2019 Checkpoint #4

It's time for the bimonthly check in. I wish there was good news to report, but the last two months have been abysmal when it comes to me writing the written word. As reported in one of my newsletters, I've had my family together for the first time in years, so I took at least a whole month off just relaxing and enjoying family.

Now they've gone back to school, it's time to get back to the grindstone. My work friend was ribbing me a couple of days ago, saying, "My new boss has published a sci-fi novel. It'll be nice to work with an actual published author." Yeah, yeah ... I need to finish polishing my own novels and get them out there. Maybe I'll punish my friend and have him be a critiquer/reviewer. Bwe-ha-ha-ha!

However, to help me get back into a good rhythm, I'm going to start with my long list of blog entries to write -- catch that up and then get back to short story/novel writing in a couple of months. So much stuff in my head that wants to come out on paper!

Detective Pikachu: Easter-Egg-Filled Fun

When you don't go in expecting much, some movies can pleasantly surprise. Pokémon Detective Pikachu did this and more, providing good laughs, fun action, a few feels, and tons of easter eggs. My kids and I all had a lot of fun watching. (Yeah ... I'm doing a little catch up here -- believe it or not, this is still the last movie I've seen in the theater -- something I need to rectify shortly.)

Tim Goodman is a young good man (get it?), who is at first reluctant to take on a Poké-buddy to train. But one day while investigating his father's disappearance, he runs into a talking Pikachu -- though he's the only one who can understand him. Weird--Right? Who knew that Pokémon could all speak with each other?

I thought I could guess what came next, but a series of twists and adventures proved me wrong ... mostly.

Though fun to watch, the plot is very light. It was just enough to keep us awake and entertained. The CGI was pretty good and true to the original material (unlike some other movie trailers that shall not be named).

And of course, this is one of those movies where if you think too much, it starts to not make sense. There's one scene in particular in which something large happens and then goes back to normal as if nothing ever happened. That was when all of us looked at each other as if to say, "What just happened?"

I also don't understand the concept of everyone having their one and only Poké-pet. It reminded me too much of the Golden Compass stories, and not Pokémon. I mean, the original show was never: "I gotta catch that one!" Or maybe I missed something.

Other than that -- it's good clean and light fun. I'd probably watch it again if I ever caught it on TV.