Wanting To Be The Very Best?!

Ever since the initial recognition of Japanese animation in the West within the era of the 1980’s, both the anime and video-game mediums have, in many ways, coalesced with one another to create a globalised outlook that has permeated our own understandings of now known Japanese terms. Indeed, from the way in which Hayao Miyazaki’s Laputa: Castle in the Sky subtly references the many story aspects that make-up the plethora of Final Fantasy games-titles to the just said video-game franchise enriching its recognition by also making fully-fledged CG-centric features of their own, with Advent Children and Kingsglaive, it’s evident to perceive just how this  specifically aforesaid amalgamation of animation and gaming is seen as a partnership that served to reinforce the predisposition and iconography of Japanese culture. However, if there’s one concept which adoringly harmonises its beloved animated-series with the addictive surplus of games it releases year-after-year, it’s that of Satoshi Tajiri’s Pokémon franchise. Originated as an idea that saw the younger generation collecting, training and battling the monsters they found on their Game Boy devices, Pokémon naturally grew into a phenomena that broke boundaries in becoming not only a staple RPG for all demographics to be captivated by, but also an anime series that has consistently developed and enthused different generations throughout its twenty year longevity. For all its long-lasting appeal, Pokémon advocates a charming distinction that many concepts of similar ilk have tried to emulate and has now evolved its material into a live-action platform in the form of Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. Rob Letterman’s said video-game adaptive feature marks the first time in which we’re seeing these creatures for the first time in ‘real-time’ so to speak. However, as intriguing as this proposal sounds – considering The First Movie debuted over twenty years ago – does Detective Pikachu upset the established in order by being a good video-game adaptation? Or, does it come across as a film that belongs in the 90’s?…

Ace Detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21 year-old son, Tim, to investigate what happened to him. Aiding in this search is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth Pikachu. Soon realising that they’re uniquely equipped in working as a team, both Tim and Pikachu join forces to unravel this tangled mystery; with Tim being the only human to talk and understand to the electric-mouse Pokémon. However, with Tim’s disdain for all Pokémon and not caring about his dad’s well-being before his disappearance, what mysteries will this unlikely duo uncover?!… 

As some of you may have taken away from the introduction, Pokémon was, along with other entertainment concepts, a franchise which me and my brothers inherently latched onto when we were growing-up. It was a pastiche mode of means which not only meant we were able to play the original Game Boy Colour games of Red, Blue or Yellow, but it was also a concept that found its way through a television show which, although had a rather simplistic story structure for each of the episodes it displayed, demonstrated an idea of a trainer wanting to be the very best in an enthusiastic and engaging manner. Indeed, it took the addictive aspects of the original games and coherently arranged these elements in a way that made you think, ‘what would it be like if  Pokémon were real?!’. This is very much something a feeling which Rob Letterman, known for his abstract film-making ventures of Gulliver’s Travels and Goosebumps, tries to convey through the CG construction of different Pokémon. As subtly jarring as it may seem for those, like me, who know Pokémon through the games and anime show, Letterman’s production team perform a relatively consistent job in amalgamating these beloved creatures with real performers. What was necessary from Letterman to portray in relation to the shown Pokémon is this sense of familiarity and not this feeling of confined bewilderment where you’re left questioning why this certain Squirtle or Heracross looks awkwardly dissimilar to their video-game/anime counterparts. Never is there a moment where you have this doubt in your mind whilst watching and what results is a rather nostalgic experience, for those acquainted, that makes you comfortable and accepting for what’s to come. In this regard then, like how Angelina Jolie brought about the same adaptive intimacy in Simon West’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Detective Pikachu can be seen as a rather faithful video-game adaptation since it takes what’s predominately known for other entertainment mediums and are convincingly displayed in a world/premise that makes sense for their existence. From the animated and charming looks which Pikachu often exhibits to the likes of Psyduck looking like as he’s going to explode thanks to his known headaches, it’s clear that the makers of said film have thought about the intricate detailing of some of the more recognised creatures. Non of the same however can be said in relation to the other seen Pokémon. As much as its an ambitious feat to see Pokémon within a fairly realistic landscape, there’s much apathy beneath the surface when its comes to not only showcasing a few in a lethargic light, but also how damning it is to see a few of the same creatures within a setting that’s supposed to see humans and Pokémon living together. There’s inevitably no diversity when it comes to showcasing all of these creatures which is rather disappointing considering the effort the film-makers put into detailing the likes of Pikachu, Charmander, Bulbasaur and others that familiar and casual fans of the franchise are aware of. A perfect example of this seen is through a specific shot in the final act where ravaging Pokémon are filling the streets of Rime City where we see a few of the same types of creatures rather than others from the different era’s of the game. As ambitious as this films is, and how Letterman does a rather good job in seamlessly merging Pokémon and people alike, why couldn’t they have had shown different monsters from the different games rather than showcasing the ones that everyone knows?

