60
Metascore
7 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 81Paste MagazineAndrew CrumpPaste MagazineAndrew CrumpWhat Tokyo Pop never allows is overcooked drama where the couple has to decide if they’re really in love, or if they’re just trying to hit it big. The film is genuine. It devoutly avoids putting on airs.
- The first feature for director-cowriter Fran Rubel Kuzui, TOKYO POP manages to be entertaining despite its thin story line, mainly because of its striking visuals and the kooky charm of the leads.
- 70Los Angeles TimesSheila BensonLos Angeles TimesSheila BensonThe film is on the lean side in matters of story and depth of characters. Its strengths are its pure, ingratiating sweetness, its insider’s view of cross-cultural romance and its eye-popping picture of a thoroughly Westernized Tokyo that has rushed to embrace every worst idea America ever exported--and added a few of its own: sing-along caraoke videos and love hotels, which are a little like the Madonna Inn on a franchise scale.
- 70The New York TimesWalter GoodmanThe New York TimesWalter GoodmanYou don't have to be a fan of rock music to get a kick out of Tokyo Pop, a wedding of American and Japanese youth cultures as seen through a fun-house mirror.
- 50NewsweekDavid AnsenNewsweekDavid AnsenAs a quirky travelogue, Kubui's movie has an unassuming appeal, but the characters remain too sketchy to elicit much passion. [16 May 1988, p.83E]
- 50Portland OregonianTed MaharPortland OregonianTed MaharTokyo Pop is an amiable, ambling film mixing travelogue, romantic comedy and musical documentary. [20 Apr 1988, p.C08]
- 38Miami HeraldJuan Carlos CotoMiami HeraldJuan Carlos CotoIn the end, Wendy and Hiro lose their identities in each other's cultures -- an interesting premise for a movie. However, this potentially dramatic point suffers from a badly paced script, and acting that leaves you wondering where the characters are. [15 Apr 1988, p.C12]