Pokémon Detective Pikachu: A Nostalgic Trip with Charming Creatures
Pokémon Detective Pikachu offers a nostalgic journey, albeit with a somewhat weak script, but it’s carried by the undeniable charm of its Pokémon characters.
Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), a 21-year-old living in a small town deserted by friends and acquaintances, is lured into the woods by his last remaining friend. Under the guise of a nostalgic “childhood walk,” the friend intends to capture a Cubone. Despite its screeching and bone-wielding antics, Tim reluctantly agrees, throws a Poké Ball, and catches the creature. However, Cubone proves less than friendly, emerging from the ball ready to attack the intruder.
As a child, Tim dreamed of becoming a Pokémon trainer, but life took a different turn. His mother passed away from a severe illness, his father moved away, and his passion faded. Raised by his grandmother, Tim’s relationship with his father grew increasingly distant, eventually turning into a state of mournful indifference. However, life, or rather death, intervenes when Tim receives a call informing him of his father’s death in an accident. To settle the formalities, he must travel to Ryme City, a metropolis where Pokémon and humans live side-by-side, unlike other places on Earth.
Nintendo’s first attempt to adapt its franchise resulted in the infamous “Super Mario Bros.” movie, a critical and commercial failure. That was in 1993, and it wasn’t until the late 2010s that the company dared to try again. This time, they chose a nearly foolproof option: Pikachu and his friends.
The formula followed a classic approach: a competent director (Rob Letterman, known for “Shark Tale” and “Goosebumps”), a well-chosen cast (Bill Nighy and Ken Watanabe in supporting roles), and another technological triumph over common sense. Add a popular voice actor (Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu) and a strong dose of nostalgia, and you have a potential weekend hit, complete with popcorn and younger relatives. While a compelling script might have been secondary, the focus was clearly on delivering a visually appealing and emotionally resonant experience.
The Charm of Pokémon
For those who didn’t collect Pokémon cards or dream of becoming Ash Ketchum (or Misty), the whole concept might seem absurd. And in a way, it is. The typical story of an outsider finding himself and embracing the power of friendship quickly devolves into a convoluted mess of twists, conspiracies, and genetic experiments. The human heart is deceitful, but Pokémon can do anything.
The Pokémon are exceptionally well-crafted, each with their signature move. The interrogation scene with Mr. Mime is particularly brilliant, showcasing tension, physicality, and excellent visual humor. Pikachu carries the entire film, as Justice Smith’s character is limited to portraying confusion and intuitive heroism. However, the humans are not the main attraction. The focus is on the amusing and endearing Pokémon who drive the clumsy plot forward, entertain with lighthearted jokes, and evoke memories of a time when missing a favorite TV show was the biggest tragedy. Watching this film is like stumbling upon a box filled with colorful wrappers, soda caps, trading cards, smooth stones, and other relics from childhood. It’s not essential, but it’s undeniably enjoyable, isn’t it?