Samurai Cop

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, Samurai Cop is available in the US on YouTube TV and Night Flight Plus right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 212 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Mathew Karedas's performance alone is worth the time investment. Start it on YouTube TV whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Samurai Cop is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Samurai Cop from the crowd. When Japanese organized crime imbeds itself within LA, the police turn to one man to take down the deadly Yakuza — Joe Marshall, aka "The Samurai." With his fearless swagger and rock hard jaw, The Samurai tears a two-fisted hole through the mob and doesn't stop until the job is done. Mathew Karedas and Mark Frazer lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1991. The timing in Samurai Cop is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Samurai Cop respects your intelligence. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Mathew Karedas is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.