Let’s face it: finding a movie everyone can enjoy is tough. People have different tastes and interests, and it’s hard for films to meet everyone’s expectations all the time. This often proves especially true for video game adaptations, which mostly appeal to fans of the game. However, some movies provide a fantastic viewing experience for just about anyone, and Detective Pikachu is a prime example.
Based on the 2016 video game, the film tells the story of Tim who’s tasked with handling final affairs on behalf of his late father, Harry. Along the way, he meets his father’s Pokémon partner, a Pikachu who can communicate with him. When the duo discovers that Harry’s death might not be all it seems, they set out to uncover the mystery and unlock secrets that could change their world. It’s a fun, wild story that’s perfect for everyone—even people who have never played a Pokémon game. Here are five reasons why Detective Pikachu is ideal for any family movie night.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
The Visual Effects Were Better Than Anyone Expected
Via: Legendary Pictures
One of the areas where video game movies struggle is visuals; since most games feature creatures, settings and phenomena that are impossible here on Earth, their subsequent films rely heavily on CGI. Not many creators can hit the mark for fans, but Detective Pikachu brought their A-game to the table.
The movie’s visual effects team masterfully rendered each Pokémon with realistic-looking features while staying true to the original game designs. From fluffy critters like Aipom and Ludicolo to the scaly likes of Bulbasaur and Charizard, the Pokémon are bright and colorful yet down-toned enough to look natural alongside the human cast. Not every design choice is perfect, but the movie overall did a fantastic job at bringing our favorite characters to life. This also extends to battle scenes and action sequences, where the creators flawlessly captured Pokémon moves.
It Bridged the Gap Between Fans and Newcomers
A timeless series that’s been blowing players’ minds since the mid-1990s, Pokémon has so much established lore that newcomers might feel intimidated. It’s a lot like starting a TV show halfway through season 4—by this point, you’ve probably missed so much that you just can’t enjoy the show the same way. Fortunately, Detective Pikachu made a point of explaining enough lore so that anyone can jump right into the movie.
The film starts a lot like the games do: we meet our protagonist, see gorgeous scenes of wild Pokémon in their natural habitat and are treated to a ‘tutorial’ on how to catch one. The movie makes it clear right from the get-go that Pokémon are powerful, otherworldly beings that play a huge role in human life, and the opening scenes in Ryme City further solidify this. Viewers don’t need to know the history or type of each Pokémon; the movie shows us who they are and what they do, so all you need to do sit back and enjoy the show.
The Casting Choices Actually Fit The Story
One of the worst things a film can do is give the audience a cast that doesn’t fit the mold. Whether it’s adults playing high schoolers or wooden, emotionless actors, poor casting can immediately shatter the suspension of disbelief. Detective Pikachu shines in terms of its casting because the actors are very believable in their roles.
Tim and Lucy are played by young adults, making the characters come off as natural and relatable. The movie’s villain is none other than legend Bill Nighy, whose extensive experience with antagonistic roles makes him the perfect choice for the job. Even Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu was a phenomenal choice; Reynolds was technically playing the part of Tim’s father, and he knocked it out of the park. The character interactions make sense, the dialogue is believable, and the cast did a great job breathing new life into classic tropes.
It Gave Us A Surprising Example of Real Family Bonding
Underneath the mystery and action-packed battles, the movie shows audiences a genuine father-son duo who work through their differences together. Initially, Tim is distant and harbors negative feelings toward his father, and he slowly opens up to Pikachu about these feelings. Pikachu offers guidance and support in return, even remarking that Harry would be very proud of his son. Later, we see Pikachu abandon Tim in an attempt to avoid hurting him, which gives us a deeper look at why his father wasn’t around and where Tim’s emotional distance comes from.
Of course, Pikachu is Harry, so the two inadvertently reconcile and come closer together. In the end, Tim realizes how much he missed his father and decides to stay with him, which brings Harry to tearful delight. Their relationship isn’t perfectly wholesome, and that’s what gives it so much emotional weight. Through Tim and Harry, we see a real example of family bonding in all its raw, sometimes difficult glory.
The Puns, Easter Eggs & Humor Were Honestly Phenomenal
The movie uses humor and Easter eggs to appeal to viewers from all walks of life. From Pikachu singing the Pokémon TV show theme song to Jigglypuff putting a diner patron to sleep with music, there’s no shortage of fun references sprinkled throughout the movie. Some locations featured onscreen (like the Hi-Hat Cafe) use Pokémon in their signage, and we see Pokémon working alongside humankind—Machamp is seen directing traffic in Ryme City, and a news broadcast shows a squad of Squirtles working with a crew of firefighters.
Even if you’re not familiar with the series, the film is just hilarious—scenes like Tim’s face-off with a Mr. Mime and Pikachu’s banter with Psyduck are sidesplitting regardless of your experience with Pokémon, and the movie is great with comedic timing. Ryan Reynolds and Justice Smith are a riot together, and the characters are naturally funny without trying too hard. The whole flick is packed with laughs, Pokémon puns and callbacks to the game for eagle-eyed fans.
