In the mid-1990s a video game phenomenon was born that was known as Pokémon. Known in Japan as Pocket Monsters, this game consumed the free time of a massive amount of people. In addition to the video games, there have been books, animated films and television shows. Now comes a live-action film version with a very marketable voice behind the main character. Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is ready to recapture the attention of millions of people if it has a say in this matter. “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” is the old English catchphrase, but do you REALLY have to catch this film? Let’s find out.

Tim (Justice Smith) never really had a strong connection with his dad while growing up, and when he’s notified of his father’s sudden death, he’s not totally devastated. As Tim attempts to settle the affairs of his late father, an unexpected wrinkle appears on his radar. Pikachu (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) shows up at the residence of Tim’s father and is also seeking answers. The duo reluctantly team up in a search for truths that neither knew were hidden at the time they started this journey. Tim and Pikachu have a lot more in common than either could imagine.

Ryan Reynolds navigates a pretty clean trail (very much unlike his Deadpool franchise) in this PG-rated action adventure. Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is pretty reserved so parents can rest easy. Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, Bill Nighy, Suki Waterhouse and Ken Watanabe are other main actors that pretty much round out the cast. The supporting cast is okay with Reynolds doing most of the entertaining. That said, it feels like Rob Letterman let a good opportunity slip through his hands while working with a talent like Reynolds. Understandably though, working within the constraints of a family film will leave some of the best spontaneity on the cutting room floor.

I’m conflicted on my level of recommendation for Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. On one hand, I can see where younger audiences, along with tried-and-true fans of Pokémon, would find entertainment and delight in this visually impressive live-action (and CGI) adaptation. There’s a lot to “geek out” and the kids will be plain giddy seeing these characters come to life. But on the other hand, parents and casual moviegoers will find this feature to be more enduring than they might like.

Taking into consideration Ryan Reynolds and his very evident talent for winning people over with his voice acting abilities and naturally occurring witty banter, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu contains some entertainment value that can be appreciated. The CGI work gives a seamlessly blended world of humans and Pokémon that feels almost real. Still though, this film lacks the complete qualities needed to fully engage all of its audience. And it’s because of that weak bond that I feel this will struggle in the box office. Wait to see this one at a discounted rate either during a matinee or when it becomes available to view at home. This pocket monster is not worth collecting.