While grownups indulge their fantasies with The Matrix Reloaded, their children can play out gentler hallucinations with Pokemon Heroes (G), the fifth movie in that declining animated series. This time, Pokemon trainer Ash, his cuddly pet Pikachu and the rest of these Yellow Submarine rejects are chasing thieves who stole something mystical called Soul Dew. Telekinetic powers and strobe-animation effects that are just plain kinetic are hallmarks of the Pokemon series. They're not as breathtaking as Japanese anime masters such as Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away), but they're entrancing for the preschool set. Expect more characters added to boost sales of trading cards and action figures, if many children out there are still interested. Hollywood Reporter film critic Frank Scheck wrote: "Less convoluted and more streamlined than earlier entries in the series, Pokemon Heroes also displays decent animation quality, especially in its depiction of the exotic watery city Altomare, as well as an admirable ecological message."
