[Review XN] Film 25: POKEMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU

"I don't need a Pokemon. Period. "

"Then what about a world class detective? Because if you want to find your pops, I'm your best bet. "

Are there any of you who were obsessed with Pokemon as kids? Keep up every episode of the anime version that airs every Sunday morning, memorizing the head of each species and its strengths (and also the theme song!), Hoping to make Pokemon trainers the main profession. Is there any? If there is, well, we are the same. Pokemon is part of my childhood and at that time, this self really hoped that they were real so that I could train Charizard, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Pikachu, and two types of Pokemon that could not be expected: Magikarp and Psyduck. Sounds fun! But as the popularity of this anime dims in Indonesia because the local television channel stops the show and I am not a true gamer, the bond with Pikachu and his friends slowly relaxes. No longer follow its development, no longer know the characters who increasingly bejibun (the game version itself has reached the 7th generation!). I only occasionally hear this name when the latest version of the game and the animated film appears which is still very popular in Japan. The relationship with these cut off adorable monsters was then reconciled when Nintendo created a buzz by launching a new edition based on augmented reality that allowed smartphone users to play without having to have a specific game console, Pokemon Go. The existence of this title emits a strong nostalgic aroma which was then cleverly exploited by Warner Bros. to release Pokemon in widescreen movie format based on one of the game titles titled Detective Pikachu.

Unlike the 20 other titles in this franchise that trace the path of animation, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu directed by Rob Letterman (Shark Tale, Goosebumps) sets foot in the realm of live action and fully uses English dialogue because after all this is a Hollywood product. Following the source material, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu also put the Team Goodman (Justice Smith) and Detective Pikachu (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) as the main characters driving the narration. The case they are handling is investigating the case of the death of Tim's father, Harry Goodman, in a mysterious car accident. The team that came from this small town initially did not intend to find out the cause of death of the father because they both have a bad relationship. However, after the team met with an intern reporter, Lucy Stevens (Kathryn Newton), who had suspicions about the case and Pikachu who was a Harry hat friend, the team changed its aim to Ryme City from the beginning of taking Harry's relics to uncovering the accident case. this. What's more, Detective Pikachu that Tim encountered was not an ordinary pokemon because he was able to communicate verbally with the Team and had an above-average thinking ability. Detective Pikachu's expertise in crossing his tongue was able to convince Tim that Harry had not been killed as many people believed he was hiding somewhere. In their efforts to track down Harry's whereabouts, they discover a surprising array of facts that show the true face of Ryme City that looks friendly.

As someone who once had strong ties with this franchise, watching Pokemon: Detective Pikachu on the big screen was apparently able to present an exciting viewing experience. Imagine, you can meet again with a series of favorite pokemon this time created using CGI and gliding throughout the duration. Suddenly I became a fanboy who was excited to see Charmander (even I have a favorite call for him, Kucer), Pidgeoto, Mr. Mime, Jigglypuff, Snorlax, Eeve, and many more. Really evoke memories of childhood. What's more, the Team's character is also told to have a dream of becoming a Pokemon trainer which he later dismissed for one reason or another. Just like me Yes, for someone who likes Pokemon, Detective Pikachu is not difficult to like even though the trigger factor is only nostalgia. But what about those who are still unfamiliar or only understand one or two about the world of the Pika Pika? Well, I can be sure, you will still be able to enjoy it. It is true that Letterman and the script writers did not describe in detail about world building because they believed the public knew it. We are only given information about Ryme City which is described as a city where humans and pokemon live side by side so that pokemon battles are considered illegal activities. But the information is arguably more than enough to bring ordinary viewers into the spectacle that gives this amazing visual expanse to the point that there is a desire to visit Ryme City.

Detective Pikachu himself showed his best phase in half the initial duration when the mystery element was still dominating, even though the dark tone of the story told by the Blade Runner was rather alarming for the young audience. At this point the curiosity was triggered by the cases handled by the main character duo, there was also the feeling of exasperation to see the pokemon wara-wiri in various corners of the city, and there was also an interest in the two protagonists who provided a fun interaction: Detective Pikachu and Tim. Even though it was awkward at first to hear Pikachu speak (especially using the Deadpool voice whose mischievous image has been attached to it!), Ryan Reynolds is able to bring antics, energy and emotions into the yellow electric mouse's voice so it doesn't take much time to fall in love to the character he voiced. Admittedly, he is one of the best things that movies have. That is why when he was absent from the item screen for a moment, the film suddenly played unsteadily. As if you don't have the energy. Ironically, this is what befell the last minute that completely switches to an action mode where the noise should be colored and the climax moment should give a powerful kick. The trigger was the filmmaker's decision to reduce the position of the titular character to make room for Team-Lucy, who barely had chemistry to show off her teeth. They’re boring couple! Which then saved the final round and made Detective Pikachu feel delicious to be eaten as a show of fatigue release entertainment was Psyduck nicknamed "bomb" by Pikachu. Together with Pikachu and Mr. Mime, Psyduck presented a number of moments that made me laugh out loud while watching and made me remember again why I love this plain duck character so much.

Exceeds Expectations ( 3.5 / 5 )