Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
Ash, Pikachu and the gang try and stop a pair of thieves hiding out in the canals and alleyways of Altomare, the age-old water capital. Joining the adventure are two new legendary Pokémon, a pair of siblings named Latias and Latios, who serve as peacekeepers and protectors of the Soul Dew — a priceless treasure with a mysterious power.
Pokémon Heroes stands out slightly among the early Pokémon films for its atmospheric Venetian-inspired setting of Altomare, which gives the cinematography a more distinctive and visually rich quality than most entries in the series. The canal city backdrop adds genuine charm and a sense of place rarely seen in the franchise's films. The plot is functional but thin even by Pokémon movie standards — a pair of thieves, a legendary duo, and a MacGuffin follow a well-worn formula. Voice acting is serviceable but unremarkable. Novelty benefits from the unique setting and the sibling dynamic of Latias and Latios, though the broader structure remains familiar. The ending is somewhat bittersweet and memorable for the franchise, giving it a modest emotional resonance above the series norm.