Film Review: Detective Pikachu And The Case of Super Cute Pokémon
While Detective Pikachu can be funny and filled with action-packed sequences, its most powerful key to success is its cuteness. Yet, it is not simply the adorableness of seeing Pokémon consistently splashed across the screen. It is the sweetness of feeling your inner child ready to whip out the old, trading cards from the family attic.
I can honestly say that my childhood had a heart attack when it saw Squirtle on the big-screen. My eyes widened, my mouth grinned, and my heart COMPLETELY submitted to the joyous fantasy of Detective Pikachu. Written and directed by Rob Letterman, the film is visually vibrant and delightful. Your eyes swirl with the charm of seeing magical creatures such as, Jigglypuff, Snorlax, Joltik, and Lickitung roaming around city-streets and trains like it is nothing. Imagine seeing a Pancham on your way to work, or hiking through the forest to catch a Bulbasaur or a Morelull. Alright, if you do not know these Pokemon then know this; every creature I mentioned is precious and makes you want to protect them.
As I watched the magic of human beings living in peace and harmony with these distinct, powerful creatures, I, strangely, began to think of animal rights. I kept on wondering what it would be like to live so harmoniously with the animals of our earth, which, in part, is why Detective Pikachu is a fascinating piece. Ryme City feels like a cross between Tokyo and NYC; it is filled with lights and people of all walks of life, of which each has no problem seeing Ludicolo serve them coffee. In setting a tone that, in this world, humans actually take care of the creatures that share their planet, Detective Pikachu feels instantly warm. Moreover, you admire the mass resistance its characters have towards anyone trying to disrupt the peace between humans and Pokémon/ animals.
As a viewer, you get so caught up in the wonder of this film and the hilariously, lovable Pikachu (played by Ryan Reynolds as further proof he is the King of Dry Wit). Pikachu really is the star of his own film, and the growing love and loyalty between him and Tim (played sweetly by Justice Smith) gives the movie an unbreakable optimism. It was so nice to see a film that felt light and could be as much for adults as it was for kids. Every little girl is going to wish she was Lucy Stevens (Kathryn Newton) and has their own Psyduck. Moreover, Detective Pikachu’s submersion into the Pokémon world helps you be genuinely surprised by plots twists and the random motives of its “bad guy.”
As per usual, there will always be someone that wants to rule over all, but, in Detective Pikachu, the fight is between those that understand you do not control others, you let them choose you to follow. Admittedly, I did not expect the storyline Detective Pikachu delivered, particularly, in terms of its final, plot twists. Yet, this film was born for kids and “big kids” alike, which means any plot twist, eventually, unravels into joy thanks to our heroes. Detective Pikachu Comes out On May 10.
