She Still Kicks High And She Wants Revenge. Rina Takeda Returns In KARATE GIRL

There's no question at all that Rina Takeda star vehicle High Kick Girl - the film that introduced the karate fighting Japanese teen to the world - is a hugely flawed picture. The budget limits are obvious, the acting is generally poor and the director makes a string of dubious decisions. That said, there is also no question that Takeda herself is potentially a huge star in the making. Her martial arts skills are obvious, she's bold and seemingly unconcerned about her own safety and she looks great on camera, blessed with both looks and natural screen charisma. And so I hope they handle her a little better with Karate Girl.

The first teaser for the film has just arrived and it is already obvious that they're aiming for something very different this time out. It's not that the thing shows a whole lot - it shows next to nothing - but the tenor of it is far more polished and poised than were any of the marketing materials for the first. And while the scrappy nature of the first ended up being one of its major selling points I really hope this sort of professionalism extends through the entire production of this one. Check it below.