Pokémon: Giratina and The Sky Warrior (2009)

This 11th Pokemon movie is now my youngest son's favorite and I think it's quite well done too. Building on the approach of its predecessor, the opening scenes set the stage by showing and describing the rich global ecology of the mythical and magical Pokemon creatures who with humans cohabit the planet -- on land, in the sea, and in the air. Then the story begins, set against sweeping panoramic landscapes such as cloud-shrouded mountains and fjords. As usual, some nefariously smug bad guy with endless resources has decked out a globe-hopping airship to hunt, capture, and harness the power of a legendary Pokemon (in this case, the wasplike dragon-sized Giratina). Team Rocket shows up, of course, and another legendary Pokemon (the cute hedgehog-like Shaymin, who can speak telepathically) helps our heroes (Ash, Pikachu and company) to maintain a balance of power. Bad guys and good guys leap back and forth into a parallel universe until all is made well with the world(s). No one could be happier than I to find the animation was very good in this movie. Enjoy! 3.5 stars. (8-12-09)