spectacular, and even though Pikachu is the only monster Ash has in his roster in this movie; this is one of the best parts of the movie.

The antidote has been completed, and now the old power station must be restarted in order to disperse it into the air! Elsewhere, the battle with Pikachu and Zeraora continues; and Ash is once again caught in the crossfire of the attacks! While he at first seems like he's bought the farm, he's awakened by a Mareep licking his face! Well, at least he didn't get disintegrated this time. Zeroara takes Ash by the hand, and as he puts his hat back on; they all get to work on helping contain the fire.

As Callahan and Harriet help restart the old power plant; Toren arrives with the antidote. Since they only have one shot, both Callahan and Sudowoodo throw the capsule into the fan; and it explodes in a flash of light! 

Pikachu, Zeraora and several other electric Pokémon help reactivate the sprinkler system in the stadium; and Risa is able to get the flame back to the beacon just in time to call Lugia! I must say, I really love this visual in front of the dawn sun; and the return of the winds on its wings is an ideal triumphant moment to help end this movie on.

The winds return to Fula City, finally putting out the fires and ensuring good fortune for another year! Also, I haven't mentioned this all that much; but I actually kind of like the detail of the dirt on Risa's feet from her run up to the beacon, as opposed to being in pristine condition. You rarely see that in any animation.

So, we close this movie on Mayor Oliver forgiving Zeraora for his ancestors' past trangressions; and as everyone sends balloons into the sky, we see the recurring little girl and her mother watching from the balcony of a hotel; and the title card comes up over the anime's arrangement of the Ruby and Sapphire intro music.

We also get a couple stingers, where Risa brings Rick the Eevee she promised; and also finds out he was the host of Pokémon Channel under the disguise and augmenting his voice digitally! I bet he'd make a good online streamer.

The second stinger is Ash and Pikachu heading down the road to their next adventure. As I stated before, the main thing I want from Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution is for it to be good. Hopefully it's a better "Evolution" than Dragonball Evolution.

Ash and Pikachu will return in Avengers: Endgame.

As someone who loved the "I Choose You" movie last year, I am quite pleased to say this movie has expanded on what was done there; and managed to provide a unique take on the anime as well as its video game source material. I can definitely say the future of the series is in good hands with Yajima, and this movie follows the standards he set for animation; story and characterization with his work on the "XY" series and the excellent "Pokémon Origins" miniseries. With the success of Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee, more content planned for Pokémon Go and Generation VIII on the way for Nintendo Switch; what lies ahead for the series definitely looks like a bright future.

I definitely know I made the right call to end my coverage of the series on this movie no matter what I thought of it, and I'm pleased to say it's ending my look at the series on a high note. Whatever I decide to for a new blog in 2019, I want to thank everyone for all they've given me over the last six years. Bang.