Movies based on video games are known to have ridiculously cheesy effects, stupid plots, bad writing and often inaccurately portray the video game they’re based on. “Detective Pikachu” deviates from this pattern of mediocrity, delivering a flawed, yet enjoyable movie that is especially lovable for fans of the Pokémon franchise.
The main character, Tim Goodman, is one of the best parts about this movie. Tim hears about the untimely death of his father at the beginning, and visits his father’s old apartment to say goodbye. There, he finds a talking Pikachu and gets roped into solving a mystery and learns that his father may be alive.
The realistic and comedic writing of Tim’s character, and Justice Smith’s portrayal of him combine to create a refreshingly genuine character that feels like a real person. The first third of the movie is my favorite because it focuses on Tim’s struggle with his perception of his father and his repression of love for all things Pokémon. Tim lost his dreams and feels like he can’t reconnect with his inner childlike wonder. It’s tragic, but satisfying to see the resolution of his arc later on.
However, the plot of the movie takes a turn for the worst after the exposition. Tim’s conflict of not wanting to help Pikachu, and his ambivalent feelings toward his father are resolved early in the movie. After that, the movie is a mystery plot that relies on semi-ridiculous fantasy elements for shock factor that fails to shock audiences. Furthermore, Tim and Pikachu don’t even solve the mystery; the answers are practically handed to them towards the end. It’s a rather dissatisfying conclusion to a mildly interesting plot, but the movie was still engaging the whole way through.
The only unique thing this film as a live action has is Pokémon, and it’s a factor that “Detective Pikachu” thoroughly takes advantage of. This movie is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for fans of the Pokémon series. “Detective Pikachu” perfectly portrays every single live action Pokémon, and they are shown contributing to society in unique ways; Loudreds beatbox to create a faux a capella dubstep, a Ludicolo serves coffee, and a machamp is a traffic guard. It’s abundantly clear that the producers of this movie did their research on the Pokémon world, including references that you’d only recognize if you read the in-game Pokédex descriptions of the pocket monsters.
It would feel wrong to review “Detective Pikachu” without talking about the title character, Pikachu, voiced by Ryan Reynolds. Pikachu was adequately funny, and even had one or two heartwarming moments. There was one moment in particular where Pikachu described a nonexistent personal problem and his reaction to this problem uncalled for. The conflict seemed to be injected into the plot to add a little more drama, except it didn’t work or make sense. However, this was a minor issue, and didn’t overshadow the movies positive qualities.
“Detective Pikachu” is an absolute delight for Pokémon lovers and enjoyable for those unfamiliar with the Pokémon world. The film has flaws, but they’re not obnoxious enough to ruin the movie. In fact, the movie’s qualities outshine its flaws. Case closed.
