RiffTrax: Samurai Cop

RiffTrax: Samurai Cop, released in 2017, brings back the magic of the beloved Mystery Science Theater 3000 trio - Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy, and Michael J. Nelson. The team known for their humorously cynical commentary over "B" movies, breathes new life into the amusingly terrible 1991 film, "Samurai Cop." This is achieved in a classic RiffTrax narrative style that compounded the original's so-bad-it's-good status and reimagines it into an even more hilarious and entertaining movie experience.

The original film "Samurai Cop," functions as the foundation of this absurd journey. It is a 1991 American action film written, produced, and directed by Iranian filmmaker Amir Shervan. The movie attempted to echo the success of 1980's buddy cop films, but instead found fame as a fascinating disasterpiece brimming with components done wrong: terrible action sequences, poor mask usage, horrendous acting, inane dialogue, technical blunders, and an inexplicably bewildering plot.

"Officer" Joe Marshall is a detective who gained the moniker "Samurai Cop" due to his prowess in martial arts. He finds himself pitted against the dangerous Yakuza infiltrating the Los Angeles crime scene. Danger ramps up when the Yakuza crime boss Fujiyama, gets wind of his involvement and sends a seemingly endless horde of ridiculously dressed goons to stop our unlikely hero. The Samurai Cop, with his partner Frank Washington, handle everything the gang throws at them with what one might generously call 'inept heroics'.

Enter Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy, and Michael J. Nelson. The trio's comedic commentary serves as the garnish to this dated disasterpiece, as they mock and dissect almost every scene with spot-on timing, artful mockery, and side-splitting observations. Nearly every moment of the movie is deliberated upon, transforming the painfully inept aspects of the film into elements of delightful comedy. RiffTrax, the comedic commentary platform, founded by Nelson, Corbett, and Murphy, delivers their signature blend of sarcastic wit and commentary over the film.

Bill Corbett, who plays the mad scientist 'Crow T. Robot' on Mystery Science Theater 3000, brings a light, yet properly judicious tone to the commentary. Kevin Murphy, previously 'Tom Servo' on the same show, adds his flavor of snarky cynicism to the mix. Finally, Michael J. Nelson, the head writer of the original Mystery Science Theater 3000, ties it all together with his sarcastic witticisms and sly one-liners. The comedic rhythm of these three veterans of movie riffing is on full display here and elevates the viewer's experience to hilarious new heights.

The team effectively highlights and boosts the unintentional comedy of the film, from Officer Joe's disastrous attempts at being a Casanova, the outlandish hairstyles, equal parts ramen noodles and it-doesn't-matter-it's-a-wig, to the stealth-defying brightly colored g-strings worn by Yakuza henchmen. They skewer every cinematic faux pas and character decision with their clever, unhinged wit, adding enough comedic dialogue to make you feel like you're watching a sit-down roast of a film that was already hilariously terrible to begin with.

The RiffTrax team's treatment of Samurai Cop is a textbook example of their brand of mockery providing audiences with quality entertainment. Despite the original film's poor execution, Samurai Cop's excessive ambition and glaringly odd choices make it ripe for ridicule. The result is an over-the-top, funny, mocking, and respectfully affectionate parody of a notorious cinematic blunder. RiffTrax: Samurai Cop has the potential to be a riotous evening's watch for those appreciative of the Mystery Science Theater 3000-style commentary, or simply a lover of comedy found in the depths of cinematic failure.

With their seasoned humor and charisma, Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy and Michael J. Nelson have taken a largely forgotten B-grade action film and transformed it into a comedic spectacle that laughs along with its audience. So, invite some friends, grab some popcorn, and prepare for an evening of laughing at the sheer ridiculousness that is RiffTrax: Samurai Cop.