Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! 2017

In a captivating opening scene, the camera pans across a bustling stadium where two trainers face off in an electrifying Pokémon battle - a nod to the franchise’s rich history, as fans of the series will delightfully recognize the return of characters from Mewtwo Strikes Back. Meanwhile, back in Pallet Town, Ash Ketchum (Ash) lies awake, his excitement for his impending Pokémon journey impossible to contain. As he drifts off to sleep, his dreams become a reality, and with reckless abandon, he hurls his Poké Ball-shaped alarm clock into the night, shattering it into pieces.

Come morning, Ash’s mother, Delia, rushes into his room, urging him to get up and make haste - but our hero is already running late. Frantically, he makes his way to Professor Oak’s laboratory, where he hoped to claim one of the coveted starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. However, upon arrival, Ash discovers that these prized creatures have all been snatched up by punctual trainers, leaving him with little choice but to accept whatever Pokémon remains.

In a twist of fate, Professor Oak reveals that there is one last Pokémon available - a mischievous yellow critter named Pikachu (Pikachu). Despite its troublesome nature and penchant for electrocution, Ash enthusiastically declares Pikachu the best of all and gladly accepts it. Unfortunately, this electric-type Pokémon has no qualms about shocking its new trainer, whom it seems to take great pleasure in tormenting.

As Ash struggles to comprehend his new companion’s erratic behavior, Professor Oak intervenes, presenting him with Pikachu’s Poké Ball. However, Pikachu stubbornly refuses to be confined within, its distaste for being contained evident. And so, the stage is set for an unforgettable adventure as Ash and Pikachu embark on a thrilling journey through the world of Pokémon.

As Ash embarks on his adventure, he’s accompanied by an unyielding Pikachu, initially tethered to him with a leash but eventually set free as a gesture of goodwill. His attention turns to a nearby Pidgey, which he attempts to capture using a Poké Ball, only to have it escape. Recognizing that Pokémon must be weakened before they can be caught, Ash tries to enlist Pikachu’s help, but the little creature refuses to participate. Undeterred, Ash resorts to throwing rocks at the Pidgey, inadvertently striking a Spearow instead. The injured bird unleashes its wrath on Pikachu, prompting the plucky electric mouse to defend itself with its electricity and send the Spearow crashing into a nearby tree. As the bird reemerges with its flock of dozens of Spearow, they give chase, severely injuring Ash and Pikachu as they catch up. In an effort to shake off their pursuers, Ash leaps into a fast-moving river, narrowly avoiding becoming Gyarados’s lunch. However, he’s unable to lose the Spearow and eventually finds himself slipping in the mud during a torrential downpour. As the rain clears, Ash makes a vow to Pikachu, promising to protect it and asking that it return to the safety of its Poké Ball. Confronted by the relentless Spearow, Ash decides to stand his ground, vowing that one day he’ll become a Pokémon Master and catch them all. The Spearow descend upon him, but Pikachu intervenes with a mighty Thunderbolt, sending the birds flying. As they recover from their ordeal, a magnificent flying Pokémon soars into view, disappearing into a rainbow as it drops a feather that Ash eagerly collects. With his new friend by his side, Ash makes a promise to Pikachu that one day they’ll meet this enigmatic creature and forge an unbreakable bond.

As the iconic theme song’s remix fills the air, Ash Ketchum (voiced by (actor name)) embarks on a new chapter in his Pokémon journey alongside Pikachu. With each triumph, their bond grows stronger and they notch up victories, securing their first capture - a resilient Caterpie. Moreover, Ash continues to challenge the esteemed Pokémon Gyms, successfully besting Erika, the renowned Celadon City Gym Leader, and claiming the coveted Rainbow Badge as his third prize.

Feeling a sense of accomplishment, Ash decides to visit the local Pokémon Center to connect with loved ones back home. He dials up Delia Ketchum (voiced by (actor name)) and shares his progress, only to be met with her ire due to an extended silence since she had been leaving voicemail messages pleading him to call. Ash apologizes profusely before suddenly intercepting whispers about the fabled Entei, one of the enigmatic Legendary Pokémon, having been spotted in the vicinity.

Without hesitation, Ash hangs up and sets off in hot pursuit, accompanied by Team Rocket’s Jessie, James, and Meowth, who are equally intrigued. As they converge on the location, they find Entei lingering nearby, seemingly drawn to Ash’s presence. Pikachu takes center stage for a battle against the majestic creature, only to be joined by Verity’s Piplup. Despite their valiant efforts, neither Pokémon proves capable of making a significant dent in Entei’s defenses.

Meanwhile, Sorrel arrives on the scene, determined to engage Entei with his trusty Lucario. However, the legendary beast ultimately emerges victorious, vanishing into the distance as Ash and Verity exchange heated words, blaming each other for their defeat. Undeterred, they agree to settle their differences through a battle of their own.

Just as they prepare to clash, Sorrel cautions them about an impending rainstorm, but his warnings fall on deaf ears. The two young trainers engage in a fierce battle, pitting Pikachu and Piplup against each other. Their intense duel inadvertently strikes an unsuspecting Onix, sending it into a rage. Ash, Verity, Pikachu, and Piplup find themselves struggling to escape the wrath of this massive rock snake as it attempts to shake them off.

Ash seizes the opportunity to jump clear of the danger zone, but finds himself standing defiantly in front of the furious Onix. Piplup springs into action, unleashing a Whirlpool attack that shields Ash from harm, allowing him to apologize profusely to the agitated Onix. The massive reptile, seemingly appeased by the apology, burrows away, leaving our heroes shaken but grateful for their narrow escape.

As the skies darken and the predicted rain finally sets in, Team Rocket seizes the moment to launch a brazen attack on Entei, only to be sent flying into the clouds as punishment for their audacity.

As Ash and Verity venture forth, they stumble upon a Charmander perched atop a rock, its gaze eerily fixed on some distant point. The two trainers approach cautiously, sensing that this Pokémon is awaiting someone’s return. Their curiosity piqued, they’re about to make contact when Cross suddenly materializes with his Dusk Form Lycanroc by his side. Charmander, seemingly eager for the reunion, bounds towards him - only to be brutally dismissed by Cross, who reacts with disgust at Charmander’s prolonged wait. Ash and Verity are taken aback by this callous display, but Cross remains unmoved, espousing a philosophy that prioritizes strength above all else before departing. As the rain intensifies, Charmander’s tail flame begins to falter, leaving it perilously close to extinction.

Without hesitation, Ash and Verity rush to Charmander’s aid, seeking shelter in a nearby cave where Sorrel is already taking refuge. Upon examining Charmander’s condition, Sorrel - an aspiring Pokémon Professor with a keen understanding of medical training - springs into action, treating the ailing Charmander and leaving it to recover by the fire overnight. As introductions are made, Sorrel reveals his aspirations to study Legendary Pokémon, hoping this knowledge will aid in his dream. Just as they’re getting acquainted, Entei, a powerful Pokémon, enters the cave, accompanied by other weather-weary creatures seeking shelter.

Meanwhile, Marshadow - an enigmatic Mythical Pokémon - takes notice of Ash and begins to hide in his shadow, its intentions unclear. Verity and Sorrel subsequently recall Piplup and Lucario into their Poké Balls, protecting them from the elements, while Pikachu, ever the independent thinker, refuses to be contained once more. As morning breaks, Charmander has made a full recovery, and Ash asks it if it would like to travel with him. The Charmander agrees, allowing Ash to capture it. With their party now bolstered by this new addition, Ash, Verity, and Sorrel - all hailing from the Sinnoh region - decide to embark on a journey together, united in their quest for adventure and discovery.

As the trio continues their thrilling escapades, a pivotal moment arrives when Ash sends Caterpie into combat with Pinsir, prompting an extraordinary transformation into Metapod. Although Pinsir manages to escape, Ash is elated by this milestone, marking a significant step in his Pokémon journey. Later that evening, Verity’s eyes widen as she flips through her phone’s photo album, revealing a shocking truth: her mother, none other than the illustrious Sinnoh League Champion Cynthia, gazes back at her. The revelation sparks a candid conversation with her friends, during which Verity confesses to having fled Sinnoh to escape the suffocating influence of her overbearing mother.

