Ultraman Rising Review 2024

Introduction

Ultraman: Rising 2024 is the latest installment in the iconic Ultraman franchise, a science fiction superhero series that dates back to 1966. Directed by Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima, This English-language animated film attempts to breathe new life into the beloved mythos. However, while the animation is vibrant and visually stunning, the film struggles with a familiar storyline and writing that fails to deliver a strong emotional impact. Ultraman Rising Review 2024.

Plot Summary

The narrative centers around Ken Sato, a talented yet cocky baseball star who returns to Tokyo after playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ken, voiced by Christopher Sean, juggles his baseball career with the colossal responsibility of transforming into Ultraman to protect Japan from kaiju. The story delves into Ken’s strained relationship with his father, the previous Ultraman, and the mystery surrounding his mother’s disappearance. As Ken navigates these personal challenges, he also discovers a baby kaiju he must protect, adding layers of complexity to his journey.

Characters and Performances

Ken Sato is a character with depth, his emotional struggles and responsibilities making him relatable. The voice performances, particularly by Christopher Sean, Gedde Watanabe, and Tamlyn Tomita, bring life to the characters. However, the supporting cast, including the halfhearted romantic subplot involving a local journalist, lacks sufficient development, leaving much to be desired in terms of character dynamics and growth.

Visuals and Animation

The standout feature of Ultraman: Rising is undoubtedly its animation. The film’s visual style is vibrant and dynamic, with the climactic battle scenes offering a spectacular display of colors and action. The animation captures the emotional nuances of the characters effectively, often compensating for the shortcomings in the writing. The final act, reminiscent of Pacific Rim, is particularly noteworthy for its visual grandeur and excitement.

Writing and Storytelling

The script, penned by Tindle and Marc Haimes, is where Ultraman: Rising falters. The story follows a predictable path, relying heavily on contrivances and lacking the creativity to match its visual ambition. Key plot points, such as the tension between Ken and his father or the conflicts with the kaiju, are resolved too quickly, undermining their emotional impact. The writing also misses opportunities to explore darker themes, opting instead for a safer, more conventional approach.

Emotional Impact

One of the critical aspects where the film falls short is in its emotional resonance. Despite the potential for poignant moments, the film often rushes through these, failing to let the audience fully engage with the characters’ experiences. The ending, while visually impressive, lacks the emotional depth to leave a lasting impression, as it quickly assures the audience that everything is resolved, avoiding any prolonged moments of tension or sacrifice.

Comparisons to Previous Ultraman Installments

Comparisons to past Ultraman works are inevitable, given the franchise’s long history. Recent iterations like Shin Ultraman set a high bar with innovative storytelling and strong emotional beats. Ultraman: Rising plays it safer, which might appeal more to newcomers but may disappoint long-time fans looking for a fresh take on the mythos. The film’s approach, aiming for charm over innovation, results in a mixed reception among the fanbase.

Audience Reception

The film’s target audience seems to be younger viewers or those new to the Ultraman franchise. For these viewers, the vibrant animation and straightforward story may be engaging and enjoyable. However, for veteran fans of the series, Ultraman: Rising may come across as underwhelming due to its lack of narrative depth and originality. The nearly two-hour runtime might also challenge the attention spans of its younger audience, as the film occasionally drags with a belabored setup.

Conclusion

Ultraman: Rising is a visually captivating film that will likely introduce a new generation to the Ultraman universe. Its vibrant animation and moments of playful humor make it an enjoyable watch for less discerning viewers. However, the familiar storyline and lackluster writing prevent it from achieving greatness. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it offers a colorful, albeit safe, addition to the Ultraman legacy.

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