Detective Pikachu Reviews: Critics Share Early Thoughts On New Pokémon Film

It sounds like a film even Pokémon skeptics will enjoy.

Critics have begun sharing their thoughts on the upcoming Detective Pikachu film, revealing it’s an enjoyable watch even for those outside of the Pokémon fandom.

A big-screen adaptation of the same name, Detective Pikachu combines CGI animation and live action, in a story that sees a young man teaming up with a Pikachu, voiced by Ryan Reynolds, to get to the bottom of a mysterious disappearance.

The first screenings for the film took place over the weekend, and while reviews remain embargoed for the time being, critics have begun posting their early thoughts about the film on social media. 

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Pikachu as depicted in the film's trailer
Warner Bros

And while most acknowledge it’s probably not the best groundbreaking or thought-provoking film ever made, it sounds like critics have been loving it all the same, even those who weren’t originally fans of Pokémon…

As well as Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds, American actor Justice Smith takes on the lead role of Tim Goodman, the only person who can understand the titular Pikachu, while Rita Ora, Rob Delaney and Suki Waterhouse also appear among the cast.

Meanwhile, DJ and music producer Diplo makes a brief cameo as himself.

The film has been long-awaited by fans of the Pokémon franchise, even though they may have been a little put off when they first saw the CGI Pokémon towards the end of last year (in particular a furry-looking, but still very cute, Jigglypuff).

In fact, four months before it was even released, it was reported that a sequel was already in the works, though little is known about what the follow-up will entail at this time.

Detective Pikachu arrives in UK cinemas on May 10.