Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991): A Video-Store Era Cult Action Pick

How did Showdown in Little Tokyo get shoved from theaters but find fans on the shelves of video stores?Well now, where was this gem of a movie back in my video store days?With a limited theatrical release and negative reviews, Showdown in Little Tokyo got shuttered to the back of the movie dumpster bin (or that's my theory, at least).But given time, word of mouth, and now, of course, the internet, this buddy cop actioner has caught on as a minor cult film.Released in 1991, it marked the American film debut of Brandon Lee (The Crow).The story of a white cop who grew up in Japan and acts Japanese and a half-Japanese cop who grew up in The Valley and acts white, yeah, it's an odd mix that is worth diving into.Join me for this discussion of stapled-together Japanese stereotypes, overplayed villain music stings, and one of the oddest lines you may ever hear.Directed by Mark L. Lester. Starring Dolph Lundgren, Brandon Lee, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Tia Carrere.Connect with us on Bluesky:@not-ni-theaters.bsky.socialAnd to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com