This film has some nostalgic value for me. In the summer of 2007, my parents and I flew to Los Angeles to visit Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Glen. One day while we were there, we watched this movie. Rewatching it brings back memories from those years ago, but judging it on its own, I still think this is a stellar Pokémon movie.This, in my humble opinion, is one of the top 3 Pokémon movies. It does everything right. It's not quite as big in scope as some of the others, but yet it's a more engaging movie. It has everything you could want in a Pokémon movie and much more.The story is very interesting. Team Rocket members Annie and Oakley are after the jewel that protects the city of Altomare and it's up to the guardians Latios and Latias and Ash and the gang to save the day. Annie and Oakley, while a little ditsy at times, are above-average as far as Pokémon villains go.Latios and Latias are wondrous Pokémon, and the bond Ash grew with Latias is one of the best the series has to offer. I thought Lorenzo and Bianca were really nice supporting characters (although I would have liked for them to be a little more developed).The animation still today is breathtaking. There is wonderful scenery in Altomare. It gives you a sense of wonder, and even at times feels like a Miyazaki film. It also has some of the best music and one of the best soundtracks in a Pokémon movie, which also adds to the movie's feel.There is plenty of action and excitement, from the opening race scene to the climax. The ending where Latios sacrifices himself to save Altomare is genuinely heart-wrenching and has the kind of emotion rarely seen in a Pokémon movie. Along with "Lucario and the Mystery of Mew," this is my favorite Pokémon film. This is an essential viewing for anyone remotely interested in Pokémon.RATING: A

Let's make a few things clear:1. Yes, probably only Pokemon fans will be able to enjoy Pokemon movies. 2. Pokemon feature films are not stupid, but they are made so when dubbing. For example, in the first movie, during translation, the entire plot was dumbed down and changed and a twenty minute sequence was deleted. 3. The names of the characters were changed in the English adaptations to appeal to younger audiences. Name of the main protagonist is Satoshi, a normal Japanese name. But we got a boy called Ash. That is just epic fail.4. The names of the movies themselves were almost always changed(for the worst). This one was called "Guardians of Altomare", not "Heroes". 5. The music in the original versions is very good. But in the dubs usually we get some really low- quality stuff. 6. Don't complain that the whole Pokemon franchise is "cockfighting". Don't say the concept is immoral. Remember that it came from Japan, where they have a different view of the world. There, friendly battles are considered a key to individual's growth (Karate, anyone?). "We fight each other to win, only to give a helping hand to the defeated opponent". That's not so hard to understand. 7. In the end, Pocket Monsters (Jap. name) movies are great and should interest any anime fan out there.P.S. We should do something to stop animation in from being aimed towards small children only in the US. Teenagers and adults should be able to enjoy it too. American companies must leave the original music and plots intact to keep foreign animated movies interesting to us as they were originally made.

This is one of quite a few films based on the cartoon anime Pokemon TV series.Ash, Brock, Misty and their pokemon are in a town called Altamar for a big water race. Ash comes in the lead - but takes a wrong turn. It turns out Misty wins! The person who came second, a boy just older than Misty, takes her and her friends on a Gondola around the town.Meanwhile, two baddies working for the same person as Team Rocket are, are looking for two rare pokemon in Altamar, Latias and Latios...I think this Pokemon film is very good, due to the well-structured plot, the characters, the pokemon and the setting, which is based on Venice.However, there are often distracting songs in the background of the film and Team Rocket are very silly and most of their content is slapsticky jokes. Overall, a good film for Pokemon fans or just for people who like animated children's films. Enjoy! :-)7 and a half out of ten.

My second favourite Pokemon film. This film is set in the city Altomare, based on Venice. The city is guarded by Latios and Latias, two dragon and psychic Pokemon. They also protect the Soul Dew, a jewel said to contain the spirit of their father. However, two thieves come to steal the jewel in order to power the DMA (The Defence Mechanism of Altomare), although the reason why is never explained. Once again, coincidentally, Ash, Pikachu, Misty and Brock are visiting the city and get involved in the race to save the city. There also a wonderful bond between Ash, Latias and Latios, which seems to be the main support beam which prevents this movie from turning bad. As a nice point to Mario, the curator of the city's museum is dressed in his attire.