This month is a big one for “Pokémon” fans. Based on every new glimpse of the film, “Detective Pikachu” looks like it might be one of the most visually stunning “Pokémon” movies of all time, not to mention that the charismatic Ryan Reynolds will lead the ensemble cast as the electric sleuth. Just in time for the announcement of what will probably be a new flagship Pokémon game, a new trailer has just dropped.
In the latest trailer, Ryan Reynolds’ “Detective Pikachu” is dealing with a tough case of stage fright. He has entered the arena to fight a Charizard, but he just can’t summon his signature Thunderbolt move. “I can’t do it when people are watching,” Pikachu admits, embarrassed. As Charizard begins to come out, clearly Pikachu has second thoughts because he asks Justice Smith’s Tim to get him the “hell” off the cage before Charizard attacks.
Pikachu’s use of the word “hell” in this newly released clip has stunned fans so much they have taken to social media to express their shock. For example, one fan tweeted: “When Pikachu said hell, I instinctively looked around to see if my parents were in the room.”
This live-action outing shows off a world where Pokémon exist alongside humans, but apparently “Pokémon” merchandise is just as important in that universe as it is in ours. So far it is the trailer that has captivated us, but will the movie capture our hearts? We will know for sure on March 10. For now, let’s count down the top things fans are excited to see in this upcoming movie.
Pokémon Legend
The “Pokémon” franchise has produced an astounding 21 movies and counting. In every film, at least one legendary creature makes an appearance. Whether the mythical Pokémon are fighting the heroes or a more powerful threat, these rare creatures know how to make a memorable entrance on the big screen. While we may have already seen “Detective Pikachu” in the latest trailer, that certainly hasn’t stopped us from anticipating more.
A More Realistic Setting
“Detective Pikachu” does not feel like any other “Pokémon” tale we’ve watched before — and not because of the realistic and sometimes adorably creepy Pokémon designs. Instead of following an unsupervised ten-year-old battling his way the top, “Detective Pikachu” will focus on a 21-year-old named Tim and his search for his missing father. His quest will take place in a city where humans and Pokémon live side by side. Between its urban setting and serious plotline, the movie already feels more grounded than the typical Pokémon journey. Plus, we will see a Pikachu that is addicted to caffeine just like any other Wellesley student. The film’s realistic approach promises a new perspective on a world that we’ve grown so familiar with.
Seeing Evolution
After fighting dozens of battles or finding the right stone, your Pokémon would be ready to evolve into a new form. In the original game, the evolution was accompanied by dramatic music and fast-paced visuals that built to a triumphant finish. The anime took evolution one step further by adding a blinding light to the process. Years later, “Mega evolution” brought a brand-new series of epic transformations. With its high production value and realistically animated Pokémon, evolution would look incredible in the world of “Detective Pikachu.” The second trailer does show what appears to be an Eevee evolving into a Flareon, so hopefully, we will get to see the whole transformation unfold.
Epic Pokémon Battles
Pokémon battles are the cornerstone of the franchise, as gamers have spent hours assembling the perfect team to overcome their opponents. In the anime, these battles of strategy and skill were made even richer with exciting animation and fantastic choreography. There were so many epic battles in both the game and animated series. It would be a shame if Pikachu didn’t include a few amazing classes of its own. If the Charizard vs. Pikachu show from the trailer is any indication, the movie may produce a battle that rivals the best bouts in the franchise.
If we count the number of good live-action video game adaptations on one hand, we will still have fingers to spare. However, “Detective Pikachu” seems poised to break that trend. The trailer hinted at a scintillating and layered mystery. But the most positive sign is that the legendary studio has already begun developing a sequel. “Detective Pikachu” has all the pieces in place to be a breakout smash hit. At the very least, we are confident that it’s going to be a better Nintendo adaptation than “Super Mario Brothers.”
