IMDb RATING
5.7/10
3.6K
YOUR RATING
A streetwise New York police officer transforms into the world's most unusual superhuman hero.A streetwise New York police officer transforms into the world's most unusual superhuman hero.A streetwise New York police officer transforms into the world's most unusual superhuman hero.
- Awards
- 1 nomination total
Herbert L. Becker
- Mr. Goldberg
- (as Herbert Becker)
Featured reviews
There are few artistic achievements that our race as a whole have produced, especially in the field of motion picture, that truly resonate within our psyche, leaving us profoundly altered. This film, Sgt. Kabuki Man, NYPD, is one of those achievements. It is a pure lancet of truth and hope that slices through the gossamar chains of society's current state of disrepair, a beacon in the fog for lost souls to reclaim there lives. Using the classic Joeseph Campbell idea of 'hero' and 'quest', this novel script shows that anyone, even one as societally dominated and oppressed as the protagonist Harry Griswold, possess the ability to totally revamp their lives into something meaningful and worthwhile. And indeed, it is the brilliantly woven script (by freshman writer Robert Koffey) that keeps the plot taunt and titillating, steeped in rich metaphors and symbolism. For example, during the initial kabuki transformation sequence after the goons have shot up the theater and the explosions have gone off, the main character can be seen frenching an old guy and then eating some worms. This is a perfect microcosm for the greater ideas that directors Michael Hurtz and Lloyd Kaufman feel we need to come to grips with in our own lives- suffer embarrassment and pain to feel redemption. Thank you, noble angels. I only hope your genius-work finds a receptive audience in the vapid teenage wasteland of suburban America.
OK. This is not great cinema. This is not what you would define as a classic.
But for a B movie, it is A+
Like Toxie (The Toxic Adventure), Troma has once again created a character that is likeable and fun, yet this one is a bit of a jerk too. Still, I think that's what's so endearing about the character.
Basically, A bumbling cop accidentally receives the powers of the Kabuki, and has to fight "The Evil One". Lots of silliness. A bit of Troma trademark unneeded nudity (they love showing breasts whenever they can) and some worm eating. Get rid of that part, and it could be a fun series, and I would love to see a series of this. I think it's designed for a short-run TV series that would quickly develop a cult following. The character lends itself to short stories very well. Perhaps a Saturday Morning cartoon (like Toxie did).
Again, it's not great cinema, but it's a silly ride.
But for a B movie, it is A+
Like Toxie (The Toxic Adventure), Troma has once again created a character that is likeable and fun, yet this one is a bit of a jerk too. Still, I think that's what's so endearing about the character.
Basically, A bumbling cop accidentally receives the powers of the Kabuki, and has to fight "The Evil One". Lots of silliness. A bit of Troma trademark unneeded nudity (they love showing breasts whenever they can) and some worm eating. Get rid of that part, and it could be a fun series, and I would love to see a series of this. I think it's designed for a short-run TV series that would quickly develop a cult following. The character lends itself to short stories very well. Perhaps a Saturday Morning cartoon (like Toxie did).
Again, it's not great cinema, but it's a silly ride.
I recently watched the Troma Entertainment classic Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD (1991) on Tubi. The storyline follows an NYPD officer who unexpectedly becomes the "good chosen one," aka Kabukiman. Meanwhile, a group of local crime lords is in the process of summoning the "bad chosen one." Can Kabukiman stop them, or will he be outmatched by his arch-nemesis?
This film is co-directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman, who also teamed up on The Toxic Avenger, and stars Rick Gianasi (Mutant Hunt), Susan Byun (Deadly Target), Bill Weeden (Psycho Ape), and Joe Fleishaker (Trashtastic).
Like most Troma films, this is one where you need to shut your brain off and just enjoy the ride. Absolutely nothing in this movie is meant to be taken seriously-the acting, dialogue, and situations are completely over the top. The opening kill scene is hilarious, there are some wild shootouts, the park fight is amazing, and the clown chase is genuinely funny. I also enjoyed the use of tigers and the unique camera angles. There are several laugh-out-loud moments, and the narration and soundtrack fit the tone perfectly. Even the transformation scenes are surprisingly well done, and Susan Byun (Extramarital) is stunning.
In conclusion, Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD is a fun, brainless action comedy that's a blast if you know what to expect. I'd rate it a 7/10 and strongly recommend it for those in the right mindset.
This film is co-directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman, who also teamed up on The Toxic Avenger, and stars Rick Gianasi (Mutant Hunt), Susan Byun (Deadly Target), Bill Weeden (Psycho Ape), and Joe Fleishaker (Trashtastic).
Like most Troma films, this is one where you need to shut your brain off and just enjoy the ride. Absolutely nothing in this movie is meant to be taken seriously-the acting, dialogue, and situations are completely over the top. The opening kill scene is hilarious, there are some wild shootouts, the park fight is amazing, and the clown chase is genuinely funny. I also enjoyed the use of tigers and the unique camera angles. There are several laugh-out-loud moments, and the narration and soundtrack fit the tone perfectly. Even the transformation scenes are surprisingly well done, and Susan Byun (Extramarital) is stunning.
In conclusion, Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD is a fun, brainless action comedy that's a blast if you know what to expect. I'd rate it a 7/10 and strongly recommend it for those in the right mindset.
the problem with this movie was that some of the same sort of funny things done in the movie got old. yeah they were funny at first but then after a while it got to be old. i'm sure this would have been a great comedy movie if it was just shortened 25 to 50%. i give it 6/10
It's been a while since I've seen this film but I still remember that it is a good laugh. Really silly with poor acting but that's what Troma is all about. Like all Troma films it's the bad acting and stupid ott stories that make them so good. Okay some of them are just plain bad, but this definitely isn't one. The Kabuki costume looks amazing and I love the way Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD looks. The cartoon style humour is wonderfully done and this film really appeals to my sense of humour. It's even got a kick ass title song to go with it.
I was over the moon when I found out there might be a sequel coming out soon. I know sequels are rarely as good as or better than the the first film and often much worse but I really hope I get to see this sequel. It's just a shame Troma films are never shown in cinemas over here. Long live Troma.
A 7/10 for this film. Tempted to give it 8. Maybe I'll change my rating later on if I see the film again.
I was over the moon when I found out there might be a sequel coming out soon. I know sequels are rarely as good as or better than the the first film and often much worse but I really hope I get to see this sequel. It's just a shame Troma films are never shown in cinemas over here. Long live Troma.
A 7/10 for this film. Tempted to give it 8. Maybe I'll change my rating later on if I see the film again.
Did you know
- TriviaAnother Troma film, Toxic Avenger III: La dernière tentation de Toxie (1989), is playing at the cinema near the beginning of the film.
- GoofsBefore the naked wife gets thrown out the window, it is plain glass. However in a close up of her getting launched out the window, it's now a colonial window. In another shot, the window's back to being a plain one again.
- Quotes
Jughead: Who are you?
Sergeant Kabukiman: [looks into camera, then back at Jughead] I'm Kabukiman.
[reference to the 1989 version of Batman]
- Crazy creditsAll Rights Reserved; All Lefts Made From Far Lane
- Alternate versionsAvailable in both a PG-13 version and an unrated "director's cut."
- ConnectionsEdited into Tromeo and Juliet (1996)
- SoundtracksSgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. Theme Song
Composed by Dan Skye and Paul Short
Chris Carroll - Guitars, Jeff Baron - Drums
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,500,000 (estimated)
- Runtime
- 1h 45m(105 min)
- Color
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