No matter how hard studios try, they just can’t seem to nail the video game movie. And they try hard. They throw some big actors at these things and even exploit some of the most cinematic properties in hopes that it’ll strike a chord with audiences. As a result, we’ve had promising movies like Tomb Raider and Assassin’s Creed, but neither of those really hit the mark as much as studios were likely hoping. But what about the Big N?

I’m talking about Nintendo. This is a video game developer who has all but avoided the film business ever since the international disaster that was The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Their first big movie to hit since then? Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. It’s an odd direction to go for their first live-action Pokémon movie, as many of us would have gone with the typical trainer route (Shameless plug: It’s the direction I went in my own monster-battling novel story). But does this movie do the impossible? Does it satisfy fans and newcomers alike and ease them into the world of Pocket Monsters?

RELATED – Detective Pikachu: New Video Shows Off Tons Of New Pokémon Set To ‘What A Wonderful World’

Welp, some critics have had a chance to see the movie…and it sounds like a big hit!

I just got out of #DetectivePikachu and my first thought is OMG HOW DID THEY MAKE PIKACHU SO CUTE!!! It completely nails the world of Pokémon, and just seeing their amazing live action creature designs is worth the price of admission. If you love Pokémon, you’ll love this movie. pic.twitter.com/Z7oS42JlDd

— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) April 24, 2019

#DetectivePikachu is a pure joy from start to finish. It’s a heartfelt, relentlessly charming story filled with excellent worldbuilding. Plenty of deep cuts for #Pokémon fans. There must’ve been a grass-type in the theater because I got surprisingly misty-eyed in parts. pic.twitter.com/LMKp6TG1a1

— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) April 24, 2019

Just saw #DetectivePikachu here in Tokyo and, man, I wish Ryme City was a real place because I really want a Pokémon pal. pic.twitter.com/4cvtG0Uquu

— Dave Trumbore (@DrClawMD) April 24, 2019

It‘s a hit for #DetectivePikachu. Pokemon fans new & old will rejoice in this heartfelt and authentic take on the franchise. @Legendary and @wbpictures have nailed this live-action adaptation. I laughed hard and felt my heart swell. This Pokemon film is just the start! pic.twitter.com/I0R9fSHpfU

— Megan Peters (@meganpeterscb) April 24, 2019

Had a fun time with Detective Pikachu. Silly, heartfelt and chock full of Pokémon, which makes for some great world building in what is sure to spin off into one hell of a franchise. Perfectly suited for fans and non-fans alike. #DetectivePikachu @DetPikachuMovie @joblocom

— Arctic Ninja (@arcticninjapaul) April 24, 2019

After seeing those first trailers, I found myself cautiously optimistic about this thing, and now with these initial impressions, I can’t help but be just a LITTLE bit thrilled with what I’ll be getting when the movie hits. I’m ready for this thing to sucker punch me in the heart and leave me for dead on the side of the road already.

May 10th can’t get here soon enough.

How do you feel about the first impressions? Let us know your thoughts down below!

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SOURCE: Various