Overview
- Japanese Title: 劇場版ポケットモンスター アドバンスジェネレーション 裂空の訪問者 デオキシス (Pocket Monsters Advanced Generation: The Sky-Splitting Visitor Deoxys)
- Director: Kunihiko Yuyama
- Screenplay: Hideki Sonoda
- Studio: OLM, Inc.
- Runtime: 100 minutes
- Release Dates:
- Japan: July 17, 2004
- United States: January 22, 2005 (broadcast on Kids’ WB)
- Box Office:
- Japan: ¥4.6 billion (~$34 million), ranking as the top-grossing anime film of 2004
🌟 Plot Summary
In the high-tech city of LaRousse, Ash and his friends encounter a young boy named Tory, who harbors a deep fear of Pokémon due to a traumatic childhood incident involving a stampede of Spheal, Sealeo, and Walrein. The city becomes the battleground for a conflict between the Legendary Pokémon Rayquaza and Deoxys, an alien Pokémon that has regenerated after a previous battle.
As Deoxys searches for its counterpart, a green crystal, to restore its full power, the city faces chaos from malfunctioning security robots and a force field that traps its inhabitants. With the help of Tory, who overcomes his fear, Ash and his friends work to resolve the crisis, leading to a climactic battle where Rayquaza and Deoxys join forces to protect the city.
🎭 Main Characters and Voice Cast
- Ash Ketchum: Rica Matsumoto (Japanese), Veronica Taylor (English)
- Pikachu: Ikue Ōtani
- Tory Lund: Noriko Hidaka (Japanese), Tara Sands (English)
- Professor Lund: Kōichi Yamadera (Japanese), Sean Schemmel (English)
- Deoxys (Attack Form): Susumu Chiba (Japanese), Jason Griffith (English)
- Deoxys (Defense Form): Kenji Nojima (Japanese), Jason Griffith (English)
- Rayquaza: Katsuyuki Konishi (Japanese), Jason Griffith (English)
- Jessie: Megumi Hayashibara (Japanese), Rachael Lillis (English)
- James: Shinichirō Miki (Japanese), Eric Stuart (English)
- Meowth: Inuko Inuyama (Japanese), Maddie Blaustein (English)
- Munchlax: Keiko Yamamoto (Japanese), Jason Griffith (English)
🎵 Music
- Japanese Ending Theme: “Tommy February6” by Tomoko Kawase
- English Ending Theme: “This Side of Paradise” by Bree Sharp
📈 Reception
Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys received generally positive reviews from audiences, with a 71% approval rating based on over 10,000 votes on Rotten Tomatoes . On IMDb, it holds a 6.1/10 rating, indicating a favorable reception .
Critics praised the film’s visual appeal, particularly the futuristic setting of LaRousse City, and the dynamic battles featuring Deoxys and Rayquaza. However, some reviews noted that while the film is entertaining, it doesn’t offer the same emotional depth as some other entries in the Pokémon movie series .
📀 Home Media and Availability
The film was released on DVD and VHS in Japan on December 21, 2004, and in the United States on February 15, 2005. In the UK, it was released on DVD on April 2, 2012, by StudioCanal .
Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys stands out in the Pokémon film series for its exploration of themes such as fear, friendship, and the consequences of misunderstanding. Its blend of action, emotion, and a rich ensemble of characters offers a unique addition to the Pokémon cinematic universe.
