Detective Pikachu Manages To Be A Surprisingly Fun Ride For Both Fans And Non-Fans Of The Franchise

      The Pokemon franchise is one in which you have to be an absolute fan to fully enjoy and understand the scope of the story and characters. This movie was aimed directly for them as its story and characters cater to the fan base that's stuck with it for multiple decades. Growing up in the late 90's and early 00's era in school, one would be hard pressed not to know the name Pikachu or have the image of what he looks like burned in your mind because chances are, you had friends or family members that were fans This movie was made for them as its going to win over most if not all of the fan base. For the rest of us casual moviegoers and audiences, it helps that the team behind Detective Pikachu did a very good job of attempting to open the story up to a wider audience by commercializing its characters and plot. Hiring Ryan Reynolds to perform the voice of Pikachu was also a plus as it appealed to a wider base of fans outside of the Pokemon circle. The only reservation that a non-fan would have about seeing this movie, is whether they'd be able to understand the characters and plot. Thankfully they will be able to as the story is surprisingly straight-forward while adding both heart and charm to the film. Based off a 2016 video game of the same name, Detective Pikachu is a surprisingly fun and heartfelt movie that honors its source material while bringing its unique world to the big screen with great care taken in an effort to appease the fans while hoping to entice new ones.

      The plot for Detective Pikachu centers around a world where Pokemon and humans live together and collaborate as partners to do battle. In this story a young man played by Justice Smith discovers that his father has been killed in a car accident. Convinced that his father is still alive and raising doubt to the official report, he decides to seek the truth and partners with his father's Pokemon Pikachu (Voiced by Ryan Reynolds) in order to solve the mystery of his fathers disappearance. Detective Pikachu tackles themes including the death of a parent, science being used for evil, experiencing grief, getting second chances, trust, parenting, estranged families, forgiveness, coping with loss, and regaining ones memory. The films ultimate message within all the fun, humor, and charm says that its indeed possible to have a second chance and that not everyone is a terrible person. The plot for the film is not just a joy for Pokemon fans, it also entertains those who are less familiar with the universe because the film is full of laughs, full of charm, full of excitement and most importantly its full of heart. The film does a great job with making you care about the main characters particularly Justice Smith's character, Kathryn Newtons, and Ryan Reynold's Pikachu. The story almost feels like a kids version of Lethal Weapon as it incorporates all the familiar elements of a buddy cop movie such as the two misfit characters being forcibly paired together to solve a case with them not getting along at first but end up becoming the ideal pair to solve a pivotal case. Add to that a generic murder mystery and the key moments where the main detectives grow not just as partners but also as friends and one has the DNA of a classic detective story disguised as a Pokemon movie. The story never feels boring nor tired, it retains its level of fun and excitement throughout while carrying with it a nice message regarding redemption and forming unlikely friendships.

      In terms of acting performances, Justice Smith impresses as the main character Tim Goodman. Smith is appealing as a lead showing both emotion and demonstrating strong chemistry with his co-star Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu. As good as Smith is in his human role, it is Reynolds who steals the show and makes for a terrific Pikachu. Reynolds is brilliant here as he is both funny, charming, and heartfelt while helping to broaden the character as well as the plot to audiences not familiar with the universe. Kathryn Newton delivers a likable performance as Lucy Stevens, an aspiring young reporter and love interest to Smith's character. Newton shares strong chemistry with both Smith and Reynolds making for an effective trio. Ken Watanabe and Bill Nighy deliver strong supporting roles bringing nothing but class to their minimal yet pivotal roles. Suki Waterhouse shines at playing a shape-shifting hench woman. It helps that the film has human characters that are strong and likable to compliment their Pokemon counterparts especially when taken into account that audiences are going in for the latter characters and not so much the human ones. Despite the strong performances from the main cast, it is Reynolds work that's the films main selling point as he brings much laughs to the audience when allowed to be goofy. If anyone ever wondered what Reynolds come across like performing a PG style Deadpool. look no further.

