Ultraman: Rising – A giant leap for newcomers and families alike
Let’s be honest, when you hear the word “Ultraman,” you might picture a bloke in a shiny suit punching giant monsters while cities crumble like biscuits in tea. But Ultraman: Rising, Netflix’s latest take on the iconic Japanese hero, isn’t just another monster mash. It’s a heartfelt, action-packed, and surprisingly funny film that manages to balance superhero spectacle with the chaos of parenthood. And yes, it involves a baby kaiju. Trust me, it works.
The story kicks off with Ken Sato, a baseball superstar who’s traded the bright lights of the LA Dodgers for the neon glow of Tokyo. On the surface, he’s returning to play for the Yomiuri Giants, but the real reason is far more dramatic. Ken’s dad, the previous Ultraman, has hung up his spandex due to injury, leaving Japan in need of a new hero. Enter Ken, who reluctantly steps into the oversized boots of Ultraman.
But here’s the twist: Ken isn’t exactly hero material. He’s cocky, self-centred, and struggles to hit a home run both on and off the field. Just as he’s figuring out how to juggle baseball and superhero duties, a baby kaiju egg hatches in his secret base. Suddenly, Ken isn’t just a rookie Ultraman – he’s also a kaiju dad. Cue nappy changes, temper tantrums, and the occasional city-destroying rampage.
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The film cleverly blends two genres: superhero action and parenthood comedy. The fight scenes are a visual treat, with Ultraman using his powers in creative ways to take down giant creatures. The battles are set in urban landscapes, but the filmmakers keep things fresh by using the environment in unexpected ways. Think skyscrapers as climbing frames and highways as obstacle courses. It’s like watching a toddler navigate a playground, except the toddler is 50 feet tall and breathes fire.
On the comedy side, the film nails the chaos of parenting. The baby kaiju, named “Gigababy” (because of course she is), is an absolute scene-stealer. She’s adorable, mischievous, and occasionally terrifying. Watching Ken try to wrangle her while dealing with his own insecurities is both hilarious and relatable. Ever tried calming a screaming baby while also saving the world? Neither have I, but this film makes it feel real.
What sets Ultraman: Rising apart is its emotional depth. Ken’s journey isn’t just about becoming a better hero; it’s about growing up. His relationship with Gigababy forces him to confront his own flaws and reconnect with his estranged father. Even the villain, who initially seems like your typical bad guy, has a sympathetic motive. It’s a story about family, responsibility, and the idea that even monsters deserve a chance to live.
The animation is a mixed bag, but mostly in a good way. The kaiju and Ultraman himself look fantastic, with a stylised, semi-cartoony design that pays homage to the classic tokusatsu (Japanese live-action superhero) style. The fight scenes are fluid and dynamic, with plenty of eye-catching details. However, the human characters feel a bit off. Their hair, in particular, looks like it’s been sculpted from plastic, as if the animators were secretly designing action figures. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s hard to ignore when Ken’s bangs start bouncing around like they’ve got a life of their own.
As a newcomer to the Ultraman franchise, I found Ultraman: Rising to be a brilliant entry point. It doesn’t rely on prior knowledge of the lore, and it stands perfectly well on its own. Longtime fans might have mixed feelings, especially if they’re attached to the more serious tone of previous iterations. But for families or anyone looking for a fun, heartfelt film, this is a winner.
In the end, Ultraman: Rising is more than just a superhero movie. It’s a story about stepping up, messing up, and learning to care for something bigger than yourself. It’s got action, laughs, and a baby kaiju that will melt your heart. Just be warned: after watching this, your kids might start demanding Ultraman toys. And honestly, can you blame them?
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