[lexiconthepeep]

Why Detective Pikachu works: Spoiler Edition

So I made a non-spoiler explanation on how Detective Pikachu manages to give so many nods and references that only fans will understand and why that is intergral to how the film is a good live-action video game movie.

The spoilers are probably the most telling sign that the film was for fans. Here are some of them:

• The Mewtwo we see? It’s the same Mewtwo that escaped from Kanto. Whether this is the anime Mewtwo or game Mewtwo is unknown, but it’s still a nice nod. I’m leading towards anime Mewtwo since this Mewtwo mentions that humanity is bad, but Harry managed to prove them wrong, just like Ash did in the movie.
• Ditto. Holy fuck, the Ditto. Ditto can transform into anything—and I mean anything. The anime shows that when Jessie asks a Ditto to turn into a Dratini shown in a book, but the Ditto transforms into the book. The Ditto in this film mimics humans, and keeps its beady eyes when doing so. Another interesting thing to note is the popular theory of Ditto being failed clones of Mew. Makes sense why the villain, who wants Mewtwo, would get his hands on Ditto.
• The giant, island-sized Torterra make a whole lot of sense when you realize that Torterra is called the Continent Pokémon. Also, during the whole giant Torterra garden scene, Pikachu gets knocked out by a piece of the ground, ground being the only type super-effective against Electric types.
• Psyduck’s psychic blast from its headache manages to damage the Greninja. Greninja is normally a Water-Dark type, Dark being immune to psychic, but its special ability, Protean, changes its type depending on the move it used. These Greninja only used Water-type moves. Considering these Greninja were enhanced with a power-upgrade, it makes sense that they would have the special ability and would take damage from psychic moves.
• During the climax, Pikachu manages to use Volt Tackle on Mewtwo but gets winded after doing so, most likely referring to the recoil damage the move causes.

But the biggest nod is the integral relationship between humans and Pokémon. When Pikachu gets injured and a Bulbasaur approaches the group, Tim tries to communicate with it but Lucy explains that the Bulbasaur probably won’t be able to understand Tim. However, Tim wanted to be a Pokémon Trainer, and a Pokémon Trainers would know that Pokémon are capable of understanding humans simply beyond emotion. It would make sense for Tim to try to talk to the Bulbasaur, he knows that Pokémon are capable of understanding him. And they do understand him. The Bulbasaur knew what was going on and helped Tim.

There’s also a whole lot more than just that. Lucy is incredibly patient with her Psyduck, no matter how stressful the situation she always makes sure her ticking-time bomb is okay. The owner of the Charizard is pissed that Harry’s Pikachu managed to physically scar his Pokémon and rightfully wants a rematch for it. Mewtwo realized the special bond between Harry and Pikachu, fusing their minds so they can have a chance to reunite with Tim. During the climax everyone is trying to keep the Pokémon safe as Lucy frantically tells the citizens to prevent the Pokémon from inhaling the R-serum.

Then there’s the villain’s plan to fuse Pokémon and human minds together to achieve true harmony between the groups. The relationship between humans and Pokémon are clearly important. Hell, the entire point of Ryme City is to focus on a harmonious relationship between humans and Pokémon. You can also argue that part of the plot of the film is Tim rekindling his love for Pokémon and the shenanigans he can get into with them.

To us Pokémon fans, our relationship with our little pocket monsters is important, regardless of how we play the game. We even have a self-imposed challenge that is meant to take advantage on our relationship with our Pokémon, the Nuzlocke.

This to me, is the real reason Detective Pikachu works. It knows that Pokémon means a lot to its audience, both young and old, and the film does all it can to show that.