'Ultraman: Rising' Review: Ode to iconic superhero leaves room for fascinating sequel
Contains spoilers for 'Ultraman: Rising'
TOKYO, JAPAN: Parenting is challenging for anyone, but when you already have more than enough on your plate, it becomes even more difficult and this is what our superhero, Ultraman (Christopher Sean), has to deal with in Netflix's newest animated superhero movie, 'Ultraman: Rising'.
Directed by Shannon Tindle, the action film introduces Ken, a gifted baseball player who lives a double life. By day, he plays for the local team, but in secret, he is Ultraman, a towering superhero who protects Tokyo from enormous Kaiju.
After battling a Kaiju, Ken finds a baby Kaiju and this unexpected addition to his life causes him to balance his heroic responsibilities with the humorous and difficult task of nurturing this adorable (but destructive) creature called Emi.
As Ken navigates the constraints of his dual existence, the film delves into significant themes of responsibilities, family, and personal development, creating a riveting story about how far a hero would go to protect and nurture those he loves.
'Ultraman: Rising' stands out with a refreshing twist on parenting
What distinguishes this film from the plethora of superhero films is its storyline, which is refreshingly distinct from previous films.
I mean, when was the last time you heard of a superhero caring for a child? Yes, we saw that in 'Avengers: Endgame' for Iron Man aka Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and his daughter Morgan Stark (Lexi Rabe), but that film had a completely different narrative, while 'Ultraman: Rising' had the surprise of 'parenting' a newborn Kaiju that makes it stands out.
Ken's metamorphosis from a selfish athlete to a caring caretaker is both raw and realistic. His challenges connect with viewers, bringing depth to his character which is frequently lacking in traditional superhero stories.
Furthermore, Ken's troubled relationship with his father complicates the scenario as he holds him responsible for the disappearance of his mother. As Ken takes on the role of a father, he acquires a new appreciation and admiration for his father's efforts, which also helps in his personal development.
Additionally, the intergenerational interplay of donning the Ultraman duties is a sad reflection on the legacy that sheds light on unacknowledged obligations that come with it.
Heartfelt storytelling and superhero action elevate 'Ultraman: Rising'
Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima's direction is a masterpiece in combining genuine narrative with action-packed scenes. Their vision pours fresh life into the Ultraman brand, expertly combining the film's emotional heart with its dynamic superhero components.
The direction ensures that the film's original narrative which centers on the surprising theme of parenting, hits home with fans, distinguishing it from more standard superhero entertainment.
The film depicts a vibrant contemporary city but with the constant fear of Kaiju lurking under the surface as it produces a distinct environment that is both familiar and fantastical and excels in visual presentation and action scenes.
The writing strikes an appropriate mix of humor, action, and emotional depth, while world-building is good, there is still an opportunity for exploration. I mean Kaiju Defense Force (KDF) deserved in-depth exploration.
The open-ended climax left me wondering what will happen now and this significantly paves the way for a potentially fascinating sequel.
'Ultraman: Rising' trailer