      As far as directing and writing goes. Rob Letterman is no stranger to helming family-oriented movies as he's delivered strong work in the past ranging from Monsters Vs. Aliens to 2015's Goosebumps with Gulliver's Travels with Jack Black being his only true misfire. One thing that can be said about Letterman is his ability to remain faithful to previously established source material while modernizing it. Goosebumps 2015 is a prime example with that film not only providing nostalgia for fans of the book series and TV show, but also providing a breath of fresh air for the stories. Letterman creates a family film that's visually appealing while knowing how to entertain and move its audience with the friendship between Tim and Pikachu as well as the films surprise end twist that's both heartwarming and bittersweet. In addition to the Lethal Weapon style story, the film feels like a futuristic version of Who Framed Roger Rabbit with Roger being switched out with Reynold's Pikachu. Like previously stated, if Deadpool was reduced to a PG version style of character, it probably would end up something similar to this. The screenplay by Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, Rob Letterman, and Derek Connolly is strong and meshes all the detective and family friendly elements together very well. The only criticisms that can be directed at the script is the revealing of the films main villain, which can be argued as feeling a bit predictable before the ultimate reveal as well as the lack of memories Tim has of his father which makes the end reveal an effective yet awkward twist. Besides those flaws, the screenplay is smoothly written allowing for character development as well as relentless jokes and twists. The writers succeed in making the audience care about both the human and non human ones while presenting the use of Pokemon's being forced to fight each other by humans as a form of dog fighting essentially. The concept of Reynolds Pokemon being able to talk to humans with Tim's character being the only one who can hear him feels like a twist inspired by Doctor Doolittle.

      Unlike the plot for most video game movies, the one here isn't just a serviceable plot to carry the setting, it has a life of its own and is meaningful underneath the thrills and laughs. Whereas most video game movies drown in trying to adapt their own storylines to the big screen, Detective Pikachu excels and manages to be a Pokemon fans dream come true. This movie has it all, action, humor, thrills, drama, excitement, twists and turns, and excitement. Setting the Pokemon in a universe where they can actually exist is a brilliant twist as it presents them as being larger than life to the fans as well as the general movie going audience. Reynolds Pikachu character is appealing both on a visual note as well as a character one because he manages to not only feel real to the audience but relatable. The emotion conveyed on Pikachu's face is captured beautifully with the films stunning CGI showing it on his arms, his ears, his eyes, his face, and ultimately his whole body language. The audience would be hard-pressed not to feel something when they see Pikachu harmed or sad in the film. Reynolds testament as an actor is when you hear his voice as Pikachu, the audience isn't thinking of Deadpool nor Ryan Reynolds, they see and hear Pikachu. He has a great knack for making audiences laugh while grabbing them emotionally with the next scene, showcasing his brilliance as a performer. The films visual effects and art-set decoration are top notch with the films editing being very good with the movie moving fairly quick for its 105 minute running time.

      Ultimately Detective Pikachu is the Pokemon movie fans have been waiting for as well as being a genuinely nice surprise for regular audiences. It can be said however that fans of the source material will enjoy it more than anybody else but there's more than enough charm, thrills, excitement, and laughter to intrigue and hold their interest. Seeing the real Pokemon's brought to life will mean a great deal to the fans and even send chills down their stomachs at certain points. This movie feels like one big giant love letter to the Pokemon franchise as well as everyone who grew up enjoying it, For video game fans, Detective Pikachu may very well be the movie to break the film curse in terms of making a genuinely solid video game movie. It not only is highly enjoyable but is meaningful in what it tries to say with its ultimate message. The film carries a lot of energy with it from its story to its main cast, who seem to be having a ball with the material. Its a much better film than it has any right to be given its a video game film and looking at the previous Pokemon movie attempts but Detective Pikachu manages to be a solid movie that's especially worth watching if you're a fan. Even if you aren't a Pokemon fan but like Ryan Reynolds, you will find enjoyment with this film largely due to its charm and desire to entertain by taking you on a ride through a bizarre yet iconic world. For those who are hesitant on seeing it but are interested, take the leap as its totally worth it.

Final Verdict: See it especially if you're a fan of the universe.