Dragonball: Evolution Review
Apr 8, 2009 by Ross MillerIs Dragonball Evolution really as terrible as it’s looked in every trailer & commercial? Find out here.
Short version: Dragonball: Evolution is a badly written film with horrible dialogue, lackluster action and a sense of fun that’s nowhere to be found.
Screen Rant’s Ross Miller reviews Dragonball: Evolution
When you head to the theater to see a movie called Dragonball: Evolution, you obviously aren’t expecting Shakespeare. From the advertising, the whole thing gives off a feeling of light, campy, action-packed fun that you would hope would allow you to just sit back, relax and turn off your brain for 90 minutes or so.
Yeah, well, that’s why we have words like “hope” as a counterpoint to “guarantee.”
Dragonball: Evolution may very well be one of the worst films of the past 12 months or so – I am actually struggling to think of the last movie I thought was quite as bad as this one was. And it’s not one of those cases where it’s just not my cup of tea… No, this is a flat-out bad movie in pretty much every area that makes up a motion picture.
Based on the popular anime series of the same (or at least similar) name, Dragonball: Evolution follows Goku (played by Justin Chatwin) who carries out his grandfather’s dying request to find Master Roshi (played by Chow Yun-Fat) and locate all seven of the powerful Dragon Balls. He already has one of them, but with the help of Bulma (played by Emmy Rossum), Master Roshi and Yamcha (played by Joon Park), he must find the others before the evil Lord Piccolo (played by James Marsters) does, whose intentions are to use them to take over the world.
Now let me just point out that I very much represent those who are not fans of the source material, and in fact know next to nothing about it. I can say without reservation that I am in the majority – if you’re a fan it may feel like everyone in the world is a fan of the cartoon, but trust me, most of the general movie-going population (who will be exposed to this through TV and other marketing) will barely even have heard of it, never mind having seen any of it.
So I then have to judge the film purely on its own merits, without having the prior knowledge to be able to compare and contrast it with the source material. Some fans of the cartoon may get a kick out of seeing such things as a certain costume or a hairstyle appear in some form, but as a movie this thing flat out stinks. And not even in a “yeah it was bad, but kind of fun in spite of that” kind of way – in pretty much all areas you can think of, it is awful.
The main problem with the film is the script, meaning both dialogue and the story. First off, I can’t believe how bad the dialogue was in this movie. From the very first scene in the film, which sees the movie starting off with a short back story explanation, the dialogue is painful. Near the beginning of the movie we see Goku being trained to fight by his grandpa while balancing on two ropes – and the back and forth exchange of dialogue is like something written to sound cool, but is delivered and pulled off so poorly that it’s cheesy and downright cringe-worthy.
That’s pretty much representative of the entire movie right off the bat – everything comes off as cheesy, nothing can be taken seriously, not even when Goku is supposed to be upset right after his grandfather dies (which happens within the first 10 minutes, so that’s not really a spoiler). Every time a character opens their mouth and delivers this atrocious excuse for dialogue, I felt like covering my ears and shutting my eyes in embarrassment (which I did do a handful of times, I’m not even kidding).
Well, you might be thinking “so what?” Who cares if the dialogue is bad and high on the cheese-meter? The action has to make up for that, right? Well, wrong. Actually, dead wrong. Action is the one thing that could have saved this movie from the abyss, but they even manage to muck that potential up. The action is not just mediocre or even sub-par – oh no, it’s worse than that - it’s terrible. Director James Wong clearly doesn’t know how to direct the needed action (although he seemed to do okay with Jet Li’s The One), and the attempts he makes are reminiscent of a young kid having fun in a special effects studio, just randomly pressing any of the fancy buttons on display.
They attempt to have 300-esque action scenes of things going from normal speed to slow-motion and then suddenly speeding back up to normal again. But for such a technique to be effective you have to know what you’re doing, and it’s evident from this movie that Wong doesn’t. Zack Snyder, although using it a bit too flippantly in 300, timed the slowing down thing pretty much perfectly, matching up exactly with the action on-screen and giving that extra bit of kick. But here it’s used far, far too often for no reason other than to just have it in there for the sake of it. There’s a strange sense that the movie thinks what it’s doing is cool… but “laughable” is more the accurate description.
