Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991) Review in 2025
Showdown in Little Tokyo is an action-packed buddy cop movie that follows the adventures of two detectives as they take on a powerful yakuza organization in Los Angeles.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for family viewing due to its graphic violence and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of action movies and buddy cop films. However, it's not particularly memorable or original, so it's not a must-see.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie takes a dark turn when Detective Chris Kenner's (Dolph Lundgren) brother is killed by the yakuza, leading him to team up with Detective Johnny Murata (Brandon Lee) to take down the organization and avenge his brother's death.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and action-packed, but it lacks depth and originality. The plot is predictable and relies heavily on clichés.
acting7.00/10
The acting is good, but it's not particularly memorable. Dolph Lundgren and Brandon Lee deliver solid performances, but they're not given much to work with in terms of character development.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-developed, but they lack complexity and nuance. Dolph Lundgren and Brandon Lee have good chemistry, but their characters feel like archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out people.
direction7.00/10
Mark L. Lester's direction is solid, but it's not particularly memorable. He does a good job of pacing the action scenes, but the film's tone is inconsistent.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a mix of gritty and stylized visuals. The film's use of lighting and color is effective in creating a moody atmosphere.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has a lot of action and a good cast, but it's ultimately let down by its predictable plot and lack of originality.
Cons
The movie's tone is inconsistent, and the characters feel like archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out people.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a pretty boy, Kenner. I'm a cop. And I'm going to take you down."
"You're a pretty boy, Murata. You don't know the first thing about being a cop."
