Pokémon Detective Pikachu offsets formulaic commercialism with decent drama. Its safe script contains heavy exposition, contrived breakthroughs, and underdeveloped low points. The villain is boring, obvious, and nonsensical (with a cliche monologue). There's easy resolution, fairly one-note protagonists, predictability, spotty humor, and tedious convolutions. However, it executes proper emotions. The hero is motivated by an internal conflict, propelling the plot. Its story centers around a blossoming buddy cop friendship that earns an arc. There's setup/payoff, mystery, and a sentimental reveal. Consequently, Detective Pikachu is derivative but also provides doses of heart.
Technically, Detective Pikachu is competent. The cinematography uses stylized lighting and occasionally chaotic framing. Its editing has flashbacks and action, yet its pacing is uneven. The sound is complex with genre elements but gets overloaded at times. Besides generic scoring, its music briefly adds the famous intro song and minor 8-bit influences. Alongside respectable world-building, the production design's creatures can look unsightly. Despite Reynolds' fame (though only his voice) and Smith's rising talents, its cast feels slightly slim. Although solidly textured, the CGI effects can also appear glossy. Ultimately, Detective Pikachu manages to be mildly agreeable.
Writing: 5/10
Direction: 5/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 5/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 6/10
Production Design: 6/10
Casting: 6/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 6.0/10
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