"Pokémon 3 is innocuous, but please, please ship Pokémon 4 directly to video." Two years ago, that was the final line of my review for Pokémon 3: The Movie. Last year, Miramax acquired the rights to the Pokémon movies and, contrary to my plea, released Pokémon 4. But lo and behold, the inexplicably popular anime series has at last turned out a fairly decent movie. 

In the continuing adventures of Ash, collector and trainer of little fighting monsters called Pokémon, and his friends, Pokémon 4Ever follows the group as they travel to a forest community to prove themselves worthy as Pokémon masters. But during an excursion into the woods, Ash and company run into Celebi, a rare, time-traveling Pokémon, and Sam, a kid Celebi took along for the ride whilst escaping from a hunter -- 40 years ago. The gang finds out that trouble still lurks in the forest, in the form of a dangerous collector whose "dark balls" (I dare you to read that without giggling) turn Pokémon evil. He wants to use Celebi for his own gain, and it's up to Ash, his friends, his Pokémon, and a mysterious Pokémon called Suicune to save the day once more.

I realize Pokémon movies are made for their elementary school fans and the parents forced to take them to the theatre. There isn't much widespread appeal outside the 6-to-13 targeted age group; you either love the barrage of color and sound, or you cringe at Pikachu and the other Pokémon engaging in semi-violent battles. But Pokémon 4Ever just might be the movie to revive the flagging franchise or get long-time haters to say, "Okay, that one wasn't a bad one."

Ignore the fact that this flick rips off several story elements from Princess Mononoke (right down to a similar "save the environment" message) and you might find something you'll like. The film concentrates more on action and less on exploring the entire Pokémon universe, probably assuming  the viewers know enough about those little buggers already.  The story moves along at a swift, enjoyable pace, giving the fans at home all the Ash, Misty, Brock, and Team Rocket action they've come to love from watching the television show. The interesting subplot about Celebi's ability to travel through time adds a nifty twist to the end of the story.  

As with the other films in this series, Pokémon 4Ever didn't  compel me to check out all the episodes of the TV show. But at least it gave me hope for the future of these loud, mediocre, animated movies. And yet I can't resist offering more filmmaking advice: increase the action -- and  PLEASE allow a Pokemon to say something besides its name. 

MY RATING: ** ½ (out of ****)

(Released by Miramax and rated "G.")

Review also posted at www.ajhakari.com.