Review of Yo-Yo Girl Cop (2006) by Dustin L — 17 Oct 2007

Yo-Yo Girl Cop is the movie adaptation of a popular TV series in Japan a about a female cop that fights with a yo-yo. Hence, the clever name.

This film is the Japanese equivalent to a typical Hollywood TV-to-big-screen adaptation. There isn't much substance in the way of plot or action-- the true draw is the legendary character Asamiya Saki, her 4th reincarnation played by the beautiful Aya Matsuura. And, much like Hollywood's willingness to turn crap to cash by casting A-listers, this film does the same by using famous J-Pop stars in the main roles. However, as I said before, the talent level of pop stars in Japan far exceeds that of pop stars in America. The acting for some of the supporting characters here (specifically, the African-American actress) was terrible.

As for the story? Bombs strapped to teenagers against their will... hmm... where have I seen this plot device before? Oh yeah, in director Kenta Fukasaku's dad Kinji's masterpiece Battle Royale. The son's really milking it, isn't he? First, Battle Royale II, then this. I guess Kinji's apple fell way too far from the tree for poor little Kenta to string together an original thought.

The sparse use of the yo-yo will frustrate audiences not familiar with the TV series-- after all, isn't the movie called Yo-Yo Girl Cop? But fans of the TV series know this was an intentional build-up-- it's like revealing Spider-Man in costume for the first time.

In all, like any other TV-to-film adaptation, if you are a fan of the original, Yo-Yo Girl Cop will satisfy you more than the casual moviegoer. Overall though, still a decent film.