This is the live action Pokémon film I wanted as a kid. This world they’ve created feels real and immersive. While the effects themselves aren’t spectacular, the 3D designs of the Pokémon are incredible. Even the bizarre casting of Ryan Reynolds as Pikachu is so strange that somehow it just works. However, this film isn’t perfect. It doesn’t quite distance itself enough from typical kid movie formula, there are some occasional pacing issues, and the twists and turns for a mystery are, with one exception, rather predictable. But the kid in me was consistently entertained by this colorful and funny adventure, and I wanted to see more of this world. This film will mean more to Pokémon fans, but is very entertaining on its own.

Rating: 4/5