The popular franchise gets an incredible live action film

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When Tim’s father estranged father Harry disappears, Tim wants nothing more than to put it behind him. When a Pikachu shows up that only Tim can hear, Time is now compelled to find out what happened to his father. As Tim and Pikachu dig deeper, they slowly get wrapped up in a plot that’s bigger than the both of them.

My knowledge of Pokemon is probably something you can fit on the head of a pin. Since my 6-year old is really into them, I’m learning more and more every day. He loved the film. Every part of it he was either laughing or excited.

Director Rob Letterman does an excellent job adapting the Pokemon universe into the “real world”. Unlike a lot of other translations of characters, these really work. You truly believe there could be real Pokemon. What I truly love of this film is Letterman use of Film Noir in this film. There is so much inspiration from the old detective films. And not just those, you can see a little influence of Blade Runner here in the main location Ryme City. Letterman’s use of greys and muting the color slightly really add to that Noir atmosphere. 

Justice Smith plays Tim. I’m not that familiar with Smith’s work. The only other film I’ve seen him in was Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, but he was great in this film. Smith does an excellent job not just playing an emotionally conflicted character, but his ability to play off of digitally created characters is extremely impressive.

Ryan Reynolds voices the titular character and he knocks it out of the park. I truly have to wonder if there were times Reynolds improved the dialogue or this was specifically written for him. It’s really these wise guys characters that are truly Reynolds forte.

The cast is rounded out by Kathryn Newton as Lucy, a junior reporter following her first big story, and Bill Nighy as Howard Clifford, the visionary behind Ryme City. Both of them do excellent jobs in their roles.

The plot of the film was fun and exciting. Plus the pacing is good for younger kids as well. Mine was on the edge of his seat!

Bottom line is this a great film and not just Pokemon fans. Yes, having a Pokemon fan with you will help, but you don’t necessarily need one. Just go and enjoy it.

On another note, I just want to give a big shout out to Warner Brothers Pictures for this screening. Warner Bros gave away light up Pikachu ears with his little detective hat. My kid and I loved them! Check it out:

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By Brian Isaacs - Executive Editor / Publisher

An avid comic collector/reader for over 50 years and self-proclaimed professor of comicology, Brian originally started up the site Pendragon's Post to share his voice. Well, that voice has been shared and evolved into The Fanboy Factor. Brian is an advocate for remembering comic roots, and that we don't forget what was created in the past, and encourage everyone to read it as well. When not swimming in geek culture, he can be seen corrupting..introducing his young son to comics, much to his wife's chagrin.