Dragonball Evolution ~ review

There were a lot of negative things being said about Dragonball Evolution. So here's a positive review about the live-action movie that, I assume, would be hard to find on the web.

Dragonball Evolution is a manga/anime adaptation of the ever-so-popular Dragonball franchise. To compare Dragonball Evolution to the original series would be unfair because the movie is nothing like the original. Hollywood has a reputation of changing stories from the original source to their own version and this movie is no exception. In this version, we follow the adventure of Goku and his friends in their quest to stop the evil Piccolo from destroying the world. Here's my opinion about the movie. Don't worry, no spoilers.

The plot of the movie, while still good, needs to be improved...a lot! There are too many holes that need to be filled, too many things that were left unanswered. Why Piccolo wants to destroy the world? Why does he needs dragonballs when obviously he can destroy the world with his own hands? How does he escaped from his prison? How did Mai became Piccolo partner-in-crime? Who is Goku? How did he gain that 'monstrous power'? Etc2. Since this movie is not made according to the plot from the original series, so I think the writers should have include more explanation on the backstory. Even fans (like me!) was confused when watching the movie. But in general, I must say that the story is quite decent. If only it was a little bit longer.

This is quite unexpected but I must say...the casts were all good! Justin Chatwin cleverly played with emotions (like frustration) really well, quite a fine actor he is. Emmy Rossum was entertaining as Bulma and Chow Yun-Fat was fantastic as Master Roshi. Master Roshi in the movie is by far the most resembled to the original character in the manga / anime. Jamie Chung was excellent too as Chi Chi. She was very gentle, but very fierce too when she fights. Randall Duk Kim was very lovable as Grandpa Gohan. However, James Marsters could improve as Piccolo. He seems a bit stiff. I was quite disappointed too with the character Mai. Eriko Tamura who played Mai did a fine job but her character was portrayed as weak. They could have made her a bit strong so that she would seem more appealing. The character Yamcha, a desert bandit played by Joon Park, was a waste. He could have a much more important role in the movie other than a comic-relief.

The special effects in this movie were quite decent. Some were quite good but some were quite childish like the fighting scenes. Nevertheless, I prefer the visuals and special effects in this movie than the last movie that I watched before this. But I do wish that they would show the audience more of the futuristic world that the movie was set in.

Overall, I give 4 stars out of 5 for Dragonball Evolution. I love it! Most of the fans would hate it, I assume, because the movie derailed too much from the original not just in plot but also in characters design. But hey, everyone entitled to their own opinion. For me, it's an entertaining movie and I really wish they would make a sequel. But that would have to depend on the ticket sales.

Link: Official website