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.