Pokemon 4Ever

For those still keeping score, this is the best of the feature films based on the now-faded pop culture Pokemon phenomenon. And thanks to a helpful prologue, it is the only film that won't be entirely incomprehensible to anyone unfamiliar with the animated series about young Ash Ketchum's quest to become a master "pocket monster" trainer. Pokemon 4Ever introduces all new exotic and so-called legendary Pokemon (the better to lure a fresh generation of card collectors and toy buyers), including Celebi, a "voice of the forest" from the past who time travels with a young boy into the present to escape a greedy Pokemon hunter. Ash and his companions Misty and Brock come to the rescue of Celebi and the other enchanted forest Pokemon, who are being transformed by an even worse Pokemon poacher and his "dark ball." The pro-environmental message is commendable, and the battles are not as intense as in previous Pokemon films (although the anti-Celebi, a mass of twigs and dirt, might upset younger viewers). Of course, Pokemon has since been supplanted by Yu-Gi-Oh, but as someone whose son came of age at the height of Poke-mania, it is nice to see that Ash is still out there battling. Optional. (K. Lee Benson)