[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”21752″ img_size=”900×500″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The time has finally come. After decades of Pokémon video games, television shows, and the huge release of the mobile app Pokemon Go!, it was more of when instead of if Pokémon will have a live-action adaptation. This worldwide phenomenon holds the hearts of millions across the globe (including this writer). Whether you played the video games, woke up early to watch the cartoons, or bumped into a stranger catching a Pokémon, we have all heard of it and the trailer’s showed promise.
The film itself is not groundbreaking or “deep” if that is a better translation. The movie takes a simplistic narrative approach, and uses “daddy issues” as a plot device. The film had its dull moments that were saved by the comedic timing of Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) throughout the film, and especially during the middle.
Tim (Justice Smith), is a lonely teenager who investigates the death of his father, after strange circumstances lead him down a path of mystery. Tim meets Pikachu, and is revealed to be the only person who can understand Pikachu. Tim’s father was involved in a devastating crash, involving a legendary Pokémon. Pikachu has amnesia, he remembers nothing and all he knows is he’s linked to Tim’s father. Teen reporter (Kathryn Newton) claims to be of assistance to the mysterious case, and the adventure begins.
Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu is the clear standout in the film. He still possesses that sharp humor, and sometimes it feels as some of his lines were improvised in a good way; there are even some sneaky “adult humor” that a child would not understand. Pikachu brings heart to this film and the CGI used for Pikachu that makes him appear as a fuzzy creature is excellent. Throughout the film, his comedic timing was useful to uplift a dull scene as many of his jokes landed, but the serious dialogue they have Pikachu say are rightly place, but the execution did not feel right in certain moments.
The Pokémon in this world are beautifully created and visually appealing to look at, and to hear their voices would excite any Pokémon fan. Every scene introduced many Pokémon that you will recognize. Some Pokémon were placed in a scene more in the background to show the world building while some were effectively used in the story. The environment of this world feels open, but there are some areas that does give off that blade-runner vibe with the structure of the buildings and displays. Even though the Pokémon are definitely the life of the film, and are fascinating to look at, the film had its problems.
The supporting cast was very bland and cliche. The teen news reporter acts very cartoonish and doesn’t provide any substance to the film or even to the lead besides being a teen romantic interest that does have funny exchanges with the lead throughout the film. Bill Nighy’s acting was a waste as the writing made him into this cliche character that did not have any growth and weird motivations. His performance was entirely filled with predictable actions with an unsatisfying outcome.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21753″ img_size=”900×500″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Justice Smith was a good casting choice. His scenes in the beginning were excellent and really knows how to transition well between serious and funny moments in the matter of seconds. In particular, one very powerful scene by him was probably the first and only time I was pulled in because his performance during that scene felt so real and authentic that it had me engaged. Sadly, the writing went on a decline after the first act as Justice’s performance noticeably became more bland and less authentic as the story progressed. There were dull moments with him that Pikachu saved with either his witty humor or his serious speeches. I believe he was a good casting choice because of the chemistry him and Ryan Reynolds had; especially the teen reporter in the early scenes.
The plot was as simple as it could be. There were several tropes and cliche events that really held down this film, even Pikachu’s humor sometimes could not save the scenes. It never attempted to do anything original or substantial that really makes this story stand out from the countless others we have already watched. The middle felt slightly sluggish and took me out of the film at times, and it feels that the writing just fell out during the final act as it was filled with CGI action sequences and overused cliche tactics, and lack of further development of the characters. The surprises and twists they try to play the audience is already seen and expected. There were many scenes during the finale that did not feel fluid because of the special effects used and at times made me chuckle at how it transitioned.
I say all this to say, Detective Pikachu is incredibly enjoyable and it is a great film for you and your friends to sit there and laugh and also marvel at the world building in this movie. The plot felt like it followed a strict template and the dialogue and scenes at times felt uninteresting, but the humor in this film is genuine and Ryan Reynolds and Justice Smith did the best job they can do with the writing.
Rate: 6.5/10[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Just a guy that grew up on DC and the MCU, anime, and video games and loves traveling across the world and learn about different cultures.