Production
While filming The Toxic Avenger Part II in Japan, where the original Toxic was a major hit, Kaufman and Herz were approached by Tetsu Fujimura and Masaya Nakamura of Namco to create a Kabuki-themed superhero movie, supposedly based on an idea by Kaufman. Namco became a producer up front, giving Troma a one and a half million dollar budget to begin preproduction, the most expensive film in Troma history.
Unfortunately, creative differences troubled production from the start. Both Namco and Herz wanted a mainstream-accessible film geared towards kids, whereas Kaufman wanted the usual Troma-esque sex and violence angle. In the end, Kaufman had his way and Kabukiman was turned into an R-rated comedy in the vein of Troma's previous films. A PG-13 cut was shown to the film's investors who, thoroughly dissatisfied, withdrew their distribution deals. Ironically, the PG-13 cut would be the one seen in theaters. Although Kaufman screened Kabukiman at Cannes for several years, the movie did not see theatrical distribution until 1996.
Although Kabukiman received some positive reviews from both The New York Times and The New York Post (whose quotes are prominently featured on the video package), most Troma fans have mixed feelings towards the film. Though some consider it a classic to rival the original Toxic Avenger, most find it a slow-paced, uneven mix between family-friendly fare and Troma-esque sex and violence. The film was also reviewed by Siskel & Ebert. Despite giving it a thumbs down, Ebert took a liking toward the film and compared it favorably to another independent film at the time, Switchblade Sisters.
Read more about this topic: Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.
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