Atomic Rulers (1965)

Really Surprised!

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

As an Anglicised compilation of episodes 1 and 2 of the Japanese children's adventure series"Super Giant", "Atomic Rulers of the World" is likely less than the sum of its parts. Despite a promisingly surreal (if cheap-looking) opening on the "Emerald Planet", in which the hero is introduced, the movie quickly degenerates into a repetitious sequence of chases and fights between 'Starman' (as the hero 'Super Giant' is renamed) and some generic foreign gangsters who are trying to take over the world (starting, of course, with Japan). The dubbing and the music in the English version I watched contributes to the impression that this is just a cheaply-made attempt to cash in on the then popular George Reeve Superman serial. The special effects are awful, and other than the aforementioned meeting on the Emerald Planet, consist of little beyond repeated shots of a flying Starman, silly film reversals, and extraordinarily bargain-basement looking sets and miniatures (such as the helicopter). As Starman, Ken Utsui is stuck in a flimsy caped-costume that becomes embarrassingly transparent when wet and includes the legendary stuffed crotch, an embarrassment with which the actor had to contend for the rest of his career. "Atomic Rulers of the World" was the first of four films adapting the "Super Giant" series, and is supposedly the worst, the next three having reputations for the delirious special effects for which most Japanese tokusatsu, no matter how cheaply made, are known. As such, while not much as stand-alone time-waster, the film may serve as an introduction to more entertaining fare.

Sure its silly stuff and the dubbing is bad and the quality low , but once you get past those few things its just plain fun !!! I mean whats the harm , its really funny , the panel of aliens in the beginning is creative I suppose for its time and remember its just a kids show , something along the lines of ''Prince of Space '' , just silly fun for young children . I think it would've worked for Americam kids too and that they would've enjoyed it too The SuperGiant or Starman as he is known to American audiences is harmless good natured fun , so keep that in mind as your watching and its enjoyable in that context , if your looking for serious sci-fi , look someplace else !

Another Starman episode. I have the same criticism. The bad guys are so incompetent. Starman is too powerful. No matter what anyone does, he simply stands there and takes it. It's just a series of silly fights with him posturing. If it weren't for the kids being in danger, I can't imagine that he would have to even think about bringing down the evildoers. It's very cartoon like. The fights and the violence are bloodless and boring, and the enemies talk in a bragging way. I imagine this was popular at one time. The kids are the heroes and are upheld by their hero. They get into trouble so he is left to pull his punches once in a while. Not much worth commenting about.

Ah, Starman. Clearly influenced by the b/w "Adventures of Superman"series, and possibly the Republic serial "The Adventures of CaptainMarvel," these flicks are good, old-fashioned fun. The only bummer isthat this first installment is very, very dull and doesn't feature theloony aliens that would make the later entries so memorable. Instead ourhero goes up against guys in suits and fedoras.You can afford to miss this one, but don't miss "Evil Brain From OuterSpace" and the ultra-surreal "Invaders From Space," which featuresStarman thwarting the salamander-men of the planet Pulimon (you will notbelieve their modern dance troupe of doom). And the DVDs are loaded withextra goodies, including episodes of the long-forgotten b/w Japanesecartoon "Prince Planet" which is a hell of a lot more fun than Iremembered