You probably want to know how the cast did… Well unfortunately, like the rest of the movie, pretty awful. Justin Chatwin is completely miscast in the role of Goku (for some reason an American playing this character just doesn’t feel right), Emmy Rossum is hot but nonetheless terrible as Bulma, and I feel embarrassed that Chow Yun-Fat has gone from amazing stuff like Hard Boiled and The Killer to eye-rolling stuff like this. The only actor who did all right (and I stress, just all right) was James Marsters as (an underused) Lord Piccolo – he’s not in any way good, but, let’s just say… he was less terrible than the rest of the cast.
The only thing I can think of that’s even remotely positive about Dragonball: Evolution is that the special effects are pretty cool at times. Not during some of the hand-to-hand combat scenes (where the effects are so obviously… effects, if you know what I mean), but when they use what is known as “KI attacks,” which are basically blasts of different colored energy from their hands.
Props go to Amalgamated Dynamics for creating special effects which are, on their own, quite visually stunning. Also, the movie is really quite short, so at least I didn’t have to sit through the pain for all that long.
However, that’s pretty much where the positive stuff ends – you just know a movie is in trouble when you are literally straining to think of something you liked about it.
I don’t know if the story they used here in any way resembles the original cartoon/anime stories, but how they told it in the movie was abysmal. There were clearly elements taken from the source material, and it is then clearly a story (or one of the stories… I don’t know, I’m not a Dragonball fan) that may work well in a cartoon but it does not work well on the big-screen. Not for even the slightest moment.
I lost count of the number of times I rolled my eyes, snickered, groaned, and shook my head in embarrassment and shame during this movie. I can’t actually believe the filmmakers looked at the script and thought, “Yes, this is good stuff. Let’s go ahead and make it!” It’s probably just one of those cases where they saw the popularity of the source material and thought that they could make a quick buck by just throwing anyone in the roles, sticking together bits and pieces from the cartoon to form something resembling a story.
So needless to say I don’t recommend Dragonball: Evolution. I wasn’t expecting this to be any good, but I don’t know if I was expecting it to be this bad. Please, if you believe in the magic of cinema, avoid this with as much effort as it takes.
Our Rating:
0.5 out of 5
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Even if this movie had been “marketed” properly. The main reason it failed is because or poor writing, casting, and acting. It appears that some one assumed the name alone was going get a good turn out of people to see the film and get a lot of people behind the film, which obviously is what got Fox to back this abomination. There was no way to market this film as being something of quality. Bill Blume has some good points, especially about the 25 minutes of talk 4 minute of power up and 1 minute of a teaser fight that the series had gotten into at one point while in DBZ. The fact that this film was a FAIL was established back during the “leaked trailer” segment on here a while
@Cyber: I think another reason why this is going to flop is the fact a LOT of fans of the series aren’t going to watch it in the theaters because other people think it’s just a childish movie. I do hope despite of the bad ratings there will be a sequel, all though they have a LOT to learn before they make one.
For the people who have seen the DB movies, the fourth one, made by the GT team isn’t my favorite because of the drawing style, but the story would’ve been perfect for a real life movie, it’s not just a part of the db story(unlike the first 3 movies), it’s the story of DB, a little rewritten and compacter(2 hours or so).
Even though picolo wasn’t in it and they probably wanted him in the real movie because he’s one of the better known characters.
As a half Japanese, all I can say is that I’m dissapointed about this film. The actor who plays as Goku is terrible. They should’ve casted a Japanese or Asian actor for Son Goku. This movie is really disgusting.
@T-Grave
Exactly, it already happend in Japan. It’s sad how non-fans of the comic books think this is the actual story but it’s NOT. Not that the story GREAT in all but Dragon Ball had a lot of great characters and the story for this film has really RUINED them.
Story, Character Choice, and acting ruined this film.
ok first off Transformers for the most part was the corniest cartoon i ever saw…yeah i’m only 18 but it was still corny when i was a kid.Dragonball, i thought was very stupid the plots were horrible as was the fighting,but when they mad dragonball z they made it to the big leagues of manga because dragon ball z was originally made for an adult audience…after dragonball z was done…they tried to keep it going with gt but failed horribly…I havent watched this movie and am not a fan of the dragon ball or gt but of dragonball z i would have to say that half my town is because i work at walmart and we get stocked with dragonball z all the time because its always selling and we need more. So to say that dragonball z isnt well known would be a lie cuz i see alot of stuff for it all over the state…yes at sometimes it can get annoying or corny but it makes up for it in the end…my gf cant stand it she asks whats the big deal about it. I just say for one of the first japanese adult mangas dragon ball z is pretty good. although i wont watch this movie i would like to see a dragon ball z adaptation cuz with the right people it would make for a great flick…fans and non fans.
