Even though the series is popular in Japan, and a forerunner to the Masked Rider and Super Sentai shows, most of the Ultramen superheroes aren't well known in the States. The Ultraman series has built up a complex lore and mythology within its forty-five year existence, but this film manages to be accessible while mildly succeeding at being a grand, sweeping adventure that introduces that Ultraman series to a new generation.
It compares favorably to G.I. Joe (2009), the pace is relentless and the action is non-stop, but it barely ever has anything on its mind. There is also some hammy, melodramatic J-Drama in the film too, but because nearly every character is masked or in some kind of wacky costume, it comes off like a highly stylized play instead of the usual Japanese soap-opera. For a film that couldn't have had a larger budget than $5 million, its CG environments look decent and as does most of the practical work.
The director is Koichi Sakamoto. He's done a lot of previous stunt work on the Super Sentai shows (And apparently did a lot to bring the show over to the States as Power Rangers), but this is his first time directing a major film. I think he did a wonderful job all things considering. He also choreographed the fight scenes. There is a bunch of wire-fu, but I think it works within the context of the film given that these are super-beings. I think his only true flaw as a director is that he doesn't explain some of the notable functions of the Ultramen, like their use of a human host, which might leave a few movie-goers in the audience scratching their heads.
The reason I bring this film up is that I think a lot of you guys will appreciate this movie. It's fun, silly, and colorful, similar to many CHUD favorites (Flash Gordon, G.I. Joe, etc.). I hope you guys check it out and like it as much as I did!
