The most eerie monster smackdowns of the year so far have nothing to do with big-budget Hollywood pictures. Instead, take a gander at Big Man Japan. The limited-release indie mockumentary, which expands into new markets Friday, follows the misadventures of a slacker who defends Japan from mutants, much to the annoyance of his fellow citizens.
The title character, played by Japanese comedian Hitoshi Matsumoto, looks freaky enough each time he gets zapped by electricity that blows him up to the size of a three-story building. But things get really strange once monsters attack.
Crafted by visual effects director Hiroyuki Seshita, the mutants in the movie include Evil Stare Monster, who throws his eye around on a fleshy tether like a cowboy lassoing a calf, and Stink Monster, who flaps fleshy, petal-like appendages to release repulsive fumes.
Handsomely photographed, Big Man Japan suffers from all-or-nothing pacing. In lethargic off-duty mode, Matsumuto's character comes across as self-absorbed and drowsy. The supporting cast is serviceable but saddled with on-the-nose dialogue. Still, the film is worth seeking out for its utterly original action sequences.
Big Man Japan producer Hisaya Shiraiwa tells Wired.com: "Coming up with the design was challenging. When Matsumato transforms into this gigantic Big Man Japan, we wanted to make him look very different from any other existing superhero."
Judge for yourself in the Big Man Japan trailer, embedded above.
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