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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
Warner Brothers has done it again! This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to have attended an early screening of their newest film Pokémon: Detective Pikachu nearest to home, and I believe this will become a good non-comic book blockbuster of theirs since last year’s Ready Player One.
In this review, I will briefly talk about the studio’s upcoming film to hit theaters this weekend. Although this article contains no spoilers, take things with a grain of salt, and perhaps watch the film yourself to generate your own opinions. With that said, let’s move on to the review.
Detective Pikachu is directed by Rob Letterman (Shark Tale, Monsters vs. Aliens, Gulliver’s Travels, Goosebumps). The movie follows a young adult named Tim Goodman, played by Justice Smith (Paper Towns, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, The Get Down), who searches for his father Harry Goodman who goes missing after a mysterious accident occurs. He encounters his father’s Pokémon named Pikachu, a reporter named Lucy Stevens (played by Kathryn Newton; Paranormal Activity 4, Blockers), and her Psyduck. Along the way, they uncover a bigger conspiracy than that can put the lives of both humans and Pokémon at risk. I believe this is a really good film. It has some laughs, it has some hearts, and it has a pretty interesting story. However, this does not go without saying that the movie contains some flaws here and there.
With the help of Ryan Reynolds, we get some hilarious dialogue along with dramatic scenes. The movie relies more on story than fight scenes such as trainer battles between Pokémon, but when we do see that, it is such a sight. The story is easy to follow but towards the latter half of the film, the audience comes across a few twists: some predictable, some not. What I loved most about this film was how the studio brings the video game characters to life, much like how they have done with Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One. This Pokémon-packed movie ends in such a way that it could very much stand alone by itself, but if it does happen to be successful enough to start off its own cinematic universe, that would be great, too. I would definitely like to see where this would go in the future.
There are also no mid- or end-credits scenes of any sort. You may want to keep this in mind if you do decide to see the movie and wonder if you should stay back after the end of the film.
Overall, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is an enjoyable film for moviegoers of all ages, and it may just cater to both hardcore fans of the games and newcomers. It is chock-filled with Easter Eggs that fans can pick out and with a movie like this, this live-action film adaptation is sure worth your money. If you don’t believe me, check out the film yourself.
What are your thoughts? Will you see this movie in theaters? Let us know! Pokémon: Detective Pikachu hits theaters later this week. For more Warner Brothers and Pokémon-related news and reviews, follow The Cinema Spot on Twitter (@TheCinemaSpot) and Instagram (@thecinemaspot_).
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
