Is Ultraman: The Next Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2004)

📖 The Core Premise

Ultraman: The Next stands as a 2004 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Family, Science Fiction, Action, Adventure landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "First Lieutenant Shun'ichi Maki of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force is a prestigious F-15 Eagle jet pilot (or "driver" as he is called in the film). A lifelong fan of flying since he was a child, being a pilot is his ultimate dream. Unfortunately, his duties distance himself from his wife, Yoko, who always ends up being neglected, and his son, Tsugumu, who has a congenital blood disease and has a high risk of dying at a young age.Maki decides to quit the Air Force to devote more time to his family and to spend whatever is left for his son. He takes a part-time job as a commercial tour guide run by a kindly group of people who allow him time to work and to also take care of his family."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Ultraman: The Next, Tetsuya Bessho delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Family. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Ultraman: The Next worth your time? If you appreciate Family, Science Fiction, Action, Adventure films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Ultraman: The Next is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 97 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.