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Pokémon Detective Pikachu

  • Film
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. PicturesPokémon Detective Pikachu
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Time Out says

3 out of 5 stars

This madcap Pokémon adaptation is a tonne of fun until ponderous plotting replaces the anarchy with something you’ve seen a hundred times before.

If you know your Psyduck from your Squirtle, this one may already be on your most-anticipated list for the year. For Pokémon devotees, it ticks all the boxes, from the moment it opens with a grazing Cubone (a pocket monster who wears a skull as a hat – cuter than it sounds) and introduces Ryme City, a place where humans and Pokémon live in harmonious incomprehension. If you aren’t one of those people, imagine watching ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ after a PCP binge and you’ll get the idea.

The dense plot involves genetically mutated Pokémon, a Spielberg-y missing dad and a sinister corporation. Into the mix comes loner Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), who discovers he can talk to Pikachu, the ex-partner of his missing cop dad. Ryan Reynolds provides the furry sleuth’s voice and has a ball, chucking around inappropriate one-liners (‘Are you going to make me into a lampshade?’) with giddy abandon.

If the final act is a bit dull and the anarchic Reynolds factor ends up muzzled, director Rob Letterman makes sure not to lose that self-aware edge altogether, while providing enough Pokémon Easter eggs to satisfy the most demanding fan. He’s also helped invent a whole new movie genre: cuddly noir. 

Phil de Semlyen
Written by
Phil de Semlyen

Release Details

  • Rated:PG
  • Release date:Friday 10 May 2019
  • Duration:104 mins

Cast and crew

  • Director:Rob Letterman
  • Screenwriter:Benji Samit, Dan Hernandez, Derek Connolly, Rob Letterman
  • Cast:
    • Justice Smith
    • Bill Nighy
    • Ken Watanabe
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