Set in a near-future Tokyo, Ultraman: Rising is a next-gen origin story that explores themes of balance and responsibility – and also lots of fart jokes. 

 

For the past 30 years, Ultraman has been humanity’s shield against seemingly endless waves of monstrous Kaiju. The mantle now passes to Ken Sato (voiced by Christopher Sean) from his estranged father (voiced by Gedde Watanabe).

 

Ken is a professional baseball player who was a huge star in the American Major Leagues, but he carries considerable baggage with him as he returns to his native Tokyo to play baseball and reluctantly become the new Ultraman. Ken is a complex protagonist – cocky, self-absorbed, and emotionally detached, preferring the simplicity of baseball over the chaos of fighting Kaiju. His disinterest is palpable as he juggles his dual life, facing not only monstrous threats, but also the pressures from the nefarious Kaiju Defense Force (KDF) and the grief of his missing mother, who is presumed dead.

 

A pivotal moment occurs when a giant Kaiju steals a mysterious sphere and evades the KDF. In the ensuing chaos, Ken tries to save the creature, but both are shot down and the Kaiju perishes. The sphere reveals itself to be an egg, hatching a baby Kaiju that imprints on Ken. This unexpected twist of fate forces Ken into the unfamiliar role of a caregiver, adding layers of comedic mishaps and gross-out humor as he tries to juggle parenting and his baseball career.

 

Ken’s journey from a lowbrow, reluctant hero to a more mature, responsible figure is mirrored in the movie’s progression. The first half of the film is bogged down by crude jokes and an unlikable protagonist, but it eventually finds its stride, delivering a more heartfelt and enjoyable narrative.

 

The film's animation style, like Ken himself, should also grow on audiences. What at first seemed overly sterile and even AI-influenced suits both the character and the story with its vibrant colors and elements of futurism, and Ultraman’s character design is impressive.

 

Ultraman: Rising may not be a masterpiece, but it’s an enjoyable family film with strong messages about growth, responsibility, and the importance of family. The crude humor and cute baby monster are sure to entertain kids, and there’s enough depth in the back half to offer at least some sustenance for adults.