Dragonball Evolution (PG)
Posted by Rhien on Wed, 15 Apr 2009.
Directed by: James Wong
Starring: Justin Chatwin, James Marsters, Emmy Rossum, Chow Yun-Fat and Joon Park
Dragonball is back! The world wide phenomenon which has captivated audiences for decades returns in a new shiny expensive live action wrapper. Arika Toyama’s popular and much adored anime and manga classic has been adapted into a big budget ($45 Million) Hollywood live action movie, courtesy of 20th century fox.
We join our hero Goku (Justin Chatwin) on his 18th birthday when the evil namekian war lord Piccolo (James Marsters) returns from his 2,000 year imprisonment, he begins his search for the dragonballs: seven mystic balls that when gathered will grant the bearer one perfect wish. Piccolo in his relentless search kills Goku’s grandfather Gohan (Randall Du Kim). However Goku and his new friend and companion Bulma (Emmy Rossum) look to stop him and save the world, and on their way they gain valuable new allies in the form of eccentric martial arts Master Roshi (Chow Yun-Fat) who trains Goku and of course the desert bandit Yamcha (Joon Park).
James Wong has revitalised the Dragonball franchise bringing new life to it, taking the some what dated setting into modern day, whilst at the same time keeping the characters we love with just an added bit of spice. However this film isn’t flawless and seems to be missing some elements with parts not matching up, and other parts not being explained well enough making it a little hard to follow at times, such as Piccolo’s henchmen you just know nothing about them and why they are there. This complicated nature along with the large amount of character and short run time can lead to confusion to those not familiar with Dragonball. But this is all over shadowed by the size of these characters and their fun nature compelling you to join in this magical adventure.
Stylistically I must say I was blown away. The special effects were simply jaw dropping with the sheer quality of the fight scenes, each one exciting and spectacular delivering out of this world action keeping me on the edge of my seat wanting more.
Dragonball Evolution brings together a solid combination of Magic, whit and spectacular fight scenes, breathing new life into Dragonball and giving it clean fresh minty feel. Although not amazing, it’s certainly Kamehameha-ingley good! I would recommend it not only to Dragonball fans but movie goers alike who are looking for a exhilarating adventure brimming with un-concentrated style and breathe taking action.
By Rhien