Although there were mixed reactions to last year’s announcement of Warner Bros’ Detective Pikachu, Pokemon‘s first ever live-action movie, it seems the full release has swept the world off its feet.
The movie, which had its cinematic launch on May 10, has absolutely obliterated the previous box office record for a video game film, and it’s great news for Pokemon fans.
Box Office Mojo reports that Detective Pikachu earned itself a jaw-dropping $58 million during its opening weekend – and that’s just in the US.
The previous record for a video game movie debut was the impressive $47 million brought in by 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. To be fair, that was when we had faith in video game movies because we didn’t know any better. Ah what a simpler time.
If you haven’t yet seen Detective Pikachu then you definitely need to book your tickets. The heartwarming – if not slightly predicable – story of family, love and Pokeballs will have you giggling with glee. (Also, special shout-out to Psyduck, my spirit animal).
Although live-action, Ryan Reynolds, a talking Pikachu and a terrifying Jigglypuff might have put you off, don’t let it. Embrace the weirdness and it honestly stops seeming so weird. It’s funny, is guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies and it’s pretty technically impressive too.
Plus, it won’t have you in floods of tears (looking at you, Pokemon The First Movie).
Not surprisingly, considering how well-received the movie’s been, there’s reports of a sequel.
Earlier this year The Hollywood Reporter suggested that Oren Uziel has been chosen to write the script. You may not know his name, but his work includes 22 Jump Street and The Cloverfield Paradox. He’s also worked on upcoming movies such as the almost-definitely-doomed Sonic the Hedgehog live-action movie and Men in Black International.
Have you seen Detective Pikachu yet?
Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros.