Dragonball Evolution Disappoints
Dragonball lets down original fans with a less-than-appealing storyline
JD Botana III
Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
They made a movie about that?
First of all, if you are a fan of Akira Toriyama's "Dragonball," which follows the life of Goku, run as far as you can from this movie and do not stop until you reach the moon. The "Dragonball" series is a manga that was adapted into an anime which follows the kind-hearted Goku. Goku is a Saiyan, a species of humanoid which, after seeing a full moon, transforms into an enormous ape.
He was sent to earth to destroy the inhabitants but as a child inadvertently suffers amnesia, recollecting none of his prior knowledge. Goku, helpless to the surrounding elements and creatures, is adopted by Gohan, whom he calls Grandfather.
The plot of Dragonball Evolution is quite simple. Piccilo, an evil Namekian, is searching for the Dragonballs, which, when gathered together, allow the owner to make a wish come true. With the dragonballs, Piccilo would be able to revive his henchman Oozaru so they can continue their plans of world domination. Goku and his friends, the only people aware of the threat, attempt to thwart his plans by collecting them first.
In concept, it is comparable to the original story, as it was designed for a younger audience. The big flaw comes when Goku goes to school. *Spoiler- I am an Otaku.* Goku never went to school, that was part of the entire concept; he is the Japanese equivalent of the "Peter Pan" syndrome.
Also, Akira Toriyama tried to send Gohan, Goku's first son named after his Grandfather, into a similar scenario. Fans of the manga thought this was a horrible idea. Toriyama listened, leading the story away from a high school drama.
"Dragonball" makes an attempt to appeal to a broader American audience, and what better way than to add the melodrama of high school life mixed with a love interest? Yes, you read correctly- Goku is madly in love. The only aspect that is correct is that her name is Chi Chi. "Dragonball" was never meant to be a love story. The main focus of Dragonball can be explained briefly and simply: action.
First of all, if you are a fan of Akira Toriyama's "Dragonball," which follows the life of Goku, run as far as you can from this movie and do not stop until you reach the moon. The "Dragonball" series is a manga that was adapted into an anime which follows the kind-hearted Goku. Goku is a Saiyan, a species of humanoid which, after seeing a full moon, transforms into an enormous ape.
He was sent to earth to destroy the inhabitants but as a child inadvertently suffers amnesia, recollecting none of his prior knowledge. Goku, helpless to the surrounding elements and creatures, is adopted by Gohan, whom he calls Grandfather.
The plot of Dragonball Evolution is quite simple. Piccilo, an evil Namekian, is searching for the Dragonballs, which, when gathered together, allow the owner to make a wish come true. With the dragonballs, Piccilo would be able to revive his henchman Oozaru so they can continue their plans of world domination. Goku and his friends, the only people aware of the threat, attempt to thwart his plans by collecting them first.
In concept, it is comparable to the original story, as it was designed for a younger audience. The big flaw comes when Goku goes to school. *Spoiler- I am an Otaku.* Goku never went to school, that was part of the entire concept; he is the Japanese equivalent of the "Peter Pan" syndrome.
Also, Akira Toriyama tried to send Gohan, Goku's first son named after his Grandfather, into a similar scenario. Fans of the manga thought this was a horrible idea. Toriyama listened, leading the story away from a high school drama.
"Dragonball" makes an attempt to appeal to a broader American audience, and what better way than to add the melodrama of high school life mixed with a love interest? Yes, you read correctly- Goku is madly in love. The only aspect that is correct is that her name is Chi Chi. "Dragonball" was never meant to be a love story. The main focus of Dragonball can be explained briefly and simply: action.
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