In more ways than one, it’s exceptional that that Pokémon phenomenon, which began in 1995, is still as strong as ever and continuous to reinvent itself. The latest incarnation of the franchise is the live-action Pokémon Detective Pikachu , based on a 2016 game of the same name. It’s not the first time Hollywood has adapted a videogame, but it might just be the most successful attempt yet.
Sure, the screenplay meticulously recreates the game’s ethos: complete with plot twists and heart-warming moments. But it’s Ryan Reynolds’ turn as Pikachu that holds it together. As the film unravels, ebbs, flows and et al, it’s the fuzzy little guy that singularly steers this ship along choppy waters. Whether he’s channelling that famous ‘o’ mouthed meme or drowning in self-induced dismay, the chubby yellow Pokémon makes everything worthwhile. Coming in second on this two-item list are the CGI-effected creatures. Fire guzzling lizards, form-changing blobs of goo, violent turtles, purple primate-like things and a whole host of Pokémon excite even the least interested.
- Director: Rob Letterman
- Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, Suki Waterhouse, Omar Chaparro, Chris Geere, Ken Watanabe, Bill Nighy
- Story line: Tim Goodman must collaborate with a talking Pikachu to unearth the mystery behind his father’s disappearance
Tim Goodman (Justice Smith) can mysteriously understand what a particular detective Pikachu (Reynolds) can say. This is highly unusual in Ryme City where everyone has a Pokémon companion who can communicate only with each other in their own language. Goodman’s father has disappeared under sinister circumstances, while uncovering a huge conspiracy. With his trusty anthropomorphic yellow partner, Goodman stumbles upon a gas that makes Pokémon violently berserk, a laboratory where diabolical experiments are conducted and even an underground fight club.
It becomes evident very early on that Reynolds — as the titular character — is primarily there to lure in the uninitiated. The Canadian actor’s voice acting, as witnessed already behind the red mask in Deadpool , is equally if not more effective personifying a cuddly yellow creature. It’s a clever ploy that works to the film’s advantage, especially when the rest of the film is veritable kiddy bait. Director Rob Letterman creates an engaging cyber noir universe with brilliant visuals. But Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit and Derek Connolly’s predictable screenplay often borders on emotionally manipulative eliciting more than a few eye-rolls. In spite of its flaws, Pokémon Detective Pikachu revels in its silly fun with signature Reynolds wisecracks that are in this case PG-rated.
