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Detective Pikachu First Reactions: Pokémon Fans Will Love Cute, Thrilling, Heartfelt Crowd-Pleaser

Could the Ryan Reynolds movie break the video game curse? First social reactions suggest it might!

by | April 24, 2019 | Comments

Leave it to Pikachu to save the video-game-based movie genre – a genre that has not yet had a Fresh movie ever.

Yes, we repeat: EVER.

But the tide could be about to turn if first reactions from the Tokyo premiere of Pokémon Detective Pikachu are to be believed. Journalists and critics in Tokyo for the premiere, and a subsequent press junket, have been posting their thoughts on the new film, and the word is that the flick is “painfully cute,” action-packed, and hilarious.

The movie features Ryan Reynolds as the voice of the titular wannabe detective, and Justice Smith as the kid with whom he teams up to solve a mystery in Ryme City. Here are some of the first reactions to the movie:


How cute is Pikachu?

I just got out of #DetectivePikachu and my first thought is OMG HOW DID THEY MAKE PIKACHU SO CUTE!!!
Terri Schwartz, IGN

And Pikachu? He was absolutely adorable.Relentlessly cute. Pokémon fans, prepare yourselves! – Simon and Martin, simonandmartina

In summary: I want to cuddle Pikachu.
– Marah Eakin, AV Club


Detective Pikachu

(Photo by @ Warner Bros.)


Will Pokémon fans love it?

#DetectivePikachu is a pure joy from start to finish. It’s a heartfelt, relentlessly charming story filled with excellent worldbuilding. Plenty of deep cuts for fans.
Dan Casey, Nerdist

It completely nails the world of Pokémon, and just seeing their amazing live action creature designs is worth the price of admission. If you love Pokémon, you’ll love this movie.
– Terri Schwartz, IGN

Just saw the #DetectivePikachu movie and it was delightful! It brings your favourite Pokémon to life in a super vivid and very real way. Simon and Martin, simonandmartina


BUT DO I HAVE TO BE A FAN?

It’s a hit for #DetectivePikachu. Pokemon fans new & old will rejoice in this heartfelt and authentic take on the franchise.
– Megan Peters, Comic Book

Perfectly suited for fans and non-fans alike. 
– Paul Shirey, Joblo.com

Pokémon obsessives will be pleased, but Poke novices will be able to follow along—and will maybe even get sucked into the whole world.
– Marah Eakin, AV Club


Detective Pikachu

(Photo by @ Warner Bros.)


WAIt, And I’m Gonna Cry?

It’s a heartfelt, relentlessly charming story filled with excellent worldbuilding. Plenty of deep cuts for #Pokémon fans. There must’ve been a grass-type in the theater because I got surprisingly misty-eyed in parts.
– Dan Casey, Nerdist

@Legendary and @wbpictures have nailed this live-action adaptation. I laughed hard and felt my heart swell. This Pokemon film is just the start!
– Megan Peters, Comic Book

Silly, heartfelt and chock full of Pokémon, which makes for some great world building in what is sure to spin off into one hell of a franchise.
– Paul Shirey, Joblo.com

Just saw #DetectivePikachu here in Tokyo and, man, I wish Ryme City was a real place because I really want a Pokémon pal.
– Dave Trumbore, Collider


Pokémon Detective Pikachu is in theaters everywhere May 10, 2019

#1
Adjusted Score: 84637%
Critics Consensus: Pokémon Detective Pikachu may not take its wonderfully bizarre premise as far as it could have, but this offbeat adaptation should catch most -- if not all -- of the franchise's fans.
Synopsis: Ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son, Tim, to find out what happened. Aiding in the... [More]
Directed By: Rob Letterman

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