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Crazy concept + too serious execution = misfire in this oddball Japanese film.

I have a theory regarding Japanese cinema: The film classes there include more than just cinematography training and how to read a script. I honestly believe it’s mandatory in these classes to drop as much acid as possible. It’s the only answer I can come up with to explain why so much f’ed up stuff comes from there. Take our newest review, Yo-Yo: Sexy Girl Cop as a prime example.

Released by Cinema Epoch in the States, the film plays like a mild hentai project in live-action. In the film, Mihiro (just Mihiro, kind of like Cher, Madonna and Thanos) stars as Saki, a school-girl complete with typical school-girl outfit who is secretly a cop. She has two secret weapons in her arsenal: A yo-yo which she can use with deadly precision; and her panties, which are see-through. Which begs the question, if you’re out to surprise your foes by flashing your pubic hair, why not just go commando? Seems to be easier and cheaper (and judging by the sickened reactions from those around me when I’ve done so, more effective).

Anyway, what sounds like a slapstick comedy isn’t so much of one. A lot of Yo-Yo plays as low-budget-but-serious crime drama, with Saki trying to deal with being raped by her schoolmates and later investigating the murder of fellow student (and prostitute) Asuka. Apparently the school has a very odd extra credit program, and Asuka dropped out of it.

The problem with Yo-Yo is that it takes itself too seriously. This is the type of plot that should be just balls-out insane, but director Daigo Udagawa keeps things too restrained and set within “reality.”

A bizarre trailer and some on-set filming comprise most of the special features, with a still gallery rounding them out.

It certainly is a strange film, but I’m afraid that even while the concept is crazy, it’s simply not crazy enough. Worth a look but probably not something to seek out too strenuously.

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