This afternoon I had the good fortune of seeing a super private advanced screening of Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance with the film’s award-winning director, Gregory Hatanaka and star of the film Mathew Karedas in attendance.
This film had such an impressive ensemble cast and so much action, that you can’t fully take it in with just the one viewing.
Big congrats to Hatanaka for creating the much anticipated sequel to this legendary cult classic. There were nods and homages to the original film for all the fans, but Hatanaka kept it fresh and often times humorous and I love that. I had many laugh out loud moments.
Samurai Cop 2 explores the dynamic duo of Detective Frank Washington (Mark Frazier) and Joe Marshall (Mathew Karedas ) who are teaming up once again in this action-packed tour de force. Both actors give great performances. This time their mission is to solve a series of assassinations being committed by a secret group of sexy female vigilante killers.
And I was on the edge of my seat with all the action packed scenes. I love how Frazer often pans to the camera in such an effortless way that it really added to the comical moments of the film.
The supporting cast was wonderful as well. Bai Ling gives an epic performance. Laurene Landon (there’s a great reference for Hundra fans) is wonderful as the tough and brash detective. Mel Novak is also amazing in a very cunning role. Thomas J. Churchill is also wonderful in a nice character role. Dawna Lee Heising is hilarious in her scene with Wiseau, who gives a fun and funny standout performance. Cranston Komuro, Melissa Moore, Lexi Belle, Kristine DeBll, Mindy Robinson, Lisa London and everyone else in the cast that lights up the screen.
Kayden Kross gives a good performance and has mainstream cinema potential. Joe Estevez is great as the angry and brusque police chief. Add into the mix the return of Gerald Okamura (including a great flashback with him from the original movie).
