Kyûtî Hanî (Cutie Honey) (2004)

Another anime/manga turned into live action. While this film may look and sound corny, it is actually a pretty successful adaptation. It is definitely done the right way.

There are so much elements of this film that are over the top and while this is expected it will still seem, well, over the top. Yet, for some reason this film is enjoyable.

The story is power-rangery. Basically what it comes down to is Cutie Honey fighting off over-costumed villains. This 90 minute film moves at a fairly quick pace and it will be over before you know it. Even in the middle where it slows down and seems to be going nowhere, the silly antics and characters will keep you entertained. If they don't, then the playful music will. Speaking of music, one of the latter fights is done to an operatic number.

This film uses a ton of CG. Some look good and most others look cheap, but it works. You get a visually entertaining film when you put that together with the few animated parts, some great comic bookish sequences, power ranger type fights, and a couple short musical numbers.

It is kind of hard to rate the acting when everybody is over-acting. I guess you could say that it is good, since that is how the characters should be. They aren't annoying either, which is a plus. Eriko Sato is beautiful and with the skimpy outfits that she wears it makes you wonder if this is truly meant for a younger audience. Mikako Ichikawa is sexy in a geeky sort of way as well.

This should be on your must see list if you like those over the top anime to live action adaptations. Honey flash!