Pokemon - Jirachi Wish Maker

Pokemon - Jirachi Wish Maker

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DVD Reviews of Pokemon - Jirachi Wish Maker

DVD Review: Almost perfect....
Summary: 5 Stars

This film's adeptation is done by Eric Stuart this time around, and noticable improvements are apparent right out of the gate:

1. This is literally a straight translation from the Japanese film of a similar name, including the opening "Pokemon music" used in the Japanese productions. No cheesy "boy-band" material in this one folks!
2. Animation, in my assessment is a step down from the previous films, the music and the special features more than make up for this shortcoming which, in my inital assessment was minor.
3. Story, This is a story about friendship, and a young boy's (Max) bonding with this very jovial and playful Jirachi. I particualary enjoyed how emphasis is focusing LESS on the primary character, Ash, and emphasis now has been placed on the secondary Characters, as we find out, that Max feels quite alone in the world, and finds happiness for these seven days through friendship and immediate bonding with Jirachi. The writers, unsuccessfully integrate Jessie and James into the story, who are, as always, up their their usuall antics of attempting to procure Pikachu for the benefit of themselves and Team Rocket. I did not see any relevence to their presence in the story at all, other then for the fact that they are primary (and often times) un-necessary characters in the series. The plot is multi-layered, dealing with two very developed integrated subplots (Max and Jirach and Butler and Diane)that come full circle very nicely in the films short 81 minute duration.
4. Music - Miazaki once again pushes the envelope with these film, always striving for improvement, and hits the mark dead on with this production. Music flows very nicely, and fits with all scenes in the film. The films ending theme, "Make A Wish", in my assessment put the music in this film over the top. A very powerful and riveting piece of music that marks the end to a piece of work, well deserving of praise and not merely "entertainment for children", as most of these films, tend to be seen in the eyes of the mass media.
5. Special Features: a. "Gotta Dance" short - I enjoy the shorts, these potray the Pokemon in their more playful and relaxed natures, with some very unique twists.
b. Trivia Game: An entertaining way to test your Pokemon knowlege.
c. Director Yayama's commentary: 45 seconds of this esteemed directors time, doesn't do these films adequate justice. He does, however, provide insight for the future of the film franchise.
d. "Make a Wish" music video: Worth the price of the DVD alone, in my assesment. Done in a similar fashion to John Williams commentary on the past Star Wars DVD's, we see how much more thought, is put into Pokemon in Japan, than here in the United States, where Pokemon is thought to be just a "strictly for children" film. A very nice and enjoyable addition to the disc.
e. Pokemon Characters: The Pokemon stars of the film.
f. Original Artwork: These segments are always a pleasure to view, because it gives the viewer a better understanding of the complexities involved in modern day animation.

Overall: This is a well-done production dealing with a young boy's quest for friendship and acceptance and a bitter scientist desire for retribution, and the consequences of such actions. Eric Stuart did a phenomenal job with the adeptation on this film. Couple that with Miazaki's beautifully scored music and enjoyable special features, I can easily overlook some of this film's shortcomings in the animation department. Almost perfect!

Description of Pokemon - Jirachi Wish Maker