Pokemon: Detective Pikachu might not be perfect but it does a number of things well, like making people want to live in a world filled with these wonderful creatures. There are also some fun themes that the film does well, which the movie's writers have discussed. Aside from making fans love Pokemon again, the movie also reminds people to be good fathers and good sons, which is something people can easily be unaware of.
Speaking with CBR, Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit stated that they're hoping the themes of fathers and sons resonates with people since it's a major focus of the film. Tim Goodman was estranged from his father sometime before the story's events and it's up to him and Pikachu to find him, maybe even try to rekindle a broken relationship.
You could argue that the film clumsily executes its themes but at least it has some entertaining set pieces and fun dialogue. The Pokemon also have a lot of character, especially Pikachu, so it's not a half-hearted cash-grab. It's a passionate cash-grab.
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu is now showing in cinemas.
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