Collision Course (1989)
A mismatched Japanese investigator and a Detroit cop collide in this late-80s buddy action-comedy featuring Pat Morita and Jay Leno.
Collision Course - Movie Information
- Original Title: Collision Course
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Lewis Teague
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Japanese, German
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 27, 1989 (Germany)
- Alternative Titles: Dois Tiras da Pesada (BR)
- Production Companies: Interscope Communications, DEG, Howard W. Koch Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Collision Course - Plot
A Japanese investigator and a Detroit cop team up to track down a stolen prototype turbocharger.
Collision Course - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see these two unlikely partners in action:
The only thing stopping these two cops from solving the crime of the century, is each other.
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Collision Course - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Lewis Teague
Main Cast
- Pat Morita
- Jay Leno
- Chris Sarandon
- Tom Noonan
- Ernie Hudson
- John Hancock
- Al Waxman
- Dennis Holahan
- Danny Kamekona
- Soon-Tek Oh
Writers
- Frank Darius Namei
- Robert Resnikoff
Producers
- Ted Field
- Robert W. Cort
Collision Course - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Collision Course?
The film stars Pat Morita as Japanese investigator Fujitsuka Natsuo and Jay Leno as Detroit detective Tony Costas. The supporting cast includes Chris Sarandon, Tom Noonan, Ernie Hudson, John Hancock, Al Waxman, Dennis Holahan, Danny Kamekona, and Soon-Tek Oh.
What is Collision Course about?
Collision Course follows a mismatched pair — a by-the-book Japanese investigator and a wisecracking Detroit cop — who reluctantly join forces to recover a stolen prototype turbocharger. Their clashing personalities and investigative styles fuel both the comedy and the action throughout the film.
Why did Jay Leno star in Collision Course?
Collision Course was Jay Leno's most prominent film role, released before he became the long-running host of The Tonight Show. His casting as the brash Detroit detective Tony Costas leaned into his comedic persona, making the film a notable curiosity for fans of his later television career.
When was Collision Course released?
Collision Course had its initial theatrical release in Germany on April 27, 1989. It received a limited US theatrical release later, with a wider American release following in May 1992, which is why many viewers associate it more with the early 1990s than the late 1980s.
Where can you stream Collision Course?
You can watch Collision Course through the Cinemax Amazon Channel or the Cinemax Apple TV Channel, both available as flatrate subscriptions. Streaming availability can vary by region, so it's worth checking JustWatch for the most current options in your area.
Is Collision Course a buddy cop film?
Absolutely — Collision Course is a classic buddy cop comedy in the tradition of the late 1980s. It leans heavily on the fish-out-of-water dynamic between a Japanese investigator navigating Detroit and a loud, street-smart local detective who can't quite believe he's been saddled with an overseas partner.
What is the age rating for Collision Course?
Collision Course is rated PG, making it one of the more family-accessible buddy cop films of its era. While it features action sequences and comedic confrontations, the tone stays light enough to earn that rating, which was relatively common for action-comedies targeting broad audiences in the late 1980s.
What are some movies similar to Collision Course?
If you enjoy Collision Course, you might also like Bon Cop Bad Cop (2006), The Other Guys (2010), or Bon Cop Bad Cop 2 (2017) — all buddy cop comedies built around clashing personalities. Enter the Fat Dragon (2020) and Officer Black Belt (2024) offer similar action-comedy energy with an East-meets-West flavor.
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