The newest thing from Miike, this film is so much tamer than his usual work that you can give it a G rating. Which is good, because it's kind of a childrens movie. I say "kind of" because it's a childrens movie the same way "Mary Poppins" is a childrens movie, kids can watch it, but adults are going to enjoy/appreciate it more. I just finished reviewing a film (Millions) that did not exemplify itself in that genre, but this one does!
Our main character is a somewhat dorky teacher in Japan. His son attends the school he teaches at and is getting beat up because his dad is freaky and strange.
We quickly find out that his dad is a huge fan of Zebraman, a 20-year old "Power Rangers"-type TV show that got cancelled after just 7 episodes due to abysmally bad ratings. This man isn't just any fan though, he's made a costume! And he wears it! This film is a gradual escalation from closet fan-hood to wearing the costume out in public and having fans of his own(!!!).
The movie really starts rolling when the transfer student appears. A young boy in a wheelchair who is similarly a big fan of Zebraman(!!). This young boy believes in Zebraman the way nobody else does, and a charming relationship develops between the two.
Of course, that's only a little bit into the movie, and it just keeps getting better. The action is fast paced, and the whole audience was cheering Zebramans first victory against Crabman. The whole movie has to be seen to be believed, and if you're even remotely a fan of comic books and the like you're going to have a great time here.
Somewhat silly, but hilarious and entertaining to such a degree that it's almost unfathomable.