While filming The Toxic Avenger Part II in Japan, Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz were approached with a lucrative deal. Apparently, The Toxic Avenger was very popular in the Land of the Rising Sun where it was a major hit. Tetsu Fujimura and Masaya Nakamura from Namco approached Kaufman and Herz to develop a film about a kabuki-themed superhero. Supposedly based on an idea from Kaufman, Namco agreed to put up half a million dollars for the budget. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned early on, as there were disagreements between the filmmakers and the producers. Namco and Herz agreed to make a family-friendly film for kids, but Kaufman wanted it made as another Troma movie. After premiering at the American Film Institute in 1990, the actual film didn’t see a wide release until 1996. So, with that out of the way, let’s examine Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.!
%
Rating
Synopsis
Harry Griswold (Rick Gianasi) is a New York police detective who enjoys fast food and is pretty clumsy. One night, he attends a Kabuki show, when suddenly the actors are gunned down, prompting Griswold to intervene. During the gunfight, he’s forcibly kissed by one of the dying actors, which gives him special Kabuki powers. The next day, his superior Captain Bender (Noble Lee Lester) chews him out claiming that Griswold shot at security officers. Griswold suspects that wealthy businessman Reginald Stuart (Bill Weeden) is somehow involved, but he’s got connections to discredit Griswold. When his partner Connie LaRosa (Pamela Alster) is attacked, Griswold transforms into Kabukiman, wielding tons of Asian-inspired powers and weaponry. Unfortunately, Connie gets killed, Griswold is suspended, and it seems like Stuart has gotten away with it all. With some help from the nubile Lotus (Susan Byun), Griswold harnesses his powers to fulfill his destiny!
Review
Despite having a troubled production, Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. is much more fun and enjoyable than one would expect. First off, while not as iconic as Toxie, Kabukiman is still a uniquely fun character that works on his own. Not only does he have a very colorful design, but his goofy demeanor and random abilities add to his charm. Also, Rick Gianasi makes for a flawed but likable lead as Detective Griswold, as well as playing a cartoonish character. With its darkly-lit night scenes and even some line deliveries, it feels like a parody of 1989’s Batman at times. Even the scene transitions playfully reference the scene transitions in the 1960’s TV series, adding to the cartoony feel. What also makes it funny is how much of the cast play it straight, especially Susan Byun and Bill Weeden. They feel like they’re plucked from a mainstream superhero movie.
Admittedly, some of the production problems mentioned before do creep their way in, though it doesn’t hurt the film. For instance, a fight scene will be goofy and silly, but then someone’s head will get stomped on. Also, there’s a fair amount of nudity here and there, and even an attempted rape scene, causing some tonal dissonance. Granted, violence and nudity mixed with cartoonish humor are Troma’s bread and butter, but here, there’s an odd disconnect. Still, the film is relatively tame compared to movies like The Toxic Avenger and Class of Nuke ‘Em High. While I think the original Toxie is perfect for Troma beginners, this might be better for those more squeamish. In terms of comparing this to Troma’s other films, this lies somewhere between the Toxie and Nuke ‘Em High sequels. Overall, Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. is a fun superhero spoof worth investigating.
Buy Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3cVsbNt
