Detective Pikachu reactions praise the adorable, heartfelt live-action flick

April 24th 2019, 10:07am

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

This week the Avengers will begin their box office domination, the first potentially huge movie of May, POKEMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU, will look to take the crown away and hit the top of the charts. The first live-action Pokémon movie is bringing to life the iconic series in ways no one has ever seen before, and there’s a ton of pressure for it to be the very best. Several critics and journalists were on hand to watch the movie before the rest of us have, and now they’ve taken to social media to throw all their love, praise and hugs at this movie that apparently hits all the notes to be a big ol’ hit.

Many of the journalists, including our own Paul Shirey, walked out of the movie completely in love with the world of Pokémon, with the new movie starring Ryan Reynolds as the title yellow sleuth and Justice Smith as his human companion acting an adorable, funny and heartfelt start to what could be a massive cinematic franchise. Not only will fans of the video game and anime series love every moment as they try to find all the easter eggs and track down the *hundreds* of Pokémon, but the reactions say even non-fans will find something to love, especially the adorable Pikachu at the center.

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Had a fun time with Detective Pikachu. 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. Perfectly suited for fans and non-fans alike. #DetectivePikachu @DetPikachuMovie @joblocom

— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) April 24, 2019

CGI is on point and it’s great seeing these creatures come to life in a live-action setting. @VancityReynolds is the ace in the hole and he brings plenty of laughs to the insanely adorable yellow ball of furry electricity. He’s perfect for Pikachu. @DetPikachuMovie @joblocom

— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) April 24, 2019

I just got out of #DetectivePikachu and my first thought is OMG HOW DID THEY MAKE PIKACHU SO CUTE!!! 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. pic.twitter.com/Z7oS42JlDd

— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) April 24, 2019

Just saw #DetectivePikachu here in Tokyo and, man, I wish Ryme City was a real place because I really want a Pokémon pal. pic.twitter.com/4cvtG0Uquu

— LoTron Prime Dave Trumbore (@DrClawMD) April 24, 2019

#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 #Pokémon fans. There must’ve been a grass-type in the theater because I got surprisingly misty-eyed in parts. pic.twitter.com/LMKp6TG1a1

— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) April 24, 2019

It‘s a hit for #DetectivePikachu. Pokemon fans new & old will rejoice in this heartfelt and authentic take on the franchise. @Legendary and @wbpictures have nailed this live-action adaptation. I laughed hard and felt my heart swell. This Pokemon film is just the start! pic.twitter.com/I0R9fSHpfU

— Megan Peters (@meganpeterscb) April 24, 2019

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Oh, and keep an eye out for easter eggs and its most relatable Pokemon, Psyduck. I am enamored.

— Megan Peters (@meganpeterscb) April 24, 2019

Even if you aren't a fan of Pokemon, you will be able to follow the story of #Detectivepikachu. It was made to be a fun, cute story & heartwarming. The world of Pokemon is so detailed that it feels like they're real. #Pikapika pic.twitter.com/6eopbmP4Z2

— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) April 24, 2019

#DetectivePikachu also does a perfect job of balancing moments for the 20 year fans of #Pokémon to gush over without leaving new fans behind!

— Ian de Borja (@iandeborja_) April 24, 2019

My reactions to #DetectivePikachu: so cute! Fun for the whole family! Pokémon obsessives will be pleased, but Poke novices will be able to follow along—and will maybe even get sucked into the whole world. In summary: I want to cuddle Pikachu.

— Marah Eakin (@marahe) April 24, 2019

Again, these are just the early reactions and we will have to wait a bit before the reviews start to hit, which shouldn't be too long if everyone is already falling in love with the movie. Video game-based movies often have a bad rep at the box office and with critics, but DETECTIVE PIKACHU will likely buck the trend. Already I can see it being the best of the bunch, and analysts are placing it on track for a nigh-$100 million opening weekend, as it goes on to become the highest-grossing VG adaptation of all time. Keep in mind, these expectations were in place *before* these good reviews came out.

POKEMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU hits theaters May 10.