RELEASE: POKEMON

 

Pokémon

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure

Directors: The Duffer Brothers

Writer: Diane Esposito

Based on the Pokémon franchise

Cast: Noah Schnapp, Peyton List, Ross Butler, David Hyde Pierce, Molly Parker, Tanner Buchanan, Hana Mae Lee, Tom Felton, Ashley Johnson, Georgia King, Kevin Durand, Oona Chaplin, Shawn Roberts, David Dastmalchian (cameo)

Budget: $165,000,000

Domestic Box Office: $266,005,208

Foreign Box Office: $510,783,091

Total Profit: $340,019,100

Reaction: Talk about starting the season off with a bang! The studio hopes this is the start of a fruitful Pokémon franchise for LRF for many seasons to come.

"Finally, a Pokémon adaptation that respects the maturity of the audience. The bond between Ash and Pikachu feels hard-won here rather than instantaneous, and seeing a Trainer actually take a Thunderbolt for their team adds a layer of weight the games often lack. The pacing is a bit breakneck in the second half, moving from Celadon to the Finals in a blur, but the Mewtwo teaser at the end promises a sequel with even higher stakes." - Dexter Quinn, Cinematic Observer Newsletter

"Pokémon wisely avoids trying to reinvent the franchise, instead delivering a grounded, sincere coming-of-age adventure that understands why audiences connected with the original in the first place. The Duffer Brothers bring strong world-building to Kanto, making Pokémon feel integrated into daily life rather than CGI gimmicks. Noah Schnapp is a serviceable Ash, though perhaps a bit too subdued, while Peyton List and Ross Butler bring easy chemistry to the supporting trio. The film occasionally feels episodic and front-loaded with Gym battles, but Pikachu and Ash’s evolving relationship gives it genuine emotional momentum." - Reggie Dunn, Sacramento Bee

"Though visually appealing and clearly made with affection for the source material, Pokémon struggles with thin plotting and overly safe storytelling. The film essentially functions as a series of loosely connected Gym battles with limited dramatic escalation, while Team Rocket feels more like an obligation than meaningful antagonists. Fans may appreciate the faithfulness, but newcomers could leave wondering why this world never feels quite as magical as it should." - Dave Manning, Ridgefield Press

Rated PG for fantasy action/peril, mild thematic elements, and some rude humor