Pokémon Detective Pikachu Review: 5 Ups & 5 Downs

4. The World-Building Is Terrific

Though the film's story itself isn't up to much at all, Detective Pikachu does do a far better job of immersing the audience in its world, especially the lush metropolis of Ryme City, where humans and Pokémon co-exist.

Ryme City feels distinct and more than just a real-life city tarted-up with CGI - the architecture, the hustle-and-bustle, and the lifestyles of the people living there are all sufficiently exposed for the audience to soak in.

Expertly melding VFX set extensions with actual practical sets that brilliantly evoke the world of Pokémon, it's safe to say that most of that $150 million budget was well-spent on getting the atmosphere right.