A surprisingly charming entry in the ‘Pikachu Shorts’ series this time around, ‘Gotta Dance’ is a fairly simple premise, but I personally really enjoyed its execution.

So! the plot? Meowth and the Rocket pokemon FINALLY get an actual direct POINT in this one! and its a big one! Jessie and James have plumed a LOT of money and effort into a groundbreaking project for team rocket! an official ‘hideout’ from where they can hatch their elaborate Pikachu stealing schemes! and this could be make or break for the gang as non other than Giovanni himself is visiting the site to give it the official seal of approval!

Meowth (having a background in dance and dramatics) is given the task of coming up with the entertainment for the grand opening, and has settled on an extensive musical dance routine. Jessie and James have provided Meowth with three ‘Whismer’ and a ‘Pokebaton’ a mysterious baton that seems to be an offshoot of the ‘Pokeflute’ once opened it plays a variety of musical numbers that drive pokemon into a crazy dancing frenzy!

And wouldnt you know it! at the exact same time, Pikachu and the gang just happen to stumble on the new Rocket Lair RIGHT as they’re putting the finishing touches to the party! After accidentally crashing the dance rehersals, the Pokebaton ends up in several different pokemons hands and carnage commences as Pikachu and the gang, Meowth and HIS gang AND an army of wild pokemon tango, salsa and whattusie their way through the rocket hangout leaving destruction and devestation in their wake!

I really enjoyed this one, the script is simple, the fact the overnarration thats plagued the last few entries is missing, I thought was a really nice touch. Theres some genuinely funny dialogue here and some interesting scenarios, the use of CG is nicely handled and blends in quite well with the digital animation. and the dance numbers themselves are intricate and interesting.

Putting nostalgia aside for a moment, I actually think this is probably my favourite short so far. Its the first time i’ve felt like they’ve given all the characters a decent meaty role in the antics, that the plot hasnt felt overly reliant on people suspending their disbelief. the set pieces have just worked, the scoring was superb and it all ties together nicely into a little self contained short that doesnt feel too hand holdy.

It’s cute, creative and entertaining. and I think i’d happily watch this one again.

source https://letterboxd.com/tytdreviews/film/pokemon-gotta-dance/