Pokémon: Detective Pikachu should not work. This film juggles more genres than a troop of amateur circus clowns, but the movie bobbles them far less often than it has a right to. Overcoming a strange combination of clunky exposition and nostalgic “I Spy” world–building, Detective Pikachu somehow introduces viewers to a charming universe to explore. Though its actors are weighed down by wooden dialogue and an overabundance of CGI, the cast delivers earnest performances and terrific comic timing.
Not enough can be said of how much this movie owes Ryan Reynolds. After an incredibly stiff introduction to this world, the film comes to life as soon as Reynolds’s title character appears. As Detective Pikachu, he brings a quirky energy and dryness to the movie’s humor that immediately elevates it. And despite his furry façade, he also nails the dramatic and emotional beats he’s afforded. In many ways, he is Pokémon’s answer to Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Raccoon.
Reynolds also displays fantastic chemistry with Justice Smith, who plays protagonist Tim Goodman. Smith stands in as a wonderful straight man to Reynolds’s Pikachu. Though Tim could easily have come off as a stick-in-the-mud, Smith portrays the character with a jadedness and awkwardness that makes Tim oddly endearing and the perfect candidate for the absurd adventure that follows. While Smith is somewhat hindered by how much exposition he is forced to deliver, he manages to give Tim a heart that could have easily been lost by another actor.
As the first “live action” Pokémon movie, Detective Pikachu is also tasked with making the world of Pokémon look and feel real. Though the scenery often has an Attack of the Clones texture to it, the creatures themselves look rather impressive. Pikachu clearly received the bulk of the animators’ attention, and that time and money were well spent; even the coldest hearted among us would jump at the chance to hug the electric mouse. The level of detail on his fur alone is incredible. Unfortunately, the quality of the CGI interpretations definitely varies. The fluffy and amphibian Pokémon generally look better than those with bare skin, and Mr. Mime and Gengar will haunt my dreams for years to come.
Detective Pikachu is most enjoyable (and coherent) when it’s paying homage to film noir. The movie often feels like a spiritual successor to Who Framed Roger Rabbit and truly shines when it leans heavily into the tropes of detective stories. Having a talking rodent play the part of a Bogart-esque investigator is absurd in the best way possible.
Sadly, that wild joy is largely lost in the film’s third act. The climax of Detective Pikachu is reminiscent of the explosion-heavy, plastic-looking finales associated with many action movies. The antagonist’s big reveal and master plan are mind-numbingly obvious and completely baffling, respectively. The film becomes cartoonish in ways that it had otherwise resisted, which (though not a bad thing in and of itself) makes for a rough transition.
That unevenness is representative of much of Detective Pikachu, but the movie’s strengths largely make up for it. The spectacle of seeing these beloved creatures brought to life makes for a wholesome, enjoyable ride. With plenty of humor and a good dose of heart, this new expedition into the world of Pokémon is a welcome adventure for young fans and nostalgic adults.