Much confusion can also be found within the context of Detective Pikachu since it not only upholds an awkward plot-line similar to that of Disney’s Zootopia, where creatures are being ravaged by a mysterious substance within a utopia where people and Pokémon live harmoniously with one another, but it also centralises its story around a character – in the form of Justice Smith’s Tim Goodman – that isn’t that likeable nor compelling. By no means is this the said actors fault, who does a rather good job and interacting with a CG Pikachu which the central demographic will enjoy. However, it’s the way in which the character is written in terms of his background that doesn’t necessarily mesh with a premise involving creatures from a adhered video-game. Indeed, there’s some ovation in the sense that Letterman constructs interweaving character arcs and narrative twists embedded with raw emotion that are somewhat devoid in video-game adaptations such as this. However, considering the methodical pace in which the narrative is structured, this very combination of an attemptive serious story and the lightheartedness of Pokémon just doesn’t work in a spectacular way. It’s as if Letterman has made bread with no yeast. You have a contemptible context that’s fine for its target audience, but it particular have a spectacle of what you might associate with Pokémon; with it being a popular anime and video-game series. Much of this waned down by the superfluous application of expository and flashback sequences that don’t add significance to the contrary whatsoever given the repellent nature of the central character despising Pokémon through his past endeavours with his now missing dad. Its never truly explained as to why Tim despises them so much either. Given that this is loosely based on a game where monsters battle each other, wouldn’t it have been more rewarding if there was an emphasis on Pokémon’s known battling from the games that neatly concluded the mysterious plot line of the missing father and Tim’s neglect of the monsters? No. Instead, much of the denouement consists of a formulaic and predictable resolution and climax that oddly mirrors Tim Burton’s Batman. While there are some story elements that reference certain Pokémon trivia, like The First Movie and obviously the game in which this film takes its name from, it can’t be denied that there were some referential aspects that could have easily been explored. For instance, since the name of the gas that infect some of the other creatures in the feature is titled “R”, wouldn’t have been great fan-service if there was an appearance of Team Rocket? Maybe even seeing Jessie, James and Meowth? Or even a nod to the likes of Ash or other known names of Pokémon that could have sparked a possible sequel.

With it titled Detective Pikachu, much of the films emphasis is naturally going to focus on the aforesaid electric-mouse who is charmingly voiced by Ryan Reynolds who brings forth a rather toned-down Deadpool charisma. With the structure of the story being told in a disciplined manner, Reynolds as Pikachu undoubtedly provides the appeal and inherently contrasts well with the downtrodden and un-relatable Tim Goodman, enacted by Justice Smith. However, as much as Reynolds’ presence as a Pikachu who comically comments on every detail in every situation they’re faced with in trying to find Tim’s missing dad, it can’t be helped to mention in contrast that the humour that’s used is a little too much to comprehend; almost to the point where it’s used in an overstated manner. Much of what Pikachu says isn’t always laugh-out-loud funny like Reynolds’ admired role as Deadpool and the quips are never…super-effective…😏. In all seriousness, with the jokes that he provides being hit-or-miss, it results in Reynolds’ performance being moot and not significant as to what the trailers for this film displayed. As much as Pikachu’s design is perfect, which fits-in with the fan-service that Letterman provides, much of the same can’t be said of Reynolds’ voice at times, even though he does add that fun value to the feature. With the plot also being formulaic, the performances similarly fall into a void which is rather straight-forward and generic. That said, it’s credit to the rest of the cast, with the likes of Kathryn Newton, Ken Watanabe and Bill Nighy, that provide enthusiasm to their respective stale roles and rather accommodate to the younger generation watching the film.

Walt Disney once described the art of animation as a voyage of discovery, into the realms of colour, sound and motion. As something which once thrived in its own animated majesty from its inception in the 90’s, one can’t help but wonder what Rob Letterman’s Pokémon: Detective Pikachu would have looked like if it stuck to its franchise roots. Even the end credits hinted at such a possibility and could have been a visual means that made the more sombre aspects of this features narrative more compelling. Indeed, if it wasn’t for Ryan Reynolds’ efforts in charismatically providing an innately sill and sharp persona as Pikachu, then much of what makes-up of the film already wouldn’t be ultimately satisfying or that enjoyable to perceive. As commendable as it is that Letterman does try and provide a context that is interweaving different arcs and sub-stories like a fun buddy-cop film, much of this approach doesn’t always stick thanks to the unnecessary use of dubious exposition and flashbacks to character plot-points that aren’t explained; in relation to Tim’s hatred of Pokémon. In having a character in the form of Tim who detests Pokémon, only to realise in the final act that they’re not all that bad, makes it uncomfortably hard to relate to his internal situation. With that said however, Detective Pikachu isn’t the worst video-game adaptation out there and does things that are faithful in the eyes of those who were brought-up with the said game and anime. Curiously, I wonder when or if they’ll continue to make similar Pokémon movies?…

On that note, it’s time for me to end this week’s Film Review. As always everyone, thank you for reading my latest Film Review of Rob Letterman’s Pokémon: Detective Pikachu and if anyone happens to have an opinion in my review or on the film itself, you’re more than welcome to share your thoughts down below. For next week, I’ll be discussing the latest John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and how Chad Stahelski’s action-epic compares to its predecessors. With that said, thank you once again for reading my latest Blog Entry and I hope you’re all having a nice end to your week! Adieu! 😃😎👦🐁☈💥 

★★★☆☆ – Alex Rabbitte