The animation isn't exactly state of the art, either. Despite some digital additions, it is surprisingly crude-looking and gives other Japanese-produced "anime" a black eye. (At times the characters and backgrounds are so poorly rendered that it nearly makes the old "Clutch Cargo" series look dazzling by comparison).

Also, the voice performances are either too shrill or too precious — hearing Pikachu (the voice of Ikue Otani) babble various permutations of his name is a particularly maddening experience.

And although this a less violent film than the first one, it's still pretty violent — the very idea that these characters keep their Pokémon for the purpose of battle still smacks of such forms of animal cruelty as cockfighting.

"Pokémon the Movie 2000" is rated G, though it does contain scenes of animated violence (battles between the various Pokémon characters, as well as some sci-fi violence). Total running time: 102 minutes ("The Power of One": 80 minutes; "Pikachu's Rescue Adventure": 22 minutes).

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