Ever since Pokémon's anime began, fans could not get enough of the adventures of Ash and friends. Season after season and film after film, the truly devoted Pokébuffs would be there to watch the adventures unfold. Much of the reason behind this was the original voice cast and the studio behind it. 4Kids Entertainment may not have been the most prestigious of children's programming but they did assist in bringing anime to the west. However to many followers' shock, the company wouldn't renew their representation agreement thus handing over the brand to new management beginning 2006. With that came one the most notable changes; different voice actors. To this day, several people remain unhappy with the abrupt turn and have not followed the franchise since. That doesn't mean the franchise itself stopped though because a new film came out anyway.
The story, as expected continues the journey of Ash and friends. This time, they're crossing paths with two parties - the Marina group who are descendants of a tribe called the People of the Water and Phantom the Pirate. What Phantom is after is a Pokémon egg from Manaphy, a rare Pokémon that is known as the prince of the sea. It is this Pokémon that could lead Phantom to his greatest plunder. Despite the US production changing hands, the Japan side hasn't. The Yuyama and Sonoda duo haven't gone anywhere and maintain their regular positions. Doing the English adaptation this time was Armen Mazlumian as director and James Carter Cathcart for the screenplay. Both also perform as voice actors. For plot, there's an attempt to make it stand out but it does walk on very familiar ground.
The execution of the story feels very much like Pokémon: Jirachi - Wish Maker (2003) with some minor changes in perspective. Instead of Max becoming the main focus where he develops a bond with Jirachi, it's May who becomes attached to Manaphy. While changing the attention to another character is something that should be done, having it feel like the same scenario from another movie doesn't exactly make it feel all that new. May's relationship with Manaphy is touching, but enough to say its unique enough. Additionally, Phantom as the villain isn't all that fleshed out. He's certain not the poor quality that was Lawrence III, but he's not better by a huge margin either. Phantom is a pirate...okay so his motivation is just to be king of the sea? It's pretty generic since that could've been the motivation without knowing the whole Manaphy egg subplot.
Regardless of that, the biggest hurdle fans have to overcome is the difference in voice cast. Which in all honesty is acceptable. Upon initially hearing the change it is jarring because it sounds like the actors are trying to play as the original cast. To some extent it can be understood why but it makes it all the more apparent. Nonetheless, over time the voices sound more natural. Sarah Natochenny replacing Veronica Taylor as Ash Ketchum takes some getting used to but it's best to keep in mind she was given the role at age 19. Also replacing Veronica Taylor and Rachael Lillis is Michele Knotz as May and Jessie. Knotz actually does a decent job taking on these characters almost sounding exactly the same. Kayzie Rogers as Max is okay but the actors who stand out the most is James Carter Cathcart as James and Bill Rogers as Brock. All the acting is fine but it's just the sound that needs getting used to.
Visually speaking, the look of the film continues to maintain its standard. Cinematography again was handled by Takaya Mizutani however that was done. The animation itself though is on prior entries as well, perhaps improving its CGI renders slightly, but not by much. And as expected, like Mizutani and the other Japanese members listed before Shinji Miyazaki returns again for composing music for this entry. This time, Miyazaki gives his score some Caribbean flavor by adding steel drums to his orchestra. Of course that is when the scene calls for it. And not like it needs to be said either but no domestic album release for this score as well. Guess there really just aren't enough Pokébuffs out there who demand the scores to these films. Oh well.
Devotees of the earlier seasons may struggle to get over the change in voice cast more than the actual story itself. It's not vastly different from other entries but can entertain its fan base. The new voice cast gives a good first effort, the music still is nice and the animation keeps consistency.
