Detective Pikachu Reactions Confirm That Everyone Still Loves Pikachu

The verdict is in: folks are loving Detective Pikachu.


Journalists, critics, and influencers descended upon Tokyo to check out one of the opening screenings of the initial live-action Pokémon movie (with a lot of help from CG characters, obviously, and it also looks like they came way happier than a Meowth with a handful of shiny coins. In case you're not up on Pokémon lore, that's super happy.


The movie, which follows a young man named Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), centers around a talking Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) who also happens to be a detective. Once Tim meets Pikachu, who apparently only speaks to him, they team up on a mission to identify what's happened to Tim's missing father. Certainly, there is a lot more to the story than that, and an abundance of Pokémon to look out for. It looks like an absolute joy for fans of the series, and we can't wait to be able to see it. Luckily, it looks like early reactions reflect that positivity.


IGN's Terri Schwartz gushed over how adorable Pikachu was, noting that the movie totally nails the world of Pokémon."


IMDb's Ian de Borja echoed Schwartz's sentiments about how Pikachu, calling the movie itself "painfully pretty insisting it forces you to "wish you lived in the world of Pokémon more than you likely already do."


Comicbook's Megan Peters called the movie a "heartfelt and authentic take on the franchise."


Collider's Dave Trumbore came out of the movie wishing Ryme City was real because he "really wants a Pokémon pal."


Nerdist's Dan Casey called flick "pure joy begin from the beginning to the end noting there were "plenty of deep cuts for Pokémon fans."


JoBlo's Paul Shirey called it dumb, heartfelt, and chock full of Pokémon."


YouTubers Simon and Martina called the movie "delightful," noting that it "brings your preference Pokémon to life in a super vivid and very real way."


It sounds like Detective Pikachu is going to be a must-see any time it comes to theaters on May 17. Be prepared for its debut by checking out our guide to some of the Pokémon you'll visualize hanging out in the movie.