SKREEONK's Fan Reviews! YOUR Opinions on Kaiju Classics!

[UnCanny Studios]

Oh Final Wars. How you plague the fandom so... with your argument-spawning plotlines and kaiju... or lack thereof.

Aaaaanyway.... anyone feel like reviewing some ULTRAMAN material? We are sorely lacking!

[Megalon-5]

I'd love to review the original Ultraman seeing as I've just gotten the DVD set and I'm going through it episode by episode. Would that work?

[Destroyer]

I've also recently gotten the original series, so I'm all up for that.

[UnCanny Studios]

I'd love to review the original Ultraman seeing as I've just gotten the DVD set and I'm going through it episode by episode. Would that work?

I've also recently gotten the original series, so I'm all up for that.

That would be FANTASTIC! Thank you both!

[Destroyer]

Hey Uncanny, I finally wrote up my review of the original Ultraman series.

When you're a Godzilla fan, you're most likely into Gamera too. Those are the big ones American fans like. However, other than those two, another name is huge in the kaiju genre: Ultraman. Believe it or not, Ultraman is a lot more popular in Japan currently than Godzilla. I've always heard of Ultraman growing up, but I never thought much f it. I dismissed it as just being another Power Rangers. Boy was I wrong. Years later today, I'm part of the TOHO Kingdom forums. While there, Ultraman and his many monsters were always popping up. Over time, the comments about the franchise made me want to check it out, it seemed like something a Godzilla fan would enjoy. Sadly, DVD releases are limited, the franchise isn't exactly big in America. However, the original series was available on DVD (for under $10!) so I picked it up. Ultraman: The Original Series is the pioneer of the Ultra franchise, it's an enjoyable series for all kaiju fans.

The original Ultraman series is famous for its 'monster of the week' thing and of course its main character. If you don't know, the focus is on the Science Patrol, the elite of Japan. (Complete with 60's style suits and laser guns.) We have Hayata, (Ultraman's human host) Captain Mura, Ito, Arashi, and the lovely Fugi. These guys just work great together, the chemistry, they're just nice. Hayata, well, how can one not like him? He's the definition of a 'nice guy who does what's right.' The Captain is great, he shows a demeanor that deserves respect yet he genuinely cares for his members. Ito you'll be seeing a lot, the comic relief member. Well, to be fair, he was only truly comic relief in the earlier episodes. His slapstick scenes ("Who turned off the lights?!) was thankfully dropped as the show went on. Arashi is more the worrisome member, he doesn't get as much screen time as the others. Then there's the only female member of the group, Fugi. She's definitely needed in the cast, she adds a certain meekness or innocence to the group. (They even turned her into a giant in one episode.) Yes, the cast really works here, they all have great chemistry with one another. Oh, almost forgot the only kid member, Hoshino. At first, he may seem like someone who just hangs around there, but later in the show he gets his own uniform. Though he doesn't participate in battle much. The only thing this cast is missing is a dog.

Ultraman is a classic character. He has a great backstory that sadly was never expanded upon in the series. The first episode is a bit slow, but does a good job with establishing Ultra's bond with Hayata. The character of Ultraman is pretty awesome I have to say. Based on his name you think he's some cheesy superhero? Think again. Ultraman is a hero, but he's not without a distinctive character. He's always ready for a fight, and won't hesitate to openly mock his opponent, such as with his fight against Godz-I mean Jirass. Here we see him do something that would happen only once in the show: laugh. He completely openly mocked Jirass the whole time. So don't think this guy is a cheesy Power Ranger, he's hardcore. This brings us to the most important aspect of the show: the monsters.

Every episode featured a new monster, with the exception of the Prince two-parter. The original show is famous for its diverse cast of monsters. Sadly, a lot of them are some of the lamest creatures you'll ever find. The first episode featured Bemular, (you have to see how this guy's weak little arms flap around) a good first opponent for Ultraman. The second one featured the fan favorite Alien Baltan for the show's first science fiction-themed episode. After that, the neo-Bargon Neronga. Not a bad first three, then of course the Creature From the-I mean Ragon. However, the main problem I found with the series is that in a lot of the earlier episodes, there was no danger for Ultraman. He completely destroyed the monsters with ease, sometimes they wouldn't even land a single blow! It wasn't until Episode Seven when the always-awesome Antlar appeared. That was the first fight where there was actually a chance Ultraman might lose. Alien Zarab was a pretty great villain, especially with the Fake Ultraman concept, good stuff. There are some really great designs here, Antlar, Zetton, Dorako, Telesdon, Alien Mephilas, among others. Sadly, with every cool monster appearance, there's usually two lame ones. Gamakjira being the biggest offender of them all. The suit and actual monster is so awful that it's laughable. And I don't know why the show relied on four-legged creatures so much, they get old fast. Still, one can't deny the uniqueness displayed here, Gyango might just be the most creative design I've ever seen for a kaiju.

There are a few standout episodes. The first one that really stood out was Episode Eight, when they went to the Ultraman version of Monster Island. That one featured a few different monsters, but the one that stood out was the fan favorite Red King. Neat design, great portrayal. However, his best appearance was when he returned in Episode 25, another great episode. (That one also featured the first appearance of Dorako, a pretty cool monster if you ask me.) Another standout, (or infamous) is Episode Ten. To be more clear, it features Jirass. This monster is famous for one thing: it's the Godzilla suit with a frill. What's even more funny is that Ultraman actually rips off the frill. Now we're left with Ultraman fighting a painted Godzilla. It's hilarious, but that's part of the charm. The series is episodic, the only two-parter is with the famous Gomora, the first monster to actually defeat Ultraman. However, the one that stood out the most was Episode 22, 'Overthrow the Surface.' Right from the start it's different, the coloring looks dark and the way it's filmed gives the impression of the shaky cam style. In this Twilight Zone-themed episode, the simplistic yet awesome Telesdon appears. Man that was a strange episode. One of my personal favorites was Episode 37, where Ultraman battles the 'Chief of all monsters' Geronimon. But that's not really the reason why I liked it, it featured the return of two of my favorites monsters: Dorako and Telesdon. What I don't understand is why they replaced Dorako's Gigan-like claws with normal hands and took out his wings. Geronimon was extremely underwhelming. A lot of monsters in this show are, but for the 'Chief of all Monsters,' I expected better. Still, that episode did feature a weapon built by Ito that could destroy whole monsters. There's also the 'joke' episode of the series, Episode 34, featuring the 'Heaviest Monster in all of Existence.' That episode was practically a parody of the show itself. Then of course there's the famous final episode...

'Farewell Ultraman ' is the last episode of the series. I couldn't ask for a better climax. This one features aliens who come to earth and awaken the 'most powerful monster in the universe.' This monster is Zetton, who completely pulverized Ultraman. Zetton is definitely the show's ultimate villain, his design is incredible. His roar or better term his sounds give off a sense that this guy is an emotionless being. The fight I hear a lot of people say it should have been better. Honestly, I thought it was perfect. It isn't very long, but every move made by both was felt. You know Ultraman was going to lose, and he did, he was completely defeated. Zetton is then destroyed by a prototype weapon built Dr. Iwamoto, my only complaint. Zetton is obviously the most powerful monster in the show, yet you have him beaten by a human based weapon? I read that the original intent was to have Ultraman's superior defeat him, which would have been so much better. Still, the ending has such emotion, you don't want it to end, but it's over. By then they should have realized that Hayata was Ultraman, but hey, we live in a world where it took Lois Lane years to find out that Clark Kent was Superman.

Overall, the original Ultraman series had a lot of heart. It's oldschool and fun. A lot of aspects are outdated, but it doesn't lose its charm. You'll be smiling every time you hear Ghidorah's roar on the Science Patrol phone. While a lot of monsters are weaklings and look lame, there's a great number of them that would be pretty great in a Godzilla film. The fights are classic Showa type, lots of wrestling here. Ultraman is a show all kaiju fans would enjoy, and for under $10, how can one go wrong? Ultraman may look cheesy on the outside, but at its core, it's show filled with heart and characters you can root for.

[UnCanny Studios]

Great review, Destroyer. Just posted it today! Better late than never, eh?

http://skreeonk.com/2012/06/24/ultraman-the-original-series-1966-1967/

Does anyone have access to any subsequent Ultra series so we can get some reviews going for them?

[Llante]

Is there anything that I am prohibited from reviewing or is there just movies that don't necessarily need more reviews?

[Destroyer]

Does anyone have access to any subsequent Ultra series so we can get some reviews going for them?

I'm currently watching MAX, so I'll review that when I'm done with the series.

[MeltdownKoopa]

SUPER BUMP.

So is UncannyStudios still posting reviews?

[Godzilla6014]

Is it ok for me to do some or are you not going to be allowing it right now? I've never watched any Gamera or Ultraman stuff a day in my life but I can be able to do Godzilla stuff if you want me to. I've seen alll 28 of his movies and would like to know what it would take to review them. If not then that's ok I won't mind but I would like to take a good look at any opportunities that is if your still doing them.

[MeltdownKoopa]

^ Yeah you can post reviews.

[Godzilla6014]

Alright thanks! I just need to know two more things? Do you have to post it one here first and then see if they like it in order to get it put on that SKREEONK website or do you just go there eh? How does it work? and are there any inportmant rules on what to do with my review or does it matter on how you do it?

[MeltdownKoopa]

Alright thanks! I just need to know two more things? Do you have to post it one here first and then see if they like it in order to get it put on that SKREEONK website or do you just go there eh? How does it work? and are there any inportmant rules on what to do with my review or does it matter on how you do it?

Post here or PM UnCanny.

[Godzilla6014]

Ok let's see what to review? Ok I'll try all of the 1970's Godzilla films all five of them. If that's to much you can just let me know.

Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971) 4 of 5 Stars
Many people have often complained and whined about the 1970's Godzilla films and are constanly making baffons of themselves. I however, have enjoyed such fine works of art like this film. Even though it's much darker in tone than someof the others it still remines to be quite an enjoyable film but in a different sort of way than for like Gigan, Megalon and Mechagodzilla. This film helped warn many citizens of Japan about the dangers of pollution during that time period. Letting them know what was going on at that time. Overall this one's worth watching though you probably don't want to eat anything while your watching it. Just a tip.
-Godzilla 6014
Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) 4 of 5 Stars
Here we have a nice, fun and enjoyable classic monster film that's isn't talked about much but when it is it's usally something negative. As, these so called "film critics" claim that movies such as this one are "kiddie entertainment" and have been going quite off the deep end here. However, real fans like myself have very good memories and things to say about it. During the time that this movie was made Japan had suffered through an oil crisis at the time and were forced into using stock material. This film used stock footage and music from Mothra vs. Godzilla, Ghidorah: the Three Headed Monster, Invasion of the Astro-Monster, Destroy all Monsters and Godzilla vs. Hedorah. However, several times when I was sick or not feeling well as a kid I would often watch this movie which it would make me feel much better. The bottom line is that there is no law that's say these Godzilla films were strictly for kids only or adults only.
-Godzilla 6014
Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) 4 of 5 Stars
Well here we go again dealing with quite intolerable tyrancial stuck up so called "film critics" bashed this film into the ground and once they accuse it of being a kiddie film, worst in the series and not just that. They critized the acting, the leak of a female lead, stock footage, the fights scenes and all kinds of stuff that's not really that bad at all. So, what if kids do like it shut up and watch it with them or else leave it and Gigan alone. Toho once again uses stock footage from previous Godzilla films this time they use even more once again due to an oil crisis in Japan. This time however, they didn't use stock music but instead had some other catchie music playing in the background. The stock footage this time even though some of it's the same they used stock from Mothra vs. Godzilla, Ghidorah: the Three Headed Monster, Invasion of the Astro-Monster, Ebirah Horror of the Deep, War of the Gargantuas, Destroy all Monsters, Godzilla vs. Hedorah and Godzilla vs. Gigan. Unfortunately the flim even suffered being shown on MST3K in which they added in their garbage they did the same thing with the Sea Monster as well. The deal is don't listen to any haters who say the movies is bad because it's not. People are entitled to their opinions and all that is if they don't act like tryants over what others think. Whatever anyways I enjoyed the film and I remeber watching it as a kid while not feeling well and this one also helped me feel better. So, if you ask me the worst in the series is Mothra vs. Godzilla that ones pretty boring to me.
-Godzilla 6014
Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974) 5 of 5 Stars
Here we have Godzilla's 20th anniversary flim as he goes face to face with his mechanical double. I'd have to say out of all of the 70's Godzilla films this one would have to be my favorite out of all of them. It's also probably my fourth favorite Godzilla film overall. People usally seem to leave this one alone though there can be some bashing here and there but thinkfully we can get a break for once. A lot of the fight scenes and acting are well done hell we even get pretty actresses on board as there seems to be a ton of them in the Godzilla films. Looks like the oil crisis may have lit up a bit for Toho to be able to afford using some newer scenes however there is one that one could safely say that was a stock footage mistake. That's would be the brief scene in the beginning when the Azumi Royal families daugter had some strange vision that showed King Ghidorah attacking cities which is from Gigan however outside of that he is not shown or reffered to in the film at all pretty weird I'd say. Anyways, yet another film that brings back such memories.
-Godzilla 6014
Terror of Mechagodzilla (1975) 5 of 5 Stars
This one here is a follow up to the previous film Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla and even sort of takes place right where it left off as it opens up with stock footage from it's predecessor. This movie unfortunately is the last G film of the Showa era due to the oil crisis starting back up and because of Toho's G films not doing so well after Destroy all Monsters which was the last film to do well at the box office until Godzilla returned for the Heisei films. Though I prefer Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla I still think that this one had some of the best special effects. out of the 70's films. However, I find the previous three Godzilla films to be much more rewatchable than this one. Still, not bad the 1970's Godzilla overall are better than what some of the yahoos out there might say plus Katsura's a pretty girl. Though not the picture prefect ending people would hope for you still got to keep in mind that the last five films and Zone Figther all take place before the events of Destroy all Monsters. As, they take place the year they were made while DAM takes place in 1999. As, for All Monsters Attack that one took place completely outside of the Showa universe and instead takes place in ours where Godzilla only exest through his movies. Anyways, this one is definitely one worth seeing.
-Godzilla 6014
Alright you can feel free to tell me what you think and hopfully UnCanny can take a good look at it. If you like my reviews for these ones and want me to do more I can do Ghidorah: the three headed Monster, Invasion of the Astro-monster and Destroy all Monsters next or maybe even look into some of the Heisei films.