Pokemon Movie - The Rise of Darkrai (2008)

A great movie that reminds the Pokémon fandom of all of Pokémon's greats but good voice acting

There many be some fans out there who are laughing shakily over the ineptitude of this dub. Me? I'm just sighing heavily, because while this is one fantastic movie IMO that perhaps even calls to the epic nature of Movie 7, 8, (despite being divergent) and 2, as you can guess, this movie's fatal flaw is rather glaring and has been an outlet for whining amply amongst fans since 2+ years ago: the voice acting.

That's right, my fellow fans, Pokémon USA is more content with getting money than giving quality and care. The conflict between dimensions and the Space Time Tower? And Darkrai's ever-consuming, vindictive, yet deeply felt wrath? None of these things mean as much as they could if the viewers can't be touched by character reactions. The characters the viewers care about. And the voice acting is what does this, not just visual expressions. When Ash struggles in this film I WANT to be at the edge of my seat with the suspense of disbelief maintained as I feel the pithy qualities just on a sheer level of emotional intensity as the tones of suspense and worry build to a fever pitch and much conflict. However, Sarah Natochenny's, Bill Roger's, and Michele Knotz's lack of appositeness to deliver this hurts more than helps. If you can do a better job, DO A BETTER JOB. Pokémon USA, how about trying to give suggestions in order to improve upon voice acting? Work with your voice actors instead of just letting them do a job that isn't passable, especially by comparison to the older cast.

Oh, and alternatives? The Japanese version? Extras? Does PUSA make the inclusion of them with this product? Nope. That's a laugh. You know, I can only hope that the next film - Movie 11 - Giratana and the Sky Warrior - does not suffer in the same way if it is to suffer. For a film like this that rings with such epic nature, it's hard to feel that epic or immersed when the end product lacks with the characterizations provided audibly (if you want to deem them so). The film itself is pretty good - the animation is intense and vivid and so is the music. All of those things work nicely as backgrounds. But jeez? The voice acting? As negative as this review may come off there are fans out there who want change and will get that change if PUSA isn't going to budge. It's a tiresome refrain to allow this many movies in a row to be victim to this lack of care when it comes to the English dub.

If I sound like a broken record then forgive me. But these are the same sentiments many of the fans are feeling. It's sad that Pokémon is not amongst the US dub of animes that are often thrashed in quality by comparison to their original versions, as well as aired in other countries, viewers of lore who now have to share our adversity and pain in this regard. But PUSA? "Screw the viewers. Once asinine, always asinine." seems to be their motto. It's too bad they have not an inkling of the notions fans are of on this matter. The fight between Darkrai and Palkia? Still good. But the characters matter as much as their obstructions and as much as the Pokémon do, who once again the characters bond with as a basis for the show. Yes, the voice acting lambastes this.

I guess it'd be foolish for me to rattle on any more. Just know this, PUSA - if you think it's funny to rip off fellow viewers as incessantly as you have, then a job well done. Let's just hope that future movies and anime material do not withdraw into quagmires like these and that PUSA will sooner or later get our message: good voice acting and giving those who were unfairly fired a chance again = better quality all around.

Here's hoping it isn't foolhardy of me to continue to hope as prevalent a force as that is. November 9, 2008

Darkrai Delivers

My 7-year-old son is a HUGE fan of Pokemon and I have to say I have come to admire the phenomenon as well. In spite of the general premise that the Pokemon are used to "battle' each other, which I was initially uncomfortable with, the stories of the TV show and this movie in particular tend to leave the children watching with a positive message. Darkrai is fighting to save the town he calls home while Ash, Brock, Dawn, and others mistakenly assume he is one of the bad guys. In the end they realize they were wrong about Darkrai and feel regret and a deep sense of loss at Darkrai's selfless sacrifice on their behalf. But, not to worry, the movie ends on a happy note. Let's just say the title says it all. Any Pokemon fan will love this movie and those coming to Pokemon for the first time will enjoy it just as much. September 30, 2008

Umm Voices??

Movie was awsome,trully beautiful visuals and music, however honestly PUSA who do you think your fooling with the horrible voice acting, trying to make them sound alike...Foreshame...thank you for the japanese version i purchased i no longer have to see a cheap immitation. September 21, 2008

A Pretty Good Pokemon Movie

Great animation, the plot moves a good pace that keeps the action coming, and almost every character and creature that appears helps out and make themselves useful. Too bad it has a lousy dub's (as usual) July 7, 2008

Works Great

I bought this for my Grandson and he was very Happy with it. I was very happy with the speed in which it came and the condition was very good. June 24, 2008

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