Yo-Yo Girl Cop (2006)

I saw the film at the cinema years ago and came out as the only person in the group that appeared to like it. SOme of my friends begrudgingly let slip that "the actions scenes were cool" or that "the chicks were hot", and it was then that I updated my list of people not to see movies with.Yes, the main girl is cute and yes the action scenes are cool, but in my mind a film doesn't earn the designation "crap" because it doesn't sate one's thirst for blood and titillation. Sadly it seems that Japanese film has scored a legion of followers expecting everything to be "extreme". It doesn't help that Western marketers pander to this lowest common denominator. This latest Sukeban Deka movie is pure teen drama and super-hero action and it doesn't need misogynistic violence, tentacles or acupuncture needles in tender places to be entertaining.The main character is established early on as the daughter of now outcast original "Sukeban Deka", translating to "Girl-gang leader Detective". She is reportedly just as cute and just as aggressive as her mum. After a very stylish intro and opening credits (cool rotoscoping) the daughter, taking her mother's old moniker, Asamiya, as well as her old job, is sent to investigate an Internet based terrorist organisation. It is here that the film sets into "highschool detective" mode where all manner of tangled intra-personal troubles and dark motivations are unraveled.Anyone familiar with the above genre will probably know what that entails: bullies, student politics, trust and friendship, and there is nothing wrong with that. Interspersed with the detective work is intrigue, action and character building enough to draw the viewer along to the climax, which is comprised of a couple of great action setpeices but unfortunately a slightly disappointing conclusion.Kenta Fukasaku has put together a stylish film that works well within obvious budget constraints and ultimately delivers some great cheesy fun, reminiscent of the TV dramas before it. No, it isn't gory, and no, those expecting the next "Asia Extreme Gorefest" with blood, bodily fluids and TnA all over the place, are not going to be happy. But if you can put aside your base desires and just enjoy the flimsy teen drama and cheesy action, you will enjoy yourself.

This movie seems to based on an anime from several years ago! I am not familiar with it! But what I have seen from the movie it is obvious! The introduction sets the tone for what to come! A schoolgirl is running away! A time bomb is attached to her! She warns the people! Then the bomb explodes! After seeing this I just knew I would like this movie! After this we are introduced to the main character! (I didn't know she was a singer!) But after seeing her I fell in love! A very cute girl with a serious attitude! What's not to like! I think she did a great job! She was really convincing as the tough young chick who can kick ass! And what amazed me was the fact that this movie successfully combined entertainment with a serious topic! Bullying! This is a topic that is a problem everywhere in the world! It is handled in such a way that it will make you think about this subject! Did I mention the humor! In one scene the yoyocop girl gets hit by her own yoyo! Hilarious! A movie not to be missed!

The first Subekan Deka in over ten years updates the special effects and boosts the star power to make for a pleasantly watchable entertainment that excels in its social conscience. Former Deka entries, whether drawn or dramatized, have taken the usual hero vs. super- villain route, making them seem tired even before they've left the gate. In addition, they suffered from the basic limitations of the special effects at that time; the manga-inspired concept of razor yo-yos and killer cranes seemed less than convincing in a martial arts film. As the series progressed, the plots became almost as silly as the James Bond films of the period.In Kodo Nemo - Asamiya Saki, director Kenta Fukasaku (Battle Royale 2) modernizes he action sequences and frames the story to reflect contemporary social realities - in particular, the prevalence of bullying in the Japanese school system. It comes to focus when an underground internet site counts down, and a teenage undercover agent - code-named Saki Asamiya - tries to uncover the mystery before it's too late. As Idol Aya Matsuura is a good pick for the lead role, beautiful but tough in the tradition of the series (and a much better singer than any of the girls who preceded her). Matsuura is dynamic though (like former deka girls) lacking in a certain humor. The standout villain, played by Morning Musume alumnus Rika Ishikawa, is sexy in her faux-leather action outfit - a complete surprise. The normally demure Ishikawa is clearly having fun in her over-the-top role, and you wish she could appear more often.The film could have used more hard-edged humor - something that Fukasaku might learn from the work of his latefather, the late Kinji Fukusaku. Also, the film's plot makes a high ratio of characters irritatingly geeky and impossibly suicidal. But these flaws are tolerable in the anticipation of a possible sequel, either on film or serial. Certainly there's enough talent in Upfront Management to cast several film projects. Aibon would be amusing in some suitably smoky role, Miki perfect as a villain, and Eri could be on hand for comic relief.

When popular Hello! Project (Jpop) idol Matsuura Aya (Ayaya) was first announced as the new "Sukeban Deka" in Fukasaku Kenta's big budget movie adaptation of the popular 80's TV crime drama, I had my serious doubts. I thought that the pixie faced Aya was just too "girlie" to portray the tough talking, rough and tumble schoolgirl cop. I am happy to report that my fears were unwarranted and that Matsuura Aya proved to be a worthy successor to the role, following successfully in the footsteps of her predecessors Asaka Yui, Minamino Yoko and the always fetching Saito Yuki. "Sukeban Deka: Codename = Asamiya Saki" is a fun movie which manages to stay true to the original TV series and at the same time update the character for current audiences. There is a lot to like about the movie - from the Maurice Binder 007 inspired opening credits to the finale showdown between Saki and renegade "Tokumei Keiji" (Special Detective) Akiyama Reika, played with sheer camp by Vyuden idol Ishikawa Reika. Yet some may be turned off by all the "rip offs" Fukasaku seemed to have taken from other movies and popular entertainment. The haunting music more than echoes "Silence of the Lambs" with Fukasaku going so far as to introduce Saki a la Hannibal Lecter, complete with a straight jacket and restraining mask. There is also the "dooms day" clock countdown which seems to be in imitation to the series "24". Even the fore-mentioned showdown with Reika seems like a copy of the Bride's showdown with Go-Go Yubari in "Kill Bill Vol. 1". Fukasaku even takes elements from his own "Battle Royale II" with the use of "human bombs" and youth terrorists. Yet these elements add to the mayhem and madness of the film. While very much more darker than the TV series and the 80's movies, the film also has some funny moments such as Saki's first attempt to use her trademark steel "Yo-yo". Aya fans will definitely cheer at the sight of her in a skin-tight "battle suit" in the finale. The movie isn't perfect however as there are frequent disjointed subplots that don't seem to lead anywhere and needless introductions of boring secondary characters. Takeuchi Riki is great as Saki's gruff handler Kira Kazutoshi and Sukeban Deka #1, Saito Yuki also makes a surprise cameo as Saki's mother in a bit of fan boy casting. All-in-all the movie is great "retro" entertainment and does a good job at introducing new audiences to this cool character as well as giving fans of the 80s TV show something to cheer about. Probably the best of the "Sukeban Deka" movies, which isn't a major accomplishment.