Co-produced by Hong Kong legend Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle), Dragonball Evolution is an agreeable if low-wattage live action adaptation of the iconic manga and anime series Dragon Ball. Director James Wong fuses the series’ fantasy-based characters and devices with a somewhat lackluster storyline involving average teen Goku (Justin Chatwin), who breaks from his wholesale pining for classmate Chi-Chi (Jamie Chung) to that he’s at the center of an intergalactic search for the all-powerful Dragonballs by evil warlord Piccolo (Buffy’s James Marsters). With the help of master Roshi (Chow Yun-Fat, who backburners his stoic screen image in favor of some God of Gamblers/Once a Thief-level hamminess), Goku develops his fighting skills to take on Piccolo and save the Earth. The film’s abundance of martial arts should please younger and less discerning viewers, but its hackneyed dialogue and sluggish pace (especially in the fight scenes, which stutter where they should flow) may disappoint longtime fans of the book and television adaptations. The CGI effects, which labor mightily to reproduce the source material’s eye-popping look, also fall short, though the cast is game, especially Marsters and Chow. -- Paul Gaita
Stills from Dragonball: Evolution (Click for larger image) |
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 Fun stuff! |
| Review Date: July 16, 2010 |
| Reviewer: King Me, Pittsburgh, PA USA |
I really enjoyed this movie! I'm sorry so many people seemed to hate it. I've seen many (of the seemingly thousands!) of Dragonball episodes and movies over the years, and I really liked the way they created this live version. They made some small changes to the story and some characters that I'm familiar with, but I thought the changes made sense in putting together a 90-minute movie. I especially like the change they made to Chi Chi. She's now extremely cute and not at all the screeching banshee that she mostly is in the cartoon series. I thought the casting was great all around, and even though Chow Yun-fat looks nothing like Master Roshi from the cartoon, it's Chow Yun-fat for cryin' out loud! He gets to play whatever part he wants! Emmy Rossum as Bulma!? Perfect! I've forgotten the name of the actor who plays Piccollo, but again, perfect! Anyway, I'm enjoying writing this goofy review in the same way I enjoyed watching this and pretty much every Dragonball episode I've seen. Its a very simple story, lots of great action and just a fun time all around. I thought the special effects and the look of the film were great and I'm really sorry that they most likely won't be doing a series of Dragonball films. I would have loved to see Vegeta throwing down. That would have been a blast! Or Frieza! Who's up for some world-shattering combat?!!
Ahem. Anyway, to get a hold of my inner child for a moment, This is just a really fun film. They did a good job of bringing the characters and feel of Dragonball to life and I really hope to see all these actors reprise their roles in many more Dragonball films. Come on! Make it happen!
Oh yeah, the picture and audio on this blu-ray are excellent, the special features are slim and you get a digital copy. I say, at 15 bucks or less, buy it! |
Great, but wish it was closer to the canon
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| Review Date: December 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: K. Bateman, |
Even though DBE is VERY OOC, it still follows the basic DB magna/anime canon timelines. I do and do not like how the characters meet, also I missed Puar...where was my favorite kitty? The reason why I gave it five stars because it was true to the canon in the overall effect, Bulma shoots at Goku, Yamcha and Bulma fall for each other at first sight, the way King Piccolo was "killed". I have to say I did like the first wish better, for that thank goodness for no Oolong and how DBE made ChiChi to be a very strong woman, even though this is seen in DB/Z/GT but to not as strong degree.
I do hope however in the second one it is more canon, ie Bulma's hair is blue (like her streaks) or magna purple and it is more canon, and more japanese like than american. Seriously, couldn't they ask Akira Toriyama for help or someone who helped developed the DB/Z/GT animes??? |
It is not an adaptation...it is just based on the story of Dragon Ball
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| Review Date: August 17, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Saiyan, Mexico DF |
| People give a bad review because they think it is the Dragon Ball comic or manga adaptation on film...and it is not. It is a movie that the story is based on the Dragon Ball story, and it is different in many aspects, that is why the "Evolution". This movie is to keep the Dragon Ball story present and let the young ones know about it. About the Blu Ray release, both video and audio are excellent, extras....just for the digital copy. |
Dragon Ball EVOLUTION!!!!
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| Review Date: December 2, 2009 |
| Reviewer: M. Yang, Twin Cities, MN |
| This movie is weak! But the graphics are not bad! If you're a DBZ fan. I prefer you not watch it! It's a disgrace to the original cartoon shows! |
Cool Movie with good action!
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| Review Date: March 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: , |
This movie was not perfect but it was really worth watching, had cool fights and goku was funny and stupid just like the show...i never wached Dragon ball. only dragon ball z.
but now after watching this i want to go and watch the original dragon ball.
i don't no why everyone hates this movie. i liked it. |
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