The Big Flick: Pokémon Detective Pikachu

Growing up in the 90s, Pokémon was an undeniable force within the global pop culture. Its main mascot, the pudgy, yellow electric mouse Pikachu has been hailed as a beloved pop culture icon and the face of Japan’s “cool” economy alongside Hello Kitty. 

Often seen with its trainer, 11-year old Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town (a fictional town in the Pokémon universe), Pikachu is known for its ability to emit electric shock attacks as well as conjuring a localised thunderstorm at the command of his trainer. 

Although more than 10 Pokémon movies have been produced since 1999, none of the movies depict Pokémon as lead characters. 

But come the month of May, fans of Pikachu are in for a huge treat for their favourite character will be showing off his acting and investigating chops in Pokémon Detective Pikachu. 

Directed by Rob Letterman, (“Goosebumps” and “Monsters vs. Alien”), the screenplay is written by Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, Rob Letterman and Derek Connolly, and based on the “Detective Pikachu” video game developed by Creatures, Inc.

Moreover, the movie also boasts a stellar cast namely Justice Smith as Tim Goodman, Kathryn Newton, Suki Waterhouse, Omar Chaparro, Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe and Bill Nighy. But here’s a surprise that will take you aback – voicing the furry, pudgy detective is the man behind the Deadpool mask, Ryan Reynolds. In a satirical video interview entitled “Outside the Actors’ Studio,” Reynolds revealed that he took a year to “live, breathe and became the Detective Pikachu character.” 

“Bringing Detective Pikachu to the big screen is a privilege that I don’t take lightly,” says Reynolds of his role and involvement in the movie. “Every second my energy is spent making this character come alive with the same exacting standard that the most discerning fans would be come to expect.”

The actor continued:“As many of you know, I vanished into my roles. Here’s a funny anecdote: I was on my way to pick up my daughters at school when I heard I got the role. Well, I didn’t show up – at school. This Detective Pikachu ... he doesn’t know who those two girls are. Who are they?

“[…] I immersed myself completely in the world of Pokémon: I read about them; I lived in its height; I tried to lose 182 pounds to match its weight until the doctors intervened [...],” he enthused.  

  

Well, with all those “sacrifices” and effort put in by Reynolds who knew he would be nominated for an Oscar next year – if the Oscar committee agrees to open a new category.  

Now, here’s how the story goes: In Ryme City, where humans and Pokémon exist in harmony, Harry Goodman, an ace detective goes mysteriously missing. The disappearance prompted his 21-year old son Tim (Justice Smith) to uncover the mystery. 

To his surprise, a talking Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) showed up unannounced at his apartment, offering itself to aid him in the investigation and Tim is the only human who can talk to Pikachu (Japanese voice actor Ikue Otani provides Pikachu’s original voice). It turns out that the wise-cracking yet hilarious and adorable Pikachu was his missing father’s partner. 

Together, the duo embarked on an adventure to unravel the tangled mystery, chasing through the neon-lit streets while encountering a multitude of Pokémon characters and uncovering a shocking plot that could led to the destruction of the harmonious human and Pokémon co-existence. 

So, will Tim and Pikachu be able to rescue Harry? To find out the answer, don't forget to catch Pokémon Detective Pikachu on 9 May 2019 in cinemas nationwide. 

*Photos courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures