Shin Ultraman (2022) Action Movie Review

"Shin Ultraman" is part of a trilogy of Japanese sci-fi reboots, following "Shin Godzilla" and preceding "Shin Kamen Rider." But even if you're not familiar with the previous films, you can still enjoy "Shin Ultraman."

Director Shinji Higuchi understands that not everyone has the same nostalgic connection to Ultraman. The movie, co-written by "Shin Godzilla" co-director Hideaki Anno, is designed as an accessible action-adventure for all audiences. It reimagines humanity's first encounter with Ultraman, a selfless extraterrestrial hero.

In simple terms, "Shin Ultraman" is like a kid-friendly story that explores the contrast between the complex and confusing world we live in and the straightforward nature of a hero who can grow tall and shoot lasers from his hands.

The film is also a great giant monster movie, featuring colorful reptilian and squid-like monsters. The story kicks off with a bunch of aliens crashing in Japan, and now the Japanese government has to figure out how to stop these creatures from causing chaos. There's a cool mix of retro elements, including the iconic theme music and monsters from the 1966 show "Ultra Q."

In short, "Shin Ultraman" is a fun and exciting adventure that introduces audiences to the fantastical world of Ultraman without requiring any prior knowledge of the character or the trilogy's other films.

Let's break down the key points of the article in simpler terms:

In "Shin Ultraman," we meet the SSSP, a team responsible for dealing with alien creatures. Ultraman, played by Anno and original actor Bin Furuya, joins forces with them. Ultraman has a special connection with expert Shinji Kaminaga and his self-proclaimed buddy Hiroko Asami. The aliens, interested in humanity, try to manipulate our politicians, but Ultraman steps in to fight for us.

The movie follows typical Japanese monster movie conventions. Scientists and military officials provide information, and the storytelling is visually dynamic. The fast-paced scenes reflect how technology-addicted humans might perceive Ultraman's presence, with constant movement and shifting perspectives.

The alien monsters, like Zarab and Mefilas, act with a mix of simplicity and seriousness. They see Ultraman and his monster friends as potential weapons, just as they view humans as resources.

Ultraman's role is consistent—

he's there to protect and takes punches for humanity. He communicates his concern through gestures, not words. His actions resemble a child's ideal hero: inhuman, swift, dependable, and easily understood.

During the monster fights, Higuchi's camerawork is dynamic. He uses motion-capture technology and computer graphics to bring the monsters to life, making the scenes enjoyable to watch.

In "Shin Ultraman," the filmmakers maintain the character's original design and proportions, preserving Ultraman's nostalgic charm. The article suggests that both you and your dad will likely enjoy the new Ultraman movie.