T-Grave, it’s called the mastermind of marketing. Sheesh.
Now for the trick question of the day:
I’m am completely convinced that this hard working film that brings the genius of DBZ to the screen, is going to set some records at the Box Office. How can it not!!?? I bet the cinematography is just genius and … and… Ug.. I can’t keep that up.
But the question is, what record will it set or break?
made* sorry
@ bruce
again this film is an adaptation of dragonball not dragon ball z…before you say whats the difference. trust me there is definitely a difference dragonball was for kids dragonball z was for adults.
Not sure I actually want to get into this conversation, but…
I’ve seen Dragonball: Evolution. And I watched the TV series. That familiarity helped a lot towards enjoying the film — the Dragonball universe is bizarre in nature, with a unique mythology that isn’t widely accessible. So I can see how someone with no frame of reference would not enjoy the film.
1. The first thing you should know about the movie is that it’s a kids’ action adventure, not a sophisticated piece of adult entertainment, and it should be viewed as such.
2. The casting isn’t terrible. There, I said it. I’m Japanese American and was deeply offended by the casting of, say, Memoirs of a Geisha (mostly because that movie was shit), but here I didn’t mind the “international” cast — but only after actually watching the movie. Beforehand, I was a bit outraged that the cast of an adaptation of a Japanese franchise was primarily Caucasian (and truth be told, I’m still vaguely irked by it), but the players did their job and fleshed out characters about as well as the script allowed them to. Justin Chatwin doesn’t have a great track record, but he embodied much of what Goku is, so it was easier than one would think to embrace this alternate future/globalized setting.
3. I’d actually argue with the author about Piccolo being the best-played character. Marsters is given the unenviable task of acting under heavy prosthetics and green makeup for the entire movie, and you don’t really get a sense of why Piccolo is doing his evil deeds. I thought it was the least developed character in the bunch, even less fleshed out than the token love interest, Chi Chi.
4. For what it is, Dragonball has entertaining-enough action and plenty of visually striking scenes. Slow motion water droplets, kinetic martial arts sequences…and it doesn’t look terribly cheap.
I guess what I’m saying is that Dragonball isn’t as awful as some would say it is. It’s clear that Fox is hoping to pursue sequels, and so purists can expect the storylines they love so much (that didn’t appear in Dragonball: Evolution) to be used in later films. Consider other films in this genre — maybe The Forbidden Kingdom, or Race to Wretch Mountain…it’s much more watchable than either.
Lastly, regarding this Transformers-Dragonball franchise debate that’s been going on in this thread; the “Transformers is bigger” argument wins — if you are talking only about American pop culture, and not, you know, the rest of the world. It’s short sighted to dismiss the popularity of the Dragonball universe within Asian culture.
Flame on.
CyberpunkCentral,
You’re setting a sad example of fanboyism. From hypocritical statements, to biased and incomplete numbers. You make a statements of “fact” – a word you keep using, then when asked to show evidence you turn it around and ask them for evidence… yet it was you who brought that up?
All of you are comparing difference franchises based on YOUR OWN OPINION so you can’t win the debate.
You prefer your own franchise and that’s fine – they’re all huge. This review is based on the film, not the franchise – And this film does not resonate at all amongst mainstream audiences.
@bruce
It will be the least grossing film of April. Ok, where’s my cookie?
I agree with Rob about the franchise thing
And I just think it’s nice to have a db movie(finally), but it just doesn’t do what I could of have …
So for god sake I hope they make a sequel, and do something good with it.
And in my opinion I like justin chatwin as Goku :p But hey, that’s just me I guess
@ Jen
Nothing was dismissed during the alleged debate about DB in Asian Culture, and Transformers is not just limited to the pop culture of the US.
For what this film was there was nothing stunning about it except how awful it was. I wouldn’t necessarily classify Forbidden Kingdom in the same category as the same genre and definitely not Race to Witch Mountain. I think more would enjoy Forbidden Kingdom better than Dragonball De-Evolution.
@ Stephen
It’s a well known act that most 80s cartoons were/are corny, but that’s part of the fun if u grew up on it.
@ sin
I’m not arguing that fact. I’m just saying people enjoy their own brand of “corny” and for me it was DBZ just like for you it would be Transformers.
STEPHEN:
Oh, I know.
