Pokemon Movie 23: Koko

Pokemon Movie 23: Coco/Secrets of The Jungle made me cry.

I know there will be people out there calling this a Tarzan rip-off, and I'll admit, the concept is nothing revolutionary and the plot can be very predictable at parts, but BOY is the overall execution and heights of the emotions in movie incredible. Its 100% worth a watch, especially for any long-term Pokemon fans out there.

I love this new alternate line of Pokemon movies after the soft-reset that was Pokemon Movie 20: I Choose You and then Movie 21: The Power of Us which seem to focus on a specific theme instead of trying ... to follow the canon storyline of the TV anime. This way, the movies can pack more richness in its characters and concepts without sacrificing continuity. Its really a win-win in my book.

Art and animation are SOLID. Everything in Okoya Jungle looked lush and vibrant and teeming with life. The same could be said about the scenes in Milyfa Town where we get to see Pokemon living together with humans and participate in various events and festivals together. Overall, the Pokemon in this film feel very integrated into the world and strengthens both the world-building and the central theme of the story: how Pokemon and humans coexist to become friends, and even family to one another.

Also while the soundtrack of this movie is not particularly mind-blowing, it works well for what it is. The few insert songs used were quite sappy but effective at conveying the budding emotions that bloom in the climax moments of the movie (where the big cry happened for me).

I won't rant on too much longer because really there is not that much to dissect here. Its a classic coming of age/parenthood story between a human and a Pokemon Zarude. Ash is there as well to propel the story forward. Team Rocket is as adorkably conniving as ever and really helps the protagonists in this movie more than do any actual villainy.

My only criticisms for this movie were some occasionally awkward CGI, especially in some crowd shots, that really weren't TOO noticeable. And also, the main "twist" villain (if you can even call it that) was not interesting whatsoever and could be spotted a billion miles away the moment they appeared on screen. I also wished they built a little bit more on the established lore of the forest and the whole shiny Celebi aspect as I felt like that was almost completely brushed over.

I rarely leave reviews, but I feel bad that this movie, which obviously had a lot of love and passion put into it, was mostly brushed under the rug due to the pandemic. I hope that it will get more attention once it hits streaming platforms here in the west.

Lastly, if you are going into this very good movie expecting to get major backstory on Ash's dad, DON'T. You'll be disappointed haha. Now, go watch the movie!!!

Not surprised that this is another terrible Pokemon movie.

Where to begin?
- Unoriginal story, literally a rip off of Tarzan but worse
- Typical cartoon villain being a bad guy because he's a bad guy (also extremely dumb, recording a proof of his evil plot for no good reason as if he wanted to be caught)
- Team Rocket role felt forced and unnecessary
- The humor is just etremely old jokes
- Tons of cliche ideas
- Overused "pokemon and humans must co-exist!" as if this subplot hasn't been used millions of times
- Just like in the previous movie, Ash doesn't do anything for most of the ... movie. It feels like even the writers are sick of him and don't know what to do with him
- The movie tries to be sad and emotional, but nothing that I haven't already seen done in other works
- There isn't even an interesting pokemon fights, you get a pokemon vs big robot that have been used too many times in pokemon before, and in a couple of pokemon movies too

Just like the video games, there isn't any competing writing or direction. It's extremely average product that exists just to sell merchs.
Make your children watch Disney's Tarzan instead, seriously.

Should you watch it? I mean it's a Pokemon Movie. Why wouldn't you? Lol aside from that I'd say yes. It's a really great movie. In the review below I'll try to refrain from as much spoilers as I can if you haven't watch it yet.

Story: While it might give you Tarzan vibes to some extent. It's more of a heartwarming story between a Child and their parent, and the relationship they've build with each other. And how like any Pokemon movie, gotta save the world or area they're in. As far as Ash and Pikachu goes, they seemed more like side characters in ... this one, which I did not mind at all. It made Team Rocket seem less than side characters, and you can honestly forget they were even in the movie. They could've made the movie without them in it. I honestly say though they could've added a more tougher situation in the story to make it seem more threatening, but I mean what they did was alright in my book.

Art: That animation though. Like it's great. Especially the scene with Pikachu swinging around. You could also feel the emotion behind the pokemon and characters in certain scene of course.

Sound: Music was interesting. It definitely fit the jungle vibe.

Characters: It was mainly about Coco and Zarude. And the display of their bond was done really well. Of course Ash & Pikachu were there usual selves which is always done well lol

Overall: I enjoyed it. Not the best Pokemon movie, but I'd rank it in the top 10 maybe. I'd definitely recommend watching it