As night falls, Sorrel delves into the mystique surrounding Ho-oh, uncovering the legend of this mythical Pokémon’s ability to revive three fallen companions – Entei, Raikou, and Suicune. Ash’s eyes light up as he shares his own personal connection with Ho-oh, recalling the enigmatic encounter that followed the tumultuous events involving the Spearow. With Sorrel by their side, they scrutinize the Rainbow Wing, a beacon of light that has piqued their curiosity, only to discover that it is said to lose its vibrancy if possessed by an individual tainted by impure intentions.

Guided by Sorrel’s research, they set out to meet Ho-oh, tracing the beam of light towards a distant mountain range. Along the way, they encounter Bonji, whose words of wisdom hint at Ash potentially fulfilling his destiny in meeting this majestic Pokémon. That night, Sorrel shares a poignant tale from his past, recounting the bond he formed with a Luxray that had been a cherished companion to him and his family. When a snowstorm left him injured and helpless, Luxray’s selfless act of warmth and protection ultimately proved fatal for the Pokémon, leaving Sorrel grappling with trust issues ever since.

In the midst of their journey, Ash unleashes Charmander in battle against a Jigglypuff belonging to a mysterious lady. The fiery Pokémon emerges victorious, marking another significant milestone as it evolves into Charmeleon, further solidifying Ash’s growth as a skilled trainer.

The aftermath of battle saw Ash Ketchum (character name) pitting his Pikachu against a formidable Snorlax, with the little electric mouse emerging victorious thanks to an ingenious Iron Tail-Thunderbolt combination. As the dust settled, none other than the enigmatic Cross arrived on the scene, eager to demonstrate his dominance over Ash’s Pokémon. With Incineroar, his strongest and most intimidating Pokémon, Cross sought to crush Ash’s spirits and prove that brute force was all that mattered in the world of Pokémon training.

Ash, undeterred by the odds, chose Charmeleon to face off against the fiery Incineroar, hoping to take down his opponent with a combination of speed and agility. Initially, Charmeleon proved a formidable foe, landing several powerful blows that left Incineroar reeling. However, as the battle wore on, it became clear that Charmeleon was struggling to keep up the pace, its energy waning in the face of Incineroar’s relentless assault.

Ash, oblivious to his Pokémon’s distress, refused to yield, and Charmeleon suffered a devastating blow that left it badly injured. Cross, triumphant in his victory, delivered a scathing rebuke, telling Ash that he was the worst trainer he had ever faced, and that only raw strength mattered when it came to Pokémon. The verbal assault left Ash reeling, and he retreated to the Pokémon Center with Charmeleon, seeking medical attention for his battered Pokémon.

The experience had clearly shaken Ash, who confided in his friends Verity and Sorrel that he believed a different outcome would have been possible if he had used Pikachu instead of Charmeleon. His companions were shocked by this revelation, warning him that Charmeleon’s feelings might be hurt by such a candid assessment. However, Ash was too consumed by his own emotions to care, and he fled into the forest, seeking solace from his friends.

Pikachu, ever loyal, followed closely behind, but Ash’s desire for solitude only intensified, leading him to lament the fact that he had not started his journey with Squirtle as originally planned. This regret was palpable in Pikachu’s eyes, and when Ash turned around, it was gone, leaving him alone to confront the darkness gathering within the Rainbow Wing.

As if sensing Ash’s turmoil, Marshadow emerged from the shadows, casting a hypnotic spell that sent Ash into a deep slumber. The young trainer’s dreams were filled with vivid memories of his journey, as he relived the highs and lows that had brought him to this moment…