John “Kahless” Taylor:
Ding ding ding…. and we have a winner!!! LOL.
@ Stephen
Not arguing either, actually was agreeing. Yes u are right people enjoy their own form of corny, just like some people enjoy Fail movies. Hope Fox backs a live Action Pokemon to contend with this current crapfest called DB evolution.
lol omg i think i’d riot if that crap happens lol
Lol you wouldn’t be alone in that riot
@ T-Grave,
I think your wish is being granted – I heard something about Marsters talking about a sequel
@ Rob Keyes
That statement about a sequel at this point in time makes me shudder.
Glad you both have stopped arguing with each other SIN187UM and Cyberpunk. I really imagined for a second the two of you being some 8-year old kid in a computer, while wearing a t-shirt with some Transformers and DragonBall draws in it respectively. I like Transformers a lot more, but honestly I don’t care which one has a bigger fanbase.
As for the “movie” (if can call it like that)… well from the very first moment I heard of it being developed I just knew it was crap, and after I say the first trailer I almost vomit. I haven’t seen it and I’m not planning on spending any money of it. This could be the worst film of the year, if not of the last 5 years by reading Ross’ review, which BTW had me laughing all over it.
Just hope there’s no sequel… that would really be an insult to the cinema.
@ Iron Knight
I think the worst film of the year is between this and SF Legend of ChunLi. I think SF is a bit, just tad bit more enjoyable than this movie here. My Xformers shirt is small and was retired long ago LoL. It was never really that big a deal until insults were chucked for no reason.
I have to say – I never dreamed a review of this movie would spark so much discussion!
Vic
Ross, people understand that movie audience is larger. Just because Hollywood decided to put their own spin on a long-since dead franchise with a big budget, again does not justify its fanbase prior to that adaptation.
And when there’s a huge % of movie-goers seeing this for the sheer sake of Hollywood CGI entertainment, or to cart their kids to the theatre plaza, it’s not the same thing.
In Dragonball’s defense, a huge % of Hollywood Tranformers audience aren’t emotionally connected to the film’s story and characters like fans are to Dragonball. In fact, most people who see Transformers never see it again. So these dollar amounts you see piling up in Transformers’ defense, are accumulted by mere, general public wanting to see an action-packed Hollywood film. And of which public majority knows nothing about Transformers prior to the adaptation.
That doesn’t say much for the franchise, when the new spin is so generically assembled in Hollywood, the classic edition is unrecognizable.
The idea is great, it appeals to children, sure, and the franchise received some Hollywood revitalization.
For the guys complaining about “proof”, research it yourself. There are plenty of sites to start with.
Transformers Original following:
————-
Dragonball following:
————————–
Transformers Movie following:
———————————————
There are plenty of reasons to exlude a movie audience from a discussion about comic/cartoon material, stories, characters and emotional connections .. but just to set the bar, I’ll add it.
Bar set to Silence.
I’m sorry, but if you can’t come up with a viable argument in defense as to why Transformers fell off the animated food chain years ago only to be revived by Hollywood’s ‘Next Big Idea’, and to why Dragonball’s lived a strong, long life as a comic/cartoon/game franchise that is continuing to produce and continuing to sell, then you are meaningless to speak to from here out.
Im sorry Thesaurus Commander but falling on or off the “food chain” is based on many factors that you have yet to become aware of. Next Big Idea LOL those are a dime a dozen in Hollywood and this film proves it. I love failed fanboyism, it makes the days go by so much quicker. How’s your self argument going?
O.K. I like DB and Transformers, but I totally agree with Ross about popularity and pop culture popularity with the masses. DB is very popular in the Asian markets, but here it’s popular with mostly the niche anime’ fanboy/girl crowd and if that is all you talk to or hang out with then yeah it seems more popular than Star Wars.
As for Star Wars: in the U.S. every person, black, white, male, female, young and old knows at least one character or scene or line from star wars. Star Wars is part of American Lexicon. It has crossed over from being just sci-fi movies to a brand. The same goes for Star Trek or Coke or Hamburgers and fries. That is the TRUE sign of popularity. When you cross over from obscurity to pop icon status. DB has not done that in the U.S. and this movie isn’t gonna help. So forget the fan bases and sales. You have to base popularity on mass appeal and name recognition. DB just doesn’t measure up. It’s mass appeal that will get you a quality picture made with a huge budget and promotion. Fox used DB to just make a quick buck off of an established fan base who are crazy enough to fall for it.