Pokemon: Detective Pikachu

Pokemon: Detective Pikachu is a 2019 American urban fantasy mystery film directed by Rob Letterman. Based on the Pokemon franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, the film is inspired by the 2016 video game of the same name developed by Creatures Inc. for the Nintendo 3DS. The film stars Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, and features the voice of Ryan Reynolds.

The story is set in the big, bustling metropolis of Ryme City, a London-meets-Tokyo sprawling cityscape where humans and Pokemon coexist in harmony. It's a melting pot of different cultures, architectural styles, and of course, a variety of recognizable Pokemon going about their daily lives. This setting is a departure from the standard Pokemon narrative, and it serves as the perfect backdrop for the unique story that unfolds, creating an immersive world unlike any other in the Pokemon universe.

In the midst of this metropolis, we meet Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), a young man with an insurance sales job and a complicated past. Having given up his dream of being a Pokemon trainer due to personal reasons, Tim leads a life vastly different from the imaginative, adventurous journey most would associate with the Pokemon world. Everything changes when he gets news of his detective father's disappearance following a car accident.

Tim travels to Ryme City to investigate his father's disappearance. While in his father's apartment, he comes across a wise-cracking, sassy, and amnesiac Pikachu (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) dressed up as a detective. The twist is, unlike other humans who only hear the iconic "pika pika" from Pikachu, Tim can understand this Pikachu's language, offering a unique and hilarious dynamic that underpins the entire movie.

With the surprising ability to communicate, Tim and Detective Pikachu form a dynamic partnership and embark on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery. As they chase clues through the neon-lit streets of Ryme City, they encounter a variety of different Pokemon characters, each with their unique capabilities, and discover a shocking plot that could destroy the peaceful co-existence of the Pokemon universe and could potentially end the entire Pokemon universe as they know it. In all, the duo have to act as a bridge between the world of humans and Pokemon to restore the peace and harmony in their city.

Meanwhile, Lucy Stevens (Kathryn Newton), an ambitious junior reporter, and her Psyduck become embroiled in the mystery as well. As the stakes get higher, they form an alliance with Tim and Pikachu to navigate through the web of secrets and conspiracies.

The film takes the classic elements of the Pokemon world - Poke Balls, battles, catching and training Pokemon - and expertly weaves them into a story that, while steeped in fantasy, strikes a more real-world tone than the traditional Pokemon narrative.

Ryan Reynolds' voice-over performance as Pikachu lends the character an unexpected depth of personality and charisma, his witticisms and cheeky commentary captivating audiences of all ages. The film charts an emotional journey, balancing the light-hearted comedy of the Pokemon species with the human characters' poignancy.

Visually stunning, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu captures the essence of the beloved animated series and video games by incorporating their fantastical elements into a lifelike, gritty urban landscape. The Pokemon are vividly brought to life with impeccable CGI, their unique characteristics, strengths, and abilities accurately portrayed, all the while upping the ante with impressive action-packed sequences and thrilling chase scenes.

Overall, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu serves as a satisfying addition to the Pokemon franchise and a rewarding cinematic experience for both dedicated Pokemon fans and newcomers to the universe. It masterfully combines the classic elements of the beloved series with a new, original narrative, creating a visually-engaging, well-paced, family-friendly mystery adventure that upholds the core Pokemon theme - friendship, teamwork, and mutual respect between creatures and humans.

Equally important, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu is a significant step in the cinematic evolution of the Pokemon series, brilliantly managing to encapsulate its enduring appeal within a more contemporary, nuanced context. It is a thoroughly enjoyable film that offers both entertainment and emotional depth, a delightful escape into a world where Pokemon truly come to life.