"Pokémon the Movie 20: I Choose You!" has earned itself a limited worldwide release in November 2017. Pokémon Company International joined forces with Fathom Events, mostly known for bringing classics back to the theatre for a one-night screening, and confirmed that the movie will be screening in a few selected cinemas across the world in November. As the title of the movie suggests, there have been many Pokémon films over the years but very few received a theatrical run. As the first few releases received mostly negative reviews, Pokémon has largely been relegated to the DVD bin.
Ash and Pikachu Origin Story
Banking on people's nostalgia, "Pokémon the Movie 20: I Choose You!" retells the story of how Ash met his long term companion, Pikachu. Although it hits most of the same notes, the Pokémon and characters he meets along the way have been updated. This was done to offer a new generation an opportunity to get into the world of Pokémon, to see it how it all began while seducing that 90s crowd into reliving some of their childhood memories.
The movie received a generally positive reception in Japan, although some criticized the lack of Misty or Brock in the story. As this is effectively a recreation of how the whole anime started, it is safe to assume that this version will be taken as canon from now on.
Therefore, have Misty and Brock been effectively written out of Pokémon? Otherwise, this is easily the best movie the franchise has released in awhile, with some genuinely impressive animation.
Is 'Pokémon Go' the reason?
Honestly, one cannot help but assume that the only reason "Pokémon the Movie 20: I Choose You!" is getting a worldwide run is due to the success of "Pokémon GO." Last year, the app took over the world and pushed the franchise right back into the limelight.
Sure, the games and anime had not gone anywhere, but they were hardly attracting that much attention anymore. As the mobile game is starting to dwindle in popularity, this might have been seen as the final opportunity to milk it for all its worth. That is not to say that the film is poorly made, but it is rather suspicious that such a nostalgia fueled product is being released right after the success of "Pokémon Go."
Fathom Events confirmed that the dates will be November 5-6, but as of today, they have yet to confirm which theatres will be screening "Pokémon the Movie 20: I Choose You!" The film debuted No. 1 at the box office in Japan upon its release.
