SYNOPSIS:
Twenty years ago in Japan, the Ultraman Brothers (Ultraman
Seven, Ultraman Ace and Ultraman Jack) were fighting a deadly
foe. By joining forces, they managed to defeat the monster
after a long and harsh battle. However to seal the monster
in the waters of Kobe, Japan, they were forced to sacrifice
part of their cosmic powers – the ability to transform.
As a result, the Ultraman Brothers quietly retired into normal
human society. Twenty years later, Ultraman Mebius travels
to Kobe to investigate an "evil presence" that has
surrounded the area. True enough, the monster has risen from
the sea with the help from alien allied forces.....
MOVIE
REVIEW
When
Scorpio East decided to bring in the Ultraman 40th Anniversary
Movie Deluxe featuring a form of revival to the Ultraman series
with the latest Ultraman incarnation, the Ultraman Mebius,
it certainly wet our appetites for some gratuitous city destruction
by gigantic monsters and heroes. Not only that, it also brought
backs some of the pioneer bunch Ultraman Brothers and pay
homage to them. What more can a fan ask for?
While
it appealed to the older generation (like this reviewer),
how would Ultraman fare with the younger generation? This
Ultraman movie was test screened to my young nephew who is
only three years old and amazingly, he too enjoyed the Ultraman
experience very much. By the last count before this review
is completed, he had already watched the show for more than
ten times already (amazing but true!).
Right
from the start, this movie wasted no time with explanation
and get straight to the point with an explosive battle royal
between the Ultraman Brothers (Ultraman Jack, Ultraman Ace,
Ultraman Seven and the Original Ultraman) against the main
baddie (U Monster). It had a strong grip on our attention
and left us wanting more of the monstrous fights to come later
on (which came in abundant with each one trying to top the
previous one).
One
of the most spectacle and memorable fights in this movie to
watch for would be a fight between two Ultraman! It’s
a guilty pleasure and refreshing change from the usual Ultraman
against monster fight.
And
beside the explosive first fight, there was the climactic
finale which both utilized computer generated images type
of special effect, another invigorating change and new experience
(for this amateur fan reviewer) from the usual man in the
suit fighting in miniature setting of the city landscape and
skyscrapers. While it cannot be compared to the cutting edge
Hollywood’s type of special effects, it still nothing
short of awesome to see them flying around and spectacular
way of usage of their laser power.
With
all things new in this movie, it’s also specially touching
when there are scenes of the old Ultraman films footages inserted
as homage of their struggles against evil to remind us of
the long prestigious Ultraman’s history. There is also
a montage featuring the 40th anniversary celebration for this
Ultraman movie (after the summary version of the film) at
the end credits which exemplify the long journey by a bunch
of dedicated group of actors.
This
film marks the handling over of the mantle of protecting planet
earth to the newest Ultraman Mebius. This Ultraman costume
design has one of the most memorable designs for the series
of Ultraman in recent years and hopefully, it will last a
few more series than the few Ultraman in recent years.
Praises
aside, there are still some nitpickings with this movie. For
one, it’s still after all a kid’s movie so don’t
expect highly layered or morally complex film in this movie.
With that, it comes with certain glaring loopholes that need
to be watched with one eye closed as the filmmakers are just
trying to delivery some simple moral education to the juvenile
audience while not getting too much in the way of the battle
scenes. And of course, the acting here are not top notch here.
The English audio for this film sounded forced and unnatural.
Weirdly, my nephew insisted on watching this movie with the
English dub which just doesn’t feel like it’s
will be a good influence on him for his language skill.. Personally,
the Japanese soundtrack would be recommended soundtrack to
watch this film with.
This DVD which retailed at a reasonable $19.90 would make
an excellent gift for the active young boys who are into action
flicks, fighting and guns. It will keep them entertain for
hours while allowing the adult some well needed rest time.
Meanwhile the adults could also indulge in nostalgia trip
back to their childhood years. With proper marketing, this
film has the potential and might just be able to mark another
major revival for the Ultraman franchise.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
NIL.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
This movie comes in 2.0 Dolby Japanese and English which are
ideal for those normal Dvd & Tv set up and it comes with
Mandarin, Malay and English subtitles for those who preferred
to view this movie in the original soundtrack.
MOVIE RATING:
DVD
RATING :
Review
by Richard Lim Jr
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