As the morning sun rises over his humble abode, a familiar yet peculiar sensation awakens within Ash. He finds himself transported to a world where the very fabric of reality seems to have erased the existence of Pokémon, leaving only the faintest echoes of their essence lingering in the air. His usual routine, now devoid of the excitement that typically accompanies it, is replaced with the monotony of arriving late to school, where he encounters Verity and Sorrel, his classmates. Amidst the drudgery of lessons, Ash’s gaze drifts towards a fleeting glimpse of Pikachu’s ethereal presence, its essence tantalizingly out of reach. Later, as the day wears on, Ash shares with Verity and Sorrel his long-held desire to embark on a grand adventure, only to have them vanish into thin air. It is then that he rediscovers Pikachu’s essence, now more urgent in its appeal, and gives chase, driven by an insatiable longing. However, his pursuit ends abruptly as he finds himself plummeting towards the ground, regaining consciousness amidst the tranquility of the forest. As if fate had brought them together once more, Verity and Sorrel materialize beside him, accompanied by Pikachu, whose presence is met with Ash’s heartfelt apologies to Charmeleon, now freed from its Poké Ball. The trio’s reconciliation is short-lived, as they are confronted by the enigmatic gaze of Marshadow, which sparks a chain reaction of events. Pikachu, sensing danger, unleashes a Thunderbolt, only for the energy to course through the surrounding trees and awaken the slumbering Primeape. Chaos erupts as these primal Pokémon begin hurling themselves from the treetops, sending everyone scrambling for cover. Verity warns Ash that direct confrontation will only exacerbate the situation, prompting him to summon Metapod and ensnare the Primeape with String Shot. As they make their hasty retreat, Metapod undergoes a metamorphosis, transforming into Butterfree in the process. Meanwhile, Team Rocket, oblivious to the turmoil unfolding around them, stumble into the fray, only to be repelled by the same Primeape that have been terrorizing Ash and his companions.

As the gang ventures forth from the forest’s verdant depths, they bear witness to a Pink Butterfree being brutally beset by a marauding Fearow. Seizing the moment, Ash springs into action, deploying his trusty Butterfree to rescue its beleaguered counterpart and forge an instant bond between them. In their wake, Ash and the others stumble upon Raikou, whose ethereal presence serves as a fleeting harbinger of the wonders that lie ahead. The group’s ascent up a windswept cliff yields a breathtaking panorama: hundreds of Butterfree, their iridescent wings shimmering in the sunlight, prepare to embark on their ancient migration to spawn. As Ash and his companions watch in rapt attention, his own Butterfree and its newfound love, the Pink Butterfree, perform an exquisite courtship dance, filling Ash’s heart with joy and trepidation. Though overjoyed by the prospect of these two beloved Pokémon pairing off, Ash’s elation is tempered by the crushing realization that permitting them to mate will ultimately mean saying goodbye to his cherished friend forever. With a heavy heart, he makes the difficult decision to set his Butterfree free, allowing it to pursue its true love and fulfill its natural destiny. As tears prick at the corners of his eyes, Ash stands powerless to resist the inevitable, yet finds solace in knowing that he has done what is right for his dear friend – even as it means surrendering a part of himself to the passage of time.

As the three trainers approach the majestic mountain range where the elusive Ho-oh resides, Ash’s trusty Rainbow Wing points him towards Mt. Tengan, the revered peak where these mythical birds are known to congregate. As they near the summit, Bonji reappears, imparting crucial information to Ash: a radiant flower is in bloom (or rather, a rock radiates a kaleidoscope of colors) and if touched by the wing, Ho-oh’s presence is all but guaranteed. Furthermore, Bonji reveals that Marshadow typically accompanies, judges, and guides trainers seeking an audience with this sacred creature. Unbeknownst to the group, Cross has been listening in, his ears burning with envy as he witnesses Ash’s impending triumph. Seizing the opportunity, Cross attempts to pilfer the Rainbow Wing from Ash, feigning innocence by claiming he too once caught a glimpse of Ho-oh during his own journey, only to be left without the coveted wing. This perceived slight stokes Cross’s anger, prompting him to unleash Incineroar in a bid to humiliate Ash. The latter responds with Charmeleon, now a formidable force after its recent evolution into Charizard. The two Pokémon clash in a thrilling rematch, with Charizard’s aerial prowess and enhanced abilities ultimately securing a decisive victory over Incineroar. As the dust settles, Ash counsels Cross that his journey is not solely about personal power, but also about forging meaningful connections with others. This empathetic approach only serves to further inflame Cross’s ire, prompting him to physically confront Ash and abscond with the Rainbow Wing, declaring his intent to crush Ho-oh in the process. However, Cross fails to notice the subtle yet ominous darkening of the wing as it passes into his possession. When he touches the rock with the tainted wing, the once-vibrant colors turn a foreboding shade, releasing a malevolent energy that reverberates throughout the region. Marshadow, appalled by this desecration, responds by unleashing its wrath upon the trainers and their Pokémon, commandeering nearby wild Pokémon as well as Cross’s Lycanroc to exact a terrible vengeance.

