Wasabi Tuna

Wasabi Tuna is a 2003 comedy film that explores the extensive possibilities of humor when a perfect blend of culture, lifestyle and circumstance come into collision within the vibrant cityscape of Los Angeles. The film, directed by Lee Friedlander, boasts a diverse and eclectic ensemble cast, including Antonio Sabato Jr., Jason London, Barney Cheng, Anna Nicole Smith, Alexis Arquette and Tim Meadows.

The film is centered around a group of five friends, including models Evan (Jason London), his lover Harvey (Antonio Sabato Jr), and their colorful compatriots Rasta (Tim Meadows), Dave (Adam Cagley) and Emme (Alanna Ubach). They have formed a tight-knit crew whose shared appetite for adventure inadvertently leads them into a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and self-discovery.

With no existing narrative available for inspiration, the group decides to imitate the tough-talking, crime-solving clique led by Anna Nicole Smith, best known as famous 'bad girls,' to create the best costumes for Halloween. This idea marks the beginning of a LA adventure filled with high energy and hilarious circumstances.

In a quest to authentically emulate their idols, the friends dive headfirst into LA's underbelly to acquire the costumes necessary for their Halloween misadventure. During their escapade, they stumble upon a hot pink car which they steal without knowing it belongs to an infamous Latino crime lord. What's inside the car adds another layer of complication; a young Asian kid named Wasabi Tuna. Suddenly, the group is not just playing 'bad girls' for Halloween; they are deeply tangled in a real-life crime scenario.

In a madcap series of events, our motley crew of friends find themselves caught in a crossfire between Latina hoodlums, Asian mafias, and the police. Meanwhile, they are also trying to save the titular character, Wasabi Tuna, from the clutches of the crime world. As the story progresses, laughs ensue as the friends deepen their commitment to their 'bad girls' impersonations, fully embracing their newfound versatility and audaciousness along the way.

The film benefits from an excellent cast, who all deliver eccentric performances that tickle your funny bone. Antonio Sabato Jr.'s charisma shines as Harvey, Jason London's heartfelt performance as Evan provides a grounding point in the madness, and Barney Cheng is perfectly cast as a quirky gangster who proves there's more to him than meets the eye.

Veteran actress and model Anna Nicole Smith, in a somewhat self-referential role, adds another layer of humor and camp to the proceedings, with her biting wit and infamous on-screen persona. The late Alexis Arquette also leaves a mark with her role, encapsulating the flamboyance and eccentricity of Hollywood in her unique style. Tim Meadows, with his comic timing, adds to the riotous atmosphere of the narrative.

Wasabi Tuna's script does a fantastic job of combining elements of action, comedy, and dash of romance to tell this zany tale. The biting commentary on stereotypes, culture and LA's colorful underworld, delivered in a light-hearted and comical perspective, acts as a backdrop for the whole escapade our heroes embark on. The film pushes boundaries with its comedy and isn't afraid to venture into satirical territory to elevate the humor quotient and add dimension to its characters.

Visually, the film is a delight for the eyes, as it offers up an illustrative view of Los Angeles, from its backstreets to its high-rise skyscrapers. Vibrant colors, snappy editing, and a lively soundtrack enhance the film's quirky appeal and eccentric style. The high octane chase scenes add to the film’s pace, and the deployment of comical costume and art design throughout the movie keeps the laughter coming.

Wasabi Tuna is a roller-coaster ride of a comedy that subtly deals with issues of identity, relationships, personal transformation, while immersing its characters in a world of crime and comic book adventures. It delivers a zany narrative filled with laughs, outrageous characters, and wild adventures. An whirlwind exploration of friendship and chaos, it's a trip to LA's wild side you wouldn't want to miss.