Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A Pokémon movie where a liar, a grump, and a shy scientist save a city—basically The Breakfast Club meets Lugia.

71%

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Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us

movie

G, 2018

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A Pokémon movie where a liar, a grump, and a shy scientist save a city—basically The Breakfast Club meets Lugia.

71%

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71%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a perfectly serviceable Pokémon movie that does something slightly different by focusing on an ensemble of flawed human characters rather than just Ash and Pikachu. The themes of community, honesty, and working across differences are genuinely solid, and it's refreshing to see a Pokémon film where the humans actually matter.

That said, the ratings tell the real story: it's fine. A 6.3 on IMDb and 3.2 on Letterboxd means this isn't going to blow anyone's mind. It's competent, safe, and delivers exactly what you'd expect from a Pokémon movie—no more, no less. If your kid is in their Pokémon phase, this is a solid 90-minute investment. If they're not, this won't convert them.

The 2018 release means it's modern enough to watch without feeling dated, and being on Netflix makes it easy to access. It's a good rainy afternoon pick when you want something wholesome that teaches cooperation without being preachy about it.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-11, right in the Pokémon sweet spot. Younger kids who love Pokémon will enjoy it with maybe one tense moment to navigate; older kids might find it a bit formulaic unless they're devoted fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong themes of community cooperation, overcoming personal flaws, and working together despite differences. Characters include a compulsive liar learning honesty, a bitter woman softening, and diverse personalities finding common ground. Emotional tone is uplifting and age-appropriate with typical Pokémon warmth and friendship messaging.

Imaginative

Features the Legendary Pokémon Lugia and a Wind Festival setting with creative world-building around a city powered by wind. However, follows fairly standard Pokémon movie formula without groundbreaking originality. The diverse cast of characters (athlete, researcher, child with secret) adds some fresh perspective to the franchise, but doesn't push creative boundaries significantly.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it age 7, indicating appropriate content for elementary-aged kids. Pokémon movies typically feature action sequences and peril but avoid graphic violence, gore, or inappropriate content. The 'threats' mentioned in synopsis are likely standard animated adventure stakes. Rotten Tomatoes scores (71% critic, 70% audience) suggest solid family-friendly execution without surprises.

Enriching

Central message about putting aside differences and working together provides solid social-emotional learning. Characters represent different personality types dealing with personal challenges (lying, bitterness, shyness), offering relatable growth arcs. IMDb 6.3 and Letterboxd 3.2 suggest competent but not exceptional storytelling. Themes of community responsibility and overcoming prejudice are meaningful, though execution is likely straightforward rather than deeply nuanced.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Refreshingly character-driven for a Pokémon movie—focuses on flawed humans learning to work together rather than just Ash saving the day
Themes of honesty, community cooperation, and overcoming personal limitations give kids something to chew on beyond 'catch 'em all'
Diverse cast of characters (different ages, personalities, struggles) shows that everyone has something to contribute
Solid animation quality and the Wind Festival setting adds visual interest beyond standard Pokémon battles

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What to Watch For

Typical Pokémon movie action sequences with peril and mild intensity—nothing graphic, but younger or sensitive kids might find the 'threats to the city' moments tense
The compulsive liar character might need a brief conversation about why lying is harmful, though the movie addresses this
Mid-tier ratings suggest this isn't peak Pokémon cinema—it's solid but not memorable enough to rewatch endlessly

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the girl kept lying? Have you ever told a lie that got bigger and bigger?"
"Each character had something they were dealing with—what was holding them back and how did they change?"
"The movie shows that even people who seem really different can work together. When have you had to cooperate with someone unexpected?"
"If you lived in a city powered by a Legendary Pokémon, what would that be like? What could go wrong?"

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