Taiho shichauzo!

The movie is set a year after the end of the first season of the TV series, and Miyuki and Natsumi have just returned to Bokuto station from their temporary assignments, just in time to confront a terrorist group threatening Tokyo. This is a nice continuation of the adventures of our favorite Japanese traffic cops, although it is darker in tone than the series. People expecting a light-hearted romp will be disappointed, although there are some funny moments (the most notable of which is little Yuriko trying to wield an M-60 heavy machine gun when the terrorists attack the station.) The emphasis is more on action and mystery than humor. If you're unfamiliar with You're Under Arrest, this is NOT a good place to start. The movie was written for people who had seen at least some of the show and know the back story and relationships, so if you're a YUA newbie, start with the series and come back to this later. Bottom line: If you're a fan of the series, you'll want to see this.

Okay gang - This is for sure the one and a half hours of my life I can consider wasted. My girlfriend gave up about 30 minutes into the movie, because she couldn't get the point. I endured it bravely 'til the end. And let me tell you - this was such a mess. Well, enough of bashing - I came up with two kinds of people out there who would appreciate the movie. First, if you are familiar with the original series or comic book (not sure there is one), which I am not. Second, you might appreciate it if you live or have lived in Tokyo, which I haven't. There are too many characters, and not enough time has been allocated for developing any of them. There are a few good action sequences, but definitely nothing to write home about. If you haven't seen the original series, don't bother with this one.

Am already a fan of the YUA TV series and the OVAs, and enjoyed the movie. I have both the sub and the dub. While YUA has up till the movie been more of a tongue-in-cheek humor romp, the movie manages take the same characters and make them much more serious, while still having a few laughs - something that isn't always easy to do well. It was nice to finally see some background on the Chief, and on Bokuto Precinct's least favorite superior officer. This installment also added some notes on Japanese culture and history, something that hasn't really come into play as much in the TV/OVAs. You don't have to be familiar with the series to get the plot and enjoy the action, but you'll get more out of the character interaction and jokes. And they're worth seeing, especially if you can use some light humor.

As an anime movie based off a TV series let's answer some burning questions.

No, you don't need to have seen any of the show to follow along.

No, this does not have any major status quo changes to the show's formula.

This movie is more a showcase of the characters and set up of the show for newcomers thinking of giving it a chance.

And for that, it does a pretty good job. The animation and music isn't much of a technical upgrade, it is clear that this wasn't a theatrical release. But the movie does a good job of ratcheting up the tension and making this adventure feel like a bigger deal.

In a nutshell, it is "Assault on Precinct 13" but Paintball Mode, so it is safe for kids.

I would definitely say that this movie is not a waste of your time (for those who enjoy police thriller films). After watching it the first time, I just had to see it again. The story makes plenty of sense and the film contains many action scenes. Both the Japanese and the English dub were very well done, and the artwork of the characters were superb. I recommend you watch the OVA and TV series first if you want to learn more about the characters. The film does have a much more serious tone to it than the series but still contain a few comical moments. It may not be as intense as other police thrillers or action films, but it's still a very decent movie. I definitely recommend this title for those who enjoy and appreciate these kind of movies.