One of the best animated films so far this year, Ultraman Rising is a thrilling, fun, and eye-catching good time that features one giant superhero and his equally giant baby Kaiju.

Ultraman Rising Review

One of the most iconic franchises in contemporary pop culture, Japan's “Ultra Series” began in 1966, when Tsuburaya Productions first created the character of Ultraman for a family-friendly Kaiju-centered show. It has since branched out into films, video games, manga, and anime. Director Shannon Tindle (in his feature directorial debut along with John Aoshima) has taken his love for Ultraman and the genre he hails from to deliver something wholly new yet familiar. Although Ultraman has a storied past (and is canonically an alien who uses his powers in order to battle Kaiju) Tindle and co-writer Marc Haimes refrain from mind-numbing over-explanations. It's not an origin story per se, as it focuses on a guy who reluctantly becomes a superhero and a dad in quick succession. That's all you need to know, no prior knowledge of Ultraman required.

Ultraman Rising is an excellent addition to the ever-growing franchise that also serves as an easy entry point for newcomers. It's thrilling, entertaining, funny, and boasts some incredible eye-catching animation. Kaiju fans, we have been eating well this past year between TV, movies, and anime. Trust me when I say Ultraman Rising is a worthy addition to their ranks of awesomeness. There is something for all ages with this film, whether you are looking for some serious superhero action, Kaiju battles that would make Godzilla proud, or your next cute obsession (I need a figurine of Emi ASAP), it's got it in droves. It's not just one of the best animated films so far this year, but it also feels like it has set the bar for what mainstream animation should be doing in the future.

It also has plenty to offer longtime fans, as the film feels like a new branch on the familiar tree. There are references to old foes and powers, easter eggs that are lovingly placed throughout the runtime. The characters haven't been whitewashed and the action is set in Japan with no “americanized” changing of names or ideals. It's everything fans could want from this new take on the mythos that is the Ultra Series.

Ken Sato (Christopher Sean) is a talented young man playing baseball in America who returns to Japan in order to take on the mantle of Ultraman, under the guise that he will be bringing his talents to the Yomiuri Giants. Ken reluctantly agrees despite being resentful towards his father, the original Ultraman, Professor Sato (Gedde Watanabe). Not only is he upset about the responsibility but he harbors anger against his father for being absent during his childhood as well as preventing the disappearance of his mother. Determined to make the best of the situation, Ken decides he will become the greatest baseball player in Japan's history. But it's hard to balance this double life and it isn't made any easier when a baby Kaiju, nicknamed Emi, imprints on him after her mother is killed by the government-funded Kaiju Defense Force.

Balancing work life and home life with a newborn is no easy task, just ask any parent you know. Now imagine that struggle but with a baby that is a 35-foot tall, fire-breathing kaiju. You can see why Ken might be a little burnt out. Literally. The story of an ego-maniac forced into a situation where he learns to care for others is a pretty standard trope in the superhero world. Just look back at Iron Man and Doctor Strange. But that doesn't mean it's a bad idea to use it. After all, there is a reason why it's still a staple in the comic book world– it works. It allows Tindle and Haimes a way to work in what Ultraman is known for (color timer, growing in size, fun gadgets) yet it also feels fresh thanks to the vibrant visuals and kaiju co-stars.

Animation fans are in for a treat with styles that are blended together for Ultraman Rising. Neon colors light up the screen during battles while the camera swoops and dives to capture all the action. Sometimes the camera pulls back, Shonen Anime style, to go black and white as Ken does battle against his enemies. VFX supervisor Hayden Jones and animation supervisor Mathieu Vig, draw on classic anime and manga to inform how everything looks and moves. “Evangelion” (which itself was heavily inspired by the original Ultraman) is one of the most obvious inspirations to be found. Each fight is a blast to watch, not only do they feel distinctive but there is a lot of comedy to be found in them as well.Sometimes it's watching as Ken, who is better at getting home runs than fighting, gets his butt kicked by Neronga. Or when the public tells him to do his job, grumbling about how this new Ultraman is the worst. I don't see them fighting monsters but they sure do have a lot to say!

The fight sequences are thrilling but what might be a bigger treat is watching Ken struggle to raise his new daughter. Again, parents will find themselves laughing out loud and vividly recalling their own sleepless nights. Emi is like a lot of human babies, she climbs things, throws tantrums, and has acid reflux. Except when she spits-up she can melt a city block. There is also the size difference between Ken and Emi, who in one adorable scene tries to show her that “big dad” and “small dad” are the same person. Trying to raise Emi opens the door for the story to gradually shift to Ken's relationship with his father.

Ken is an egotistical brat (shoutout to Christopher Sean who is always just perfect in whatever role he's cast in) but even he realizes he needs help. Who does he call? His dad. Funny how parenthood can make us realize things about ourselves and our parents. The disconnect between these two isn't fully explored but enough is shown to realize Ken grew up feeling let down by the man he looked up to as a hero. It's Sean and Watanabe's emotional performances that really drive home the complicated nature of their relationship, making up for anything not explicitly explored in the script. Thanks to them, the reconciliation we know will occur resonates soundly within everyone watching.

VERDICT

Ultraman Rising is a thrilling, fun, and eye-catching good time that provides an engaging and entertaining story for all ages. This franchise addition boasts vivid visuals, a powerhouse of vocal talent, and awesome Kaiju fights. What more could anyone ask for? Knowing the treasure trove of material in the Ultraman world means there are certainly more adventures to be had with Ken and Emi as this new superhero fully comes into his own. I for one am excited to see more, especially after that tease at the end.

Ultraman Rising premieres on Netflix June 14. It is rated PG for sequences of violence/action, some language, rude humor and thematic elements with a runtime of 1 hour 57 minutes.