"Documentary" about a man who can grow to gigantic proportions whenever Japan is attacked by giant monsters. We watch as he tries to get along in his normal human form, where he is a poor schlub struggling to earn a living, dealing with a divorce and a kid he never sees, and the public who love and hate him and the destruction he causes.
Dry and witty comedy from the man who gave us Symbol at this year's NYAFF, turns the idea of giant superheroes (even media created heroes) and monsters (ala Ultraman and Godzilla) on their head. How mundane it all is. If you are aware of the "giant men in suits" genre this will amuse you to no end. The effects are handled well and while it's almost certainly all CGI (I haven't cracked open the second region 3 DVD) it all looks wonderfully real.
This got a token US release in 2009, which kind of surprised me, because while it's funny if you don't know what it's spoofing, it's even funnier if you do (the people I know who truly love this film love giant monster movies and their related TV shows). My saying that shouldn't put you off since this is a very, very funny movie no matter how much you know of the subject.
If there is any problem with the film it is perhaps that it's too long at just under two hours. It's almost too much of a good thing, and by the time you get to the end the film has almost worn out its welcome.
Still, in the right frame of mind this is both a hoot and a half and very clever pondering on things giant.
Worth a look for those who like clever comedy and giant monsters.
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