The wonders of Pokémon exist side by side with the real world in the new live-action adventure film, Detective Pikachu, which is based on the 2016 game of the same name. Directed by Rob Letterman (Shark Tale, Goosebumps) and produced by Legendary Pictures, the film was released in early May and grabbed an impressive $58 million on its opening weekend, making it one of the most successful openings of a video game adaptation (beating Tomb Raider and Angry Birds).
Detective Pikachu is fun for any level of Pokémon fan. You don’t have to know lots about Pokémon, as they are already immersed in the films universe, which means the film gets to focus on the actual story and plot rather than explaining all of the Pokémons’ origins and history. For those that are low key or casual fans, it is still easy to understand and follow. The tale sees Tim Goodman (played by Justice Smith, Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom) travel to the Pokémon friendly “Ryme City”, where Pokémon can exist in harmony with people rather than hiding in the wild waiting to be captured in Pokéballs or used in battles. Unfortunately, the reason for his visit is that his detective father has gone missing, presumed dead in an accident. It soon transpires, thanks to a run in with nosy junior journalist Lucy (Kathryn Newton, The Society), that there may be more to his disappearance. The pair then team up, along with some Pokémon sidekicks, to see what Detective Goodman was working on and follow his trail.
So, the Pokémon! Tim isn’t as invested in Pokémon as he used to be, and he is no longer a trainer, so when he meets a caffeine addicted Pikachu suffering from memory loss (voiced by Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool) in his father’s apartment, he is reluctant to team up, but it’s hard to resist Pikachu because he is adorable! Motion capture was used on Reynolds for Pikachu’s expressions so maybe that has something to do with it? Reynolds delivers a really great performance as a cheeky, funny, and witty Pikachu – but only Tim can understand him.
It’s lovely and amusing to see the Pokémon brought to life by brilliant animation. Lucy’s Pokemon is a Psyduck (perhaps a nod to the original Misty?), Jigglypuff is singing in a bar, and Pidgies fly in the sky. There is also a very good scene involving a questionable style of interrogation with a Mr. Mime.
The film does a wonderful and impressive job creating the metropolis of Ryme City. Think London, but with clever dressing up and splashes of colour and touches of New York and Tokyo. You can spot the London buildings such as the Gherkin and the Leadenhall Building a few times throughout the film (interesting to a UK viewer like me!).
Detective Pikachu is definitely a film worth seeing. It would have been nice to see even more Pokémon in it, though perhaps there may be more in a sequel? Even so, the plot is fast paced with a couple of twists here and there, although it does get weirder and weirder – but this is a universe where Pokémon exist after all, so why stop there? Combine this with the comedy from Ryan Reynolds and an impressive and moving performance from Justice Smith and you have yourself an enjoyable couple of hours.
Excellent review, Sarah. 👌 One apostrophe missing! 😉