Following the success of the Pokémon animated film series, the production team has decided to release several feature-length films to cater to fans of the Pokémon franchise. Since its debut, the series has produced 18 films over 18 years since the release of the first installment.
Recently, the Pokémon Go game has generated a significant buzz worldwide, which has further motivated The Pokémon Company to produce Pokémon The Movie XY&Z: Volcanion and the Exquisite Magearna. This film is the third and final installment in the Pokémon: XY series and the 19th entry in the Pokémon film franchise.
In “XY&Z,” we continue the adventure alongside Satoshi and his friends as they embark on their journey to become Pokémon Masters. In this 19th installment, Satoshi and his group arrive at the mythical Azoth region, where a treasure of immense value is hidden in the depths of the ancient technology. Satoshi unwittingly gets entangled with the Legendary Pokémon Volcanion, a creature that harbors a deep disdain for humans. At the same time, they uncover the dark intentions of the villainous Baron Jarvis, who seeks to exploit Magearna, an artificial Pokémon, to enact his malevolent plans.
In this film, viewers can witness the intense conflict between Satoshi and Volcanion. Volcanion despises humans and has lost faith in them. The character has often witnessed the dark side of humanity, causing him to retain a strong suspicion to protect his kind.
For Satoshi, Pokémon are not just creatures with extraordinary abilities and charm; they are his companions that share joys and sorrows together. Notably, Satoshi is willing to sacrifice himself to save his beloved friends.
For fans, these battles evoke exciting moments and the ever-evolving Pokémon always leave us captivated, and Pokémon The Movie XY&Z is no exception. In this latest animated film, Pokémon will evolve into even more powerful forms known as Mega Evolutions.
In fact, Mega Evolutions have been introduced since the early episodes of the Pokémon XY series, but for those who are just getting acquainted with the Pokémon films, they will find it all quite new. Additionally, viewers will also be introduced to many newly designed Pokémon, showcasing a more colorful and diverse range.
Jarvis, the villainous character of the Azoth region, plays a crucial role in the film, showcasing his evil demeanor. The story incorporates elements of mystery as he seeks to force Pokémon to Mega Evolve while maintaining a compelling narrative. Mega Evolution only occurs when the trainer and their Pokémon share a deep bond.
In this context, viewers can connect to a rather poignant reflection of real-world society, where the powerful often mistreat the weak. If Satoshi symbolizes the innocent spirit of friendship and compassion towards all creatures, then Jarvis represents the dark side of humanity.
Moreover, Magearna is an artificial Pokémon created 500 years ago in the Azoth region. It is believed to possess a powerful hidden force known as the “Soul Heart,” which is the main objective for Jarvis to seize control over the region through his sinister scientific ambitions.
In addition to the appearances of two iconic and familiar Pokémon, Pikachu and Meowth, the Pokémon XY series and Pokémon The Movie XY&Z: Volcanion and the Exquisite Magearna will also introduce fans to many new Pokémon, enhancing the diversity of the Pokémon universe.
The design of the new Pokémon is both charming and simple, yet very engaging. They are beautifully crafted, not overly aggressive but also not too soft. The emotional depth of these new Pokémon is incredibly captivating.
However, aside from the minimal appearances of Team Rocket, which is usually a comedic element, the character of Princess Chymia is rather underdeveloped. The film lacks significant character development due to its adherence to the plot threads from previous installments.
Overall, Pokémon The Movie XY&Z: Volcanion and the Exquisite Magearna is a well-crafted film filled with entertaining and meaningful content. The film successfully retains and showcases the best aspects of the Pokémon franchise to its audience. It is currently being screened in theaters nationwide.