Professor Popinjay's Compendium of Perspicacity

A Non-review by Prof. Popinjay

Don’t judge me. So “Cutie Honey” is a live action film based on an anime rife with fan service. Was this film rife with fan service? A little. Was it a masterpiece of human literature manifested in cinematic form? Eh, no. But I really wasn’t expecting much. Therefore it was hilarious.

You may ask, “Professor, what interest might you have in a film about an attractive human female with super outfit changing powers?”

I know, I know. What does a film like this have to offer me? ME!?! While I am a renowned fan of changing outfits surely a whole movie on the matter would fall short of keeping my interest. Well thankfully this film is chock full of anime style action including but not limited to speed-lines, yelling while raising power levels, maniacal laughter, a simpering sycophantic tuxedoed majordomo, girls who over eat but are really cute while doing so, an arrogant villain who sings about how cool he is, an ominous pyramid atop Tokyo Tower, a reporter guy who is always holding the brim of his hat and speaking nothing but long winded exposition while remaining perfectly still. This film hits every anime mark.

The fight scenes were particularly interesting. Never before have I seen people flip and fly through the air so much in a live action film.

Of course the ending harkens back to traditional Kabuki theatre as does most anime; which I actually find fascinating. So much self sacrifice and revealed epiphanies.

Would I recommend this film? Probably not unless you are genuinely interested in the ever evolving study of translating Japanese anime to live action, of which this is hardly revolutionary and yet does pose a certain shirimasen. It was amusing but the disc started skipping in the middle so I had to skip ahead. I was neither upset nor did I feel I missed anything important. Perhaps that gives you some idea of my regard for this film.