The Pokemon universe has grown into a cult phenomenon. With dozens of video games and cartoons, it was only a matter of time before it received its film adaptation. The question really was will Detective Pikachu go the route of the childhood scarring Mario movie, or will it receive a proper adaptation? With CGI reaching what can only be believed as it’s apex in technology, the real challenge would be creating a story and writing a movie that honors the Pokemon fandom. When all is said and done Detective Pikachu delivers a product Pokemon fans can be proud of.

Since the first trailer aired there has been much speculation as to why Ryan Reynolds (Detective Pikachu) would voice the main Pokemon. With a role as large as Deadpool, where you also don’t see the actors face, it is hard to disassociate his voice with the “Merc with a mouth”. After the first act ends, it becomes less of an issues as you get more into the plot of the movie. The main actors, who look a lot younger than the age you have to assume they are in the movie, do a decent job considering half the costars are CGI. Justice Smith (Tim Goodman) plays a young man who has turned his back on Pokemon and also his father. When his father passes, he finds himself in the middle of a mystery. Played with some comic relief, Smith does a pretty good job of staying grounded to the story while staying light hearted for a childrens Pokemon movie. His costar Kathryn Newton (Lucy Stevens) does a similar job but comes off much younger than the character she was tasked to play. Bringing some veteran acting experience is Bill Nighy (Howard Clifford) who plays the man responsible for creating a world where humans and Pokemon coincide. His presence brings a level of respect to tell a story involving the imaginative world of Pokemon.

Detective Pikachu is a good movie if you go in with the proper expectations. There are enough easter eggs for true fans to have multiple viewings, especially since the Pokemon look amazing. The plot is told well and has a true mystery feel, but at times gets a little cheesy. This is when you realize you are a grown adult watching a children’s movie and check yourself. The almost 5 year old Cantina Kiddo I went with was able to follow the story and truly enjoyed the film, and honestly it was enjoyable for everyone in the theatre. If you try to hold Detective Pikachu up to a higher standard than any other children’s film you may be disappointed, however if you enter knowing this movie was made for all audiences and try to enjoy yourself in a Pokemon filled world, you will leave quite pleased. Leave your comments or call the voicemail (815-905-1414) and let us know how you feel.

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