Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)

Richards finds the film entertaining despite weak plotting and heavy-handed exposition. He especially praises Ryan Reynolds’s comic performance and the odd-couple chemistry with Justice Smith.

Rose finds the film entertaining family fare, though its mystery and human characters are fairly ordinary. He singles out Ryan Reynolds’s comic energy for giving the movie the spark it needs.

The critic finds the film fitfully entertaining and better than expected, though its elements never fully come together. Ryan Reynolds’s voice performance is singled out for bringing Pikachu an effective balance of wit and pathos.

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O'Sullivan finds the film a surreal, enjoyable comedy, with Ryan Reynolds especially well suited to Pikachu. She also praises its intricate landscapes and says the gags are genuinely funny.

Strong finds the film silly but sincere, a warm and enjoyable nostalgia trip that never overstays its welcome. She praises the charm of Pikachu and the chemistry between Reynolds and Smith, while noting that the Pokémon world feels underexplored.

The review finds the film charming and says its focus on making a good film, rather than strict brand faithfulness, is a strength. It cautions that viewers unfamiliar with Pokémon may get lost in its colourful world.

The critic finds the adaptation fun, but says its plotting becomes ponderous and familiar. The playful anarchy is what initially makes it entertaining.

The critic finds the film entertaining but held back by a boilerplate formula. Reynolds’s wisecracking Pikachu is singled out as its greatest asset.

Walsh finds the film silly fun overall, though its story becomes baffling. She praises the committed, playful world-building and neo-noir atmosphere.

The review finds the film an efficiently structured but ultimately unresolved brand exercise. It praises Ryan Reynolds’s casting as Pikachu for balancing the character’s adorable appearance with absurd humor.

Debruge finds the film a half-baked, disappointing adaptation that requires familiarity with the franchise. He praises the Charizard battle as a glimpse of the action the film could have delivered, while criticizing the effects and the Pokémon’s unconvincing integration into the live-action world.

Ebiri finds the film mostly uninspired and neither funny nor committed enough to its genre conceit. He praises the contrast of Pikachu’s cuddly appearance with Ryan Reynolds’s snarky voice, while finding the Pokémon themselves fun to watch.

Wilkinson finds it an entertaining, funny adaptation that should appeal to children and adults. She especially praises the lived-in world and the actors’ seamless interaction with the CGI Pokémon.

Monique finds the film an enjoyable, if predictable, family-friendly romp. She praises its neon-noir cinematography and Ryan Reynolds’s infectious performance as Pikachu.

The critic finds it a fun, charming film, though its story lacks bite and feels somewhat predictable. They praise the vivid design of Ryme City and the playful interplay among the main characters.

Oliver finds the film an entertaining, visually striking adventure, despite its uneven narrative and tonal shifts. He especially praises the world-building and the believable chemistry between Ryan Reynolds’s Pikachu and Justice Smith’s Tim.

The critic finds the film an enjoyable, endearing family movie, though its pacing and muddled tone make it a slight letdown. The outstanding animation is praised, even as Pokémon are too often hidden or shown only in fleeting glimpses.

The critic finds it an enjoyable but flawed film, with a bizarre plot and uneven visual effects. Reynolds and Smith’s chemistry and the bond between their characters provide the movie’s strongest asset.

The review finds the film mostly effective, though its convoluted plot and dull protagonist keep it from fully embracing its unusual premise. It praises the vibrant, richly realized world and the scene-stealing Pokémon, especially Pikachu and Psyduck.

Byrd finds the film charming and inventive at first, but says it declines into a generic blockbuster. He praises the lively world-building and the way the Pokémon and noir influences are blended.

The review finds the film witty and enjoyable, but says its rushed finale keeps it from fully evolving. It praises the chemistry between Justice Smith and Ryan Reynolds, which carries the first half.

Dunn finds the film visually striking but ultimately unsatisfying and confusing. He praises the neon-lit, rain-slicked look of Ryme City, while faulting the convoluted plot and weak blend of noir and Pokémon charm.

Duralde finds the film overstuffed, underwritten and difficult to follow, with little wit or engagement for newcomers. He praises a striking forest sequence, while noting that Ryan Reynolds works hard to sell the dialogue.