Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family-friendly mystery will be most fun for Pokémon fans.
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Pokémon Detective Pikachu
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 55 parent reviews
Based on 69 kid reviews
Kids say the movie offers a fun and imaginative take on the Pokémon franchise, showcasing humor and strong visual effects, particularly enhanced by Ryan Reynolds' voice acting. However, many reviewers caution that it contains intense scenes and mild language that may be inappropriate for younger viewers, making it better suited for teens and above.
- funny moments
- strong visuals
- intense scenes
- mild language
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
POKÉMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU starts with a powerful Pokémon setting fire to a lab and then causing a fatal car accident in Ryme City, a place where the creatures and humans live side by side without battles or trainers. In another city, 21-year-old Tim (Justice Smith) finds out that his estranged father, Harry, a renowned police detective, was killed in the accident, so he travels to Ryme City to collect his father's effects. While staying in his father's apartment, Tim discovers that his father's Pikachu (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) partner -- previously believed dead -- is alive, but without any memories. Even more worrisome? Tim can understand when the Pikachu speaks, while everyone else still hears the typical (and adorable) "Pika Pika." The duo also discovers that a vial of gas found in Harry's place can temporarily turn Pokémon into unhinged rage monsters. Together with help from Lucy (Kathryn Newton), a budding reporter who wants to look into the poisonous gas and what happened the night of the accident, Tim and Pikachu track down Harry's sources around Ryme City, hoping to find answers, wherever they might lead.
Is It Any Good?
Reynolds' performance as the overly caffeinated Pikachu makes this family-friendly mystery fun for more than die-hard Pokémon fans, but it's best for those who've always wanted to catch 'em all. The "adorkable" Smith and Reynolds' hilariously sarcastic Pikachu have a charming, banter-filled chemistry. While the trailer gives away some of the funniest bits (like the scene in which the duo tries to interrogate Mr. Mime and Pikachu has no clue what he's saying), there's plenty for Pokémon lovers to enjoy, particularly moviegoers who know what the various Pokémons' powers are and can understand the subtext of Lucy's Psyduck needing to be kept calm -- or why the Mewtwo is such a legendary and powerful creature. There's even a laugh-out-loud moment when a character sings an angsty rendition of the Pokémon theme song.
While the movie has the most to offer those who are well-versed in the Pokémon universe, it's completely possible for those who don't know their Pikachu from their Pokédex to enjoy, too. There's something irresistibly trippy about seeing all of the computer-generated Pokémon interact with live-action humans, and also with one another. The underground battle featuring an overly dosed Charizard and an overly confident Pikachu is well done, while subsequent action sequences are even more perilous. Despite the number of life-or-death situations, younger viewers should take heart that their favorites will survive "arm in arm [to] win the fight" (in other words, this isn't Avengers: Endgame).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the intended audience for Pokémon Detective Pikachu. Do you need to be familiar with the Pokémon universe to get the story? Which jokes and scenes are funniest for those who do know their Pokédex?
Were any parts of the movie frightening or violent? Why? How much violence or scary stuff can younger viewers handle?
How does Tim and Pikachu's partnership depict teamwork and courage? Why are those important character strengths?
Does the movie make you want to revisit Pokémon games or shows? Is the consumerism the same as with other movies based on established entertainment properties?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 10, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : August 6, 2019
- Cast : Ryan Reynolds , Justice Smith , Suki Waterhouse
- Director : Rob Letterman
- Inclusion Information : Queer Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action/peril, some rude and suggestive humor, and thematic elements
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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