As Ash confronts Marshadow, a formidable foe with an army of underlings at its beck and call, he is flanked by Verity, Sorrel, and Cross - a trio of stalwart allies who stand ready to defend their leader. The stage is set for an epic battle as Pikachu and Charizard take center stage, facing off against Marshadow’s minions in a display of electrifying power and fiery ferocity. Meanwhile, Cross finds himself caught in the crossfire, shielding Ash from Lycanroc’s deadly claws even as Charizard proves its loyalty by protecting Cross with its own life.

As the battle rages on, Pikachu unleashes a flurry of attacks against Marshadow, its determination and bravery evident in every lightning-fast move. However, despite its valiant efforts, Pikachu finds itself wounded and struggling to keep up with the relentless onslaught. The wild Pokémon sense their advantage and close in for the kill, but Ash steps into the fray once more, shielding his loyal Pikachu from harm.

As the Rainbow Wing disintegrates, the air thickens with tension as both sides prepare for another round of combat. It is then that Ash turns to Pikachu, his voice laced with emotion as he implores it to seek refuge within its Poké Ball. But Pikachu refuses to budge, its loyalty to Ash unshakeable as it declares its desire to remain by Ash’s side forever.

Ash’s heart swells with pride and sorrow as he gazes upon Pikachu, his eyes welling up with tears as he realizes the true extent of their bond. It is then that Pikachu stumbles and falls, its usually sure-footed nature momentarily lost in a sea of uncertainty. A weakened Ash rushes to catch Pikachu, but it is too late - the attack strikes him full force, sending him crashing to the ground.

As the dust settles, Pikachu’s anguished cry rings out across the landscape as it gazes upon Ash’s lifeless form, his body slowly fading away into nothingness. The once-vibrant trainer lies motionless, a victim of Marshadow’s cruel machinations, while Pikachu and the other trainers watch in stunned silence, their world shattered by the loss of their beloved leader.

As the veil of consciousness lifts, Ash finds himself reappearing at the scene of his earlier fall, only to discover that he is no longer alone. The desolate landscape has given way to an ethereal realm, where the air is alive with an otherworldly energy. With a sense of urgency, Ash calls out for Pikachu, and it’s as if the universe itself responds by conjuring a shimmering tunnel before him. Without hesitation, Ash sprints towards the portal, which begins to glow with a radiant light. As he bursts through the threshold, the tunnel dissolves into a kaleidoscope of colors, and Pikachu leaps in tandem, reuniting with its trainer.

Together, they emerge back into the real world, where the Rainbow Wing’s gentle hum has been restored to Ash’s hand. The very air seems to vibrate with an aura of serenity as Marshadow, once consumed by anger, now forgets its ire. With a newfound sense of harmony, Ash approaches the radiant flower, and this time, the Rainbow Wing’s power allows him to make contact with its beauty. Ho-oh, the majestic bird, appears in all its glory, soaring above the mountain peaks as Ash issues a challenge. The battle begins, with Pikachu valiantly facing off against the legendary creature. Though Pikachu ultimately succumbs to Ho-oh’s might, Ash remains unfazed, basking in the joy of having finally met his avian counterpart.

As the curtain closes on this chapter of their journey, Ash and Cross share a heartfelt moment, putting aside their rivalry as they agree to meet again in the future. With a sense of closure, Ash parts ways with Verity and Sorrel, who have different paths ahead. Verity sets her sights on home, eager to reunite with her mother, while Sorrel becomes consumed by an insatiable curiosity about the Legendary Birds.

As the credits roll, a montage of scenes from Ash’s past adventures flashes before our eyes: Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and Alola. The narrator’s soothing voice promises that there are many more thrilling escapades on the horizon for this dynamic duo. As we bid farewell to Ash and his companions, we’re treated to a nostalgic glimpse of all the beloved Pokémon by his side. Finally, as the screen fades to black, we catch a glimpse of Ash preparing for battle with a Heracross, while Verity sets sail for Sinnoh and Sorrel catches a glimpse of Articuno in the distance.