Movie Review: 'Detective Pikachu'

There I stood walking into the theater trying to catch a Lickitung (pink Pokemon with a huge tongue), at the same time getting tickets with my group of Pokemon friends. This movie was a long time coming, and I am glad it did not disappoint. From the beginning to the end, I could not help but try to name all the Pokemon on screen (still a work in progress).

It would be unbelievable if you do not know what Pokemon are; but if you do not, I am here to help. Pokemon are these fictional creatures that have special powers, which are energized by water, fire, earth, etc. There are Trainers (humans) who collect them and have them as partners/buddies. In the movie, they are meant to help humans—kinda how we believe dogs help humans with emotional support, and even some medical issues. That is the concept of Pokemon (and the battles, of course). There is a cartoon with a guy named Ash who wants to be the best trainer and wants to collect all the Pokemon possible.

However, in Detective Pikachu we meet Tim Goodman (Justice Smith) who was informed his father (a detective) has passed. He heads to the city to gather his father's items, and during the journey we learn so much about Tim. On the way, we do meet a reporter, Lucy Stevens (Kathryn Newton), who knows there is a story in the death of the detective, but has no way to verify. In the detective's home, we are introduced to Detective Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) who we find out was Tim's father's Pokemon. Pikachu informs Tim his father is alive and he can help find him. Then the journey begins.

The good thing about this movie is that Pikachu, a caffeine addict, has you laughing from beginning to end. The way he interacts with each person and Pokemon is unique and only helps the movie. They story has a great flow and the characters, as well as the Pokemon, are all there for a reason. I cared about what happened to Tim and I wanted to know more about his father. With the help of Lucy and her Pokemon Psyduck, who has anxiety to the max, you cannot help but laugh and root for this team.

The bad thing about this movie is that there are parts in the movie I found myself saying, "There is no way anyone would have survived that..." but it is a Pokemon world... so I forgave it. Then there were the villains who I wanted more from—both from them and their story. To be honest, after a villain like Thanos, no one is good enough. Maybe on the next installment of a Pokemon live action we will have Team Rocket. That would be great!

What is my rating on Detective Pikachu? I am giving it four out of five stars. The humor was there, I was able to care about the characters, and I will watch it again—and even buy it in Blu-ray once released. If you enjoy this world, you will enjoy this movie. If you were once a child watching Pokemon and collecting Pokemon cards, then you will also enjoy this. This movie was made with family in mind, as well as the fans of this world. Who would not enjoy this? Someone who never watched the show, played the games on the Gameboy, or even tried Pokemon Go when it was released a couple of years back.

As mentioned before, Detective Pikachu is a must watch and a great family film.

P.S. Lickitung was caught. Which Pokemon would be your buddy?