The Ultimate Kaiju Film of 2024: Why It’s Not Godzilla x Kong and Deserves a Sequel

Overview of 2024’s Kaiju Releases: Godzilla x Kong vs. Ultraman: Rising

In 2024, audiences were treated to two distinct yet remarkable kaiju films—Godzilla x Kong and Netflix’s Ultraman: Rising. While Godzilla x Kong garnered significant buzz, many keen viewers contend that Ultraman: Rising surpassed it in quality. This film expands the beloved Ultraman universe, which revolves around powerful alien beings known as “ultras.”The story follows Ken Sato, a professional baseball player who unexpectedly inherits the powers of Ultraman from his father, despite his desire to focus on sports rather than heroic pursuits. Although Ultraman: Rising is a tale of giant monsters, it embraces a unique narrative that distinguishes it from Godzilla-centered plots, featuring an array of thrilling kaiju encounters.

A Unique Take: Ultraman: Rising’s Appeal

The heart of Ultraman: Rising lies in its relatable character dynamics. This light-hearted film shares a vibe reminiscent of Son of Godzilla, as the reluctant Ken Sato, now Ultraman, finds himself unexpectedly caring for an adorable, troublesome baby kaiju. This delightful premise offers entertainment for audiences of all ages, particularly appealing to younger viewers who may be new to the Ultraman legacy. Rave reviews highlight the film’s deeper character development, with critics suggesting that Ultraman: Rising excels in this aspect compared to the Monsterverse. Notably, the movie successfully integrates references from the longstanding Ultraman franchise while standing on its own for first-time viewers.

Why Ultraman: Rising Works for All Audiences

Baby Kaiju sleeping in Ultraman's arms in Ultraman: Rising — Image via Netflix

Ultraman: Rising expertly modernizes a classic story arc where an unwilling hero becomes a caretaker. In this narrative, Ken Sato’s journey includes comical escapades with a playful, bird-like kaiju that rambles through the streets of Tokyo. The film’s lighthearted humor, engaging scenarios, and a feel-good conclusion lay the groundwork for potential sequels, hinted at in a mid-credits scene.

Unraveling the Mystery of Emiko

Another intriguing subplot in Ultraman: Rising revolves around the disappearance of Ken Sato’s mother, Emiko. As Ken grapples with his conflicting responsibilities as Ultraman and his concern for Emiko’s welfare, the mid-credits scene unveils her fate. Viewers learn she has been stranded on Ultraman’s home planet, calling to Ken for help. This twist effectively sets the stage for a sequel that could feature Ken’s journey to the renowned Ultraman realm of Nebula M78.

The Call for a Sequel: Ultraman: Rising Deserves More

Given the enthusiastic reception of Ultraman: Rising, which boasts a striking 92% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 86% critics score, it’s clear that the film resonated widely with viewers. Themes of legacy, family, and the weight of responsibility grounded the narrative in an engaging manner. Following the surprising mid-credits scene, the anticipation for a sequel is palpable, as fans would love to see the continuation of Ken’s adventure alongside Emiko and the introduction of new kaiju characters.

The Director’s Vision for Ultraman: Fallen

Director Shannon Tindle has expressed his enthusiasm for expanding the Ultraman universe, revealing that he has already conceptualized a sequel titled Ultraman: Fallen. He shared insights with Comic Book, indicating that the sequel will delve deeper into Emiko’s storyline and potentially explore complex themes related to independence and fear as Ken embarks on a quest to rescue her. Though further details remain under wraps, the groundwork for Ultraman: Fallen sets a promising outlook for continuing this beloved franchise.

As we await confirmation of Ultraman: Fallen, the success of Ultraman: Rising highlights its potential for future development in the ever-expanding kaiju genre.

Source: Comic Book

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