
Variety
Its box office should demonstrate fans' hunger for a more robust big-screen version of the Pokémon universe, while the disappointment needn't dissuade another team from coming along and doing it right.
Full reviewA young man teams up with Detective Pikachu (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) to find his missing father in this live action family adventure co-written and directed by Rob Letterman (Goosebumps).
When ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, his 21-year-old son Tim (Justice Smith, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) sets out to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s wise-cracking former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu. Uniquely able to communicate with one another, Tim and Pikachu join forces on an adventure to unravel the mystery. Chasing clues together through the neon-lit streets of Ryme City — a sprawling, modern metropolis where humans and Pokémon live side by side — they encounter a diverse cast of Pokémon characters and uncover a plot that could destroy this peaceful co-existence and threaten the Pokémon universe.
LessIts box office should demonstrate fans' hunger for a more robust big-screen version of the Pokémon universe, while the disappointment needn't dissuade another team from coming along and doing it right.
Full reviewReynolds and Pikachu make an inspired combo in a CGI/live-action mash-up that otherwise adheres to a rigidly boilerplate formula.
Full reviewFortunately, the ever-likeable Reynolds is equal to the task, channelling the savvy exuberance (but not the rude bits) of his Deadpool persona.
Full reviewThe inspired casting of the Deadpool actor transforms this from an average Pokémon movie into fun family fare.
Full reviewHowever, while it doesn't quite reach either the nostalgia or quality heights of this past summer's Bumblebee (currently Mr Eight's No. 1 movie), this is finally a Pokemon movie worth catching while seated alongside your kids.
Full reviewMuch like its title character - an adorable little fuzzy yellow whatsit bearing the smart-aleck voice of Ryan Reynolds - "Pokemon Detective Pikachu" is an odd creation powered by contradictory impulses.
Full reviewPokemon Detective Pikachu plays it smart by honouring the decades of lore that have made the critter-catching video game and cartoon series so beloved, while also ignoring all that to create its own unique story.
Full reviewStill, there's enough here to please both Pokemaniacs and the Poke-non.
Full reviewIt's impossible to overstate how much this film owes to Ryan Reynolds. Even if you don't understand Pikachu's world, everyone can understand a great joke superbly delivered.
Full reviewWe aren’t aware of any way to watch Pokémon Detective Pikachu 3D in New Zealand. If we’ve got that wrong, please contact us.
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