Film: Pokémon Detective Pikachu
CAST: Ryan Reynolds ( voice) Justice Smith, Suki Waterhouse, Rita Ora, Karan Soni,Ken Watanabe
Director: Rob Letterman
Rating: * * * *
Ryan Reynolds gives a standout performance voicing the titular cuddly wuddly Sherlock wannabe “Pokemon: Detective Pikachu” in this first live-action movie adaptation of the popular multi-media franchise which originated as a Nintendo video game.
Director Rob Letterman’s family-friendly film-noirish goofy actioner showcases the adorable CGI creatures ( or Pocket Monsters as the Japanese call them) with regular folks. Co-written by three screenwriters plus Letterman, the film takes off with the alleged disappearance of detective Harry Goodman, prompting his estranged son, Tim (Justice Smith) to investigate.
Assisting young Tim is Harry’s Pokémon partner, ace Detective Pikachu whose gobbledygook can thankfully, be deciphered by Tim. Soon, they stumble on a conspiracy to destroy the main setting of the surreal narrative, Ryme City, billionaire Howard (Bill Nighy) Clifford’s razzle-dazzle megapolis where everyone lives So Happy Together. (just like the Beatles song you know)
Team spirit and courage however are best exemplified in the detective duo who find an ally in rookie reporter Lucy Stevens (Kathryn Newton) to unravel the zany goings-on. The outcome is pleasingly predictable – but the CGI is as spectacular as Reynolds channelling Deadpool.
