Rating: 4/5 Gotta Catch ‘Em All

The live-action Pokemon universe expands beyond Detective Pikachu with Pokemon: Kanto Rising, a grand adventure that finally gives fans the epic Pokemon journey they’ve been waiting for. Tom Holland stars as Ash Ketchum, and Dwayne Johnson voices the iconic Pikachu.

The film follows Ash (Holland) on the first leg of his Kanto journey. Fresh from Pallet Town, he’s young, inexperienced, and desperate to prove himself. When he bonds with a stubborn, sassy Pikachu (Johnson), the two form an unlikely partnership. But Team Rocket (led by a scene-stealing villain) has plans for a legendary Pokemon, and Ash must rise to the occasion.

Holland brings the perfect blend of earnestness and determination to Ash. Johnson’s Pikachu is hilarious—world-weary, sarcastic, and surprisingly deep. The Pokemon are rendered beautifully, with a blend of CGI and practical effects that make them feel real. The journey format allows for a series of adventures, and the film captures the spirit of the anime.

The Verdict: A charming, heartfelt adaptation that honors the source material. Holland and Johnson are a dream team. Gotta catch this one.