Written by: Kevin Berge
Anyone who doesn't think Pikachu is the most iconic Pokemon is just being a contrarian. (Image Courtesy of: thrillist.com)
Quick Take: Pokemon: Detective Pikachu is adorable and effective in its simplicity. It is a hero's quest driven by its central two characters that has enough going for it to be far better than it has any right to be and surprisingly emotional in its key revelations, opening up the potential for future Pokemon movies.
***This review will avoid spoilers beyond the basic set-up of the story. Anyone can read ahead without risk as long as they know how the premise of Detective Pikachu.***
A live action Pokemon movie was always a fascinating concept, but it never felt like it could work. Too much had to go right. When it was announced that the first would be based on the odd spinoff video game Detective Pikachu, it was certain to fail, right up until it premiered.
Somehow, someway, as both a live action Pokemon movie and a video game movie, this succeeds. It's far from perfect, but it's as good as this likely could have ever been. It feels surprisingly perfect as an introduction to the Pokemon universe and a new start for one of the most celebrated franchises.
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu is the story of Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), a 21-year-old kid in a Pokemon world without his own partner, who forced into the heart of a massive mystery when his father dies in an accident, and the only support he can find is a talking Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) with a detective hat owned by his father.
What makes this concept work is that it is unabashedly silly. This film knows how ridiculous it is on the surface, and it admits to it. By doing so, it is allowed to genuinely commit to its dramatic moments, and the film has plenty for younger and older audiences.
In particular, the growing complicated relationship between the two reluctant partners of Tim and Pikachu works wonders. It is genuinely emotional throughout and builds to a great climax with two characters that have to learn to accept themselves and each other.
If you commit to the story early, there's so much down the line for the audience. It does take commitment though especially those with limited experience with the Pokemon universe. The effects are staggering, but there's not a lot of time to explain to the uninitiated exactly what world they are in.
A live action Pokemon movie was always a fascinating concept, but it never felt like it could work. Too much had to go right. When it was announced that the first would be based on the odd spinoff video game Detective Pikachu, it was certain to fail, right up until it premiered.
Somehow, someway, as both a live action Pokemon movie and a video game movie, this succeeds. It's far from perfect, but it's as good as this likely could have ever been. It feels surprisingly perfect as an introduction to the Pokemon universe and a new start for one of the most celebrated franchises.
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu is the story of Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), a 21-year-old kid in a Pokemon world without his own partner, who forced into the heart of a massive mystery when his father dies in an accident, and the only support he can find is a talking Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) with a detective hat owned by his father.
What makes this concept work is that it is unabashedly silly. This film knows how ridiculous it is on the surface, and it admits to it. By doing so, it is allowed to genuinely commit to its dramatic moments, and the film has plenty for younger and older audiences.
In particular, the growing complicated relationship between the two reluctant partners of Tim and Pikachu works wonders. It is genuinely emotional throughout and builds to a great climax with two characters that have to learn to accept themselves and each other.
If you commit to the story early, there's so much down the line for the audience. It does take commitment though especially those with limited experience with the Pokemon universe. The effects are staggering, but there's not a lot of time to explain to the uninitiated exactly what world they are in.
Is this really a Pokemon story without Ash as the lead? (Image Courtesy of: consequenceofsound.net)
Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) as Pikachu was a controversial casting decision, but he certainly carries this movie. It takes a bit to accept it is his voice coming out of the adorable yellow Pokemon, but he gives character to the detective. Justice Smith (Paper Towns) carries his weight here for the most part as well.
While the special effects work and there's some good shots through the movie, this movie's guiding light is the screenplay by Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy). She gives humanity to a host of characters that often don't get as much screentime as they should, and the film has genuine humor for all ages.
Detective Pikachu at its core is about the same thing as Pokemon has always been. It's about friendship and the importance of the relationship between humans and Pokemons. Tim learn to trust in Pikachu, and Pikachu must learn to trust in himself through Tim's trust in him.
It's hard to know how this film will land. Everyone knows generally about Pokemon, but the franchise's prime has passed. While it is still obviously relevant, it is far more niche at this point than it was 10 years ago. Is this going to land clearly and begin its own Pokemon franchise?
Honestly, I hope it does because this made me excited about the potential of more Pokemon movies. The Pokemon look like they live in the world, and there are so many stories to tell. Detective Pikachu was a weird first sell, but it was effective and can open up so many more possibilities.
I would love to just see the film fully commit to the classic formula with someone trying to become a Pokemon master. Knowing Hollywood though, the next Pokemon movie will be about a talking Lucario voiced by Hugh Jackman, and it will tank causing Hollywood to think this concept was never going to work.
While the special effects work and there's some good shots through the movie, this movie's guiding light is the screenplay by Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy). She gives humanity to a host of characters that often don't get as much screentime as they should, and the film has genuine humor for all ages.
Detective Pikachu at its core is about the same thing as Pokemon has always been. It's about friendship and the importance of the relationship between humans and Pokemons. Tim learn to trust in Pikachu, and Pikachu must learn to trust in himself through Tim's trust in him.
It's hard to know how this film will land. Everyone knows generally about Pokemon, but the franchise's prime has passed. While it is still obviously relevant, it is far more niche at this point than it was 10 years ago. Is this going to land clearly and begin its own Pokemon franchise?
Honestly, I hope it does because this made me excited about the potential of more Pokemon movies. The Pokemon look like they live in the world, and there are so many stories to tell. Detective Pikachu was a weird first sell, but it was effective and can open up so many more possibilities.
I would love to just see the film fully commit to the classic formula with someone trying to become a Pokemon master. Knowing Hollywood though, the next Pokemon movie will be about a talking Lucario voiced by Hugh Jackman, and it will tank causing Hollywood to think this concept was never going to work.