Lupin the Third: Strange Psychokinetic Strategy

I'm not big on Lupin III. A combination of a plot hooks that don't really appeal to me and low-budget, old school character design has never made it worth the effort or money for me. But my friends like Lupin III and dragged me with them to see this at an anime convention.

I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I laughed a great deal, and not because of its hyper-retro 70s camp but because of its genuinely amusing, tongue-in-cheek silliness.

"Strange Psychokinetic Strategy" is like a fabulous cross-over of Lupin III and the Pink Panther films: physical gags and slap-stick, a frustrated police chief, crazy assassins, adventure, skillful, sexy ladies outwitting everyone else, and the most debonair Lupin ever.

This isn't really universally appealing -- those without a taste for silliness and a tolerance for campiness and cheese, intentional or otherwise, will probably roll their eyes at most of this movie. But if you have ever laughed at something involving Peter Sellers or Mel Brooks, you should give this movie a try.