Review of Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991) by Carlos C — 31 Aug 2012

Let's get one thing straight here. Showdown in Little Tokyo is not a subtle film. If you're looking for drama that slowly draws the viewer in to its clutches then you would be best advised to move along. If you're looking for wise cracking, peddle to the metal action thrills and boobs though, take your pants off and make yourself comfy.

Mark Lester is the director who steered the Schwarzenegger ship of Commando is at the helm for this massively enjoyable testosterone festival of ass kicking. This time out his charges are Dolph Lundgren and Brandon lee as two mis-matched police men attempting to take down a Yakuza boss in Los Angeles. It keeps its story simple and cuts straight to the punching and kicking whenever it can, which is often.

Lundgren and Lee are helped along by a script that is chocked full of quality one liners ranging from Brandon's appreciation of Dolph's manhood to his exclamation that when they get done with this they will "go eat fish off those naked chicks" at one of Little Tokyo's more exotic sushi restaurants.

The bad guys are fittingly OTT for such a film and prove time and again that they do not suffer fools gladly. Tia Carrere plays the often shrieking love interest with amiable enough skill and enjoys a hot tub with Dolph.

The film packs a healthy dose of action scenes too and never tries to dress itself up as something it isn't. What it is, is a dumb, fun, no brain, lots of beers movie that places it's tongue firmly in cheek and provides a highly entertaining 90 minutes. A minor cult classic.