Pokemon: Detective Pikachu Movie Review from a Christian Perspective

I would be lying if I said that I was interested in going to see this movie. Years ago, shortly after Pokemon came into existence, I had a child that was obsessed with video games. When he started talking about Pokemon, I didn’t listen to most of the words he was saying – Pikachu, Charizard, Charmander, Pidgey, and the list went on and on. But I am a little older, and when my younger son asked to see Pikachu, I reluctantly agreed. Therefore, my Pokemon: Detective Pikachu Movie Review from a Christian Perspective is given by a mom who doesn’t understand this world. 

What I do know is that Detective Pikachu is a mystery involving Detective Harry Goodman and his partner, Detective Pikachu. Furthermore, before you read my movie review, you may want to find out how I review movies.

SYNOPSIS of Pokemon: Detective Pikachu

I will readily admit that I know nothing about the Pokemon backstories, so my review will give you only what is in the movie.

The story begins when ace detective Harry Goodman is presumed dead, and his 21-year-old son Tim (Justice Smith) arrives in Ryme City. Ryme City is inhabited by both humans and Pokemon who peacefully live side-by-side. Tim arrives to settle his father’s estate.

Harry’s Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu, finds Tim and convinces him that Harry didn’t die. Pikachu and Tim find that, unlike normal humans and Pokemon, they can actually talk to one another. They are joined in the hunt for Harry by Lucy (Kathryn Newton) who is an intern at the local television station. She knows she has the makings of a great reporter, but her work consists of getting coffee.

Lucy and Tim, along with Pikachu and Psyduck (Lucy’s Pokemon) set off to find out what happened to Harry. While investigating they discover a far sinister plot.

My Review of Detective Pikachu from a Christian Perspective:

The Good:

Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds) is funny and cute. Furthermore, he is adorable, and his faces and mannerism make this movie great.

The overall character development was great. And even for a Pokemon novice like myself, I don’t think there was anything lost on me. Of course, my son picked up on the subtle references to the game that experts would know, but they don’t add or subtract to the overall movie.

The Bad:

This movie is rated PG for action/peril, and some rude and suggestive humor.

Part of the mystery is finding out where a purple gas (drug) came from. When inhaled, this gas makes Pokemon crazy.

There is minimal language in this film – one instance of D-mn and h-ll. Dame is used to refer to a lady, but an explanation was given to why we don’t refer to women in that manner.  A man is shown in his boxer briefs from behind.

Additionally, there were a few times phrases were said that amount to potty humor – “I think he just peed a little. No that was me.”

I did pick up on some suggestive humor that most likely will go over your child’s head.

Violence – there is fighting (Pokemon style), attacking Aipom (monkey-looking creatures), and a Jurassic Park-like scene where Pokemon are attacking and the land is falling apart, and the following line was said, “At this point how could you not believe in climate change?”

Cue-Bone is a Pokemon that wears the skull of its dead mother on his head.

Additional Items that Christian Parents May Want to Know:

I will openly admit that I hated Pokemon years ago. I had come across some information by a Christian group that warned against the dangers of Pokemon. However, I now believe that all things can be useful for teaching our faith, and knowing what the world believes and listens to is important for our understanding of the culture. However, as a parent, it is also our job to be informed. Do you know the Pokemon’s Worldview?

In the movie, “Holy Arceus” is said. Arceus is the “creator” of all Pokemon, and there is a wooden statue of it in the movie.

There is a shape-shifting Pokemon.

The transfer of human souls into Pokemon occurs.  My recommendation is to have some serious discussions with your children about the spirit versus soul. Furthermore, talk about why it is important to have Holy Spirit living inside you because as a Christian we do believe that demons can dwell in humans if you open yourself up to that activity.

It is also important to realize that many people believe that this kind of activity is make-believe, and yet, we as Christians, know otherwise.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VIEWING:

This is a movie about family, forgiveness, and healing. Pikachu just happens to add to it because he is so incredibly cuddly looking. I do recommend this movie for ages 8 and up. While some younger children may understand the movie, it may be too slow moving for most children under that age.

As with anything you expose your children to, pray and ask Holy Spirit for discernment. Teach your children to be sensitive to what other parents allow or don’t allow in their households. What may be permissible for your child, may not be permissible for your friend or neighbor’s children.