Pokemon Detective Pikachu (2019)

Directed by: Rob Letterman | 106 minutes | action, adventure | Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, Bill Nighy, Ken Watanabe, Chris Geere, Suki Waterhouse, Josette Simon, Alejandro De Mesa, Rita Ora, Karan Soni, Max Fincham

If “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” teaches us anything, it’s that you can achieve a lot thanks to a genius marketing campaign. Pairing the witty Ryan ‘Deadpool’ Reynolds with the adorable Pikachu creates a combination that is as striking as it is appealing. The chatty and caffeine-addicted Pokemon stole the show in countless trailers. Less was known about the story or the contribution of other characters. But is a good casting enough for a full-length feature film?

‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ revolves around Tim Goodman (Justice Smith). This somewhat lonely and introverted boy comes into contact with Pikachu (Reynolds) when he goes in search of his supposedly dead father. During this quest, the duo encounter numerous Pokemon and the pair meet journalist Lucy (Kathryn Newton). Together, they discover that shady things are taking place that put the relationship between humans and Pokémons on edge.

Of course, ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ is Reynolds’ movie. The sharp one liners that come out of the mouth of the yellow Pokémon are funny for young and old. For example, clever references to coke are made and some jokes are real thinkers. For the smaller viewers there is also a lot to experience, because countless colorful Pokémon pass by. The film looks neat and colorful. In addition to Reynolds, Smith also stands out. The young adult with daddy issues is portrayed as surprisingly human and respectful. Smith provides the emotional layer in this film which is quite melancholy at times.

Pikachu provides the necessary air, but Smith’s character delivers some heavier moments. His search for happiness and meaning goes deeper than a few moody moods. For a film aimed at children, this at times creates a rather gloomy atmosphere. Sometimes the balance seems to be off. Is ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ a comedy or a drama? The detective part is negligible so this is not a whodunit. Another downside to the unbalanced storytelling is Newton’s role. Lucy is an annoying character that contrasts strongly in childishness with the more serious role of Smith.

What remains is a nice game film adaptation that has its moments. Sometimes this is a genuinely funny film and every now and then this production hits the nerve. Temper your expectations so that you don’t count on a thigh-beater and you will be surprised by this special film.