A live-action Pokémon movie, it’s the kind of thing that I would have dreamed of seeing when I was a child, and it’s the kind of thing that made me skeptical as an adult who still has an attachment to the franchise. Most video game movies are known to be disappointing and I was worried that this would go down the same route, thankfully, that wasn’t the case.
Detective Pikachu isn’t going to be anything revolutionary, it’s not groundbreaking and for the most part, it’s very simple. But that’s completely fine, because it works, and this is harmless fun that everyone can enjoy. The film beautifully captures this world and makes it feel immersive, with plenty of colour and charm that is a delight to look at. Seeing your favourite Pokémon come to life on the big screen is something to behold, and the visual effects are well done and don’t look too cheap. Some look better than others, granted, but nothing looks awful and it won’t take you out of the action, which is something that I feared going into this film.
Plot-wise, it’s extremely basic, just a standard mystery with a Pokémon skin, but again, that’s fine. Thanks to this unique world, things that are quite cliché can feel fresh and interesting, and if you’re a long time fan of the franchise, there are plenty of little nods, easter eggs and nostalgic moments that will capture your attention. That’s not to say that this is a film made specifically for Pokémon fans, however, because it certainly works whether you’re a die-hard fan of the franchise or if you’ve never seen anything related to it before, although, I believe you’ll get a lot more enjoyment out of it if you are/were a fan of it at some stage. There are some moments that will bring out the child in you, that’s for sure!
Although the whole cast are good, Ryan Reynolds unsurprisingly steals the show here as the titular character, he brings a charisma that only Ryan Reynolds is capable of, and you’ll fall in love with Pikachu, I guarantee it.
There’s not a lot more to say about Detective Pikachu, it’s good, it’s a family film that is fun for all ages. If you’re a Pokémon fan, I would say it’s a must-watch, if you’re not but you’re looking for a bit of harmless viewing, then I would say this: give it a chance.
It’s probably one of the best video game movies out there, and due to it’s success, I expect we’ll be seeing more live-action Pokémon in the future, and I look forward to seeing them!
I give Detective Pikachu a 7/10.
Wado Reviews 