Dragonball: Evolution is a simple, fun, popcorn munching (unless of course you dislike popcorn...) movie.
With a whopping 14% on the Tomatometer at rottentomatoes.com and many fanboys crying about how different it was from the source material, I went to this movie with only minimal hopes. This movie exceeded my expectations, in a good way.
Plot: Based on the extremely popular manga/anime "Dragon Ball" (which in turn was inspired by Journey to the West, a classic in Chinese literature), the movie follows the story of Goku and his quest to gather the seven mystical Dragon Balls.
If you are looking for a movie with deep meaning and an intricate plot, look elsewhere. This movie is full of action/martial art movie cliches, and is very predictable. Characters in this movie are one dimensional.
On the other hand, the plot moves along quickly. The banter between characters is fun.
All in all, this movie moves fast and has good dialogue. Yet it fails at developing the characters.
Plot: 5 out of 10
Acting: Ever since Justin Chatwin played 'Teen Jostled by Whitney' in the pilot of "Smallville", I knew he was destined for greatness! All kidding aside, he is great as Goku in Dragonball: Evolution.
Master Roshi is played by the wonderful actor Chow Yun-Fat. While he looks nothing like Roshi from the manga/anime, he was spot-on with his portrayal. The funniest character in the movie and definitely one of the highlights of the film.
Emmy Rossum needs to be in more films! Her Bulma is awesome. Not only is she beautiful, she can act. I wish there had been more of her.
James Marsters always does a fantastic job portraying characters, and Piccolo is no exception. He is another who needs a lot more screen time.
Chi-Chi, played by Jamie Chung (another beautiful actress), comes across a lot less annoying than her manga/anime counterpart. I like this interpretation of her.
Joon Park was the weakest link in this movie. Yamcha comes across as a jerk it is hard to see what Bulma sees in him.
Acting in this movie was above average for a typical action movie. I felt they really cared about their parts and in turn it made me care for the characters.
Acting: 7 out of 10
FX, make-up, sets, etc.: Special effects in this movie get off to a bad start with crappy-looking wire work. Yet after the initial fight scene the effects look amazing. Goku's kamehameha wave is perfect.
Piccolo's make-up looks very real. The make-up also allows him to use his full range of expressions.
Costumes are not especially memorable, but Goku's orange suit at the end is great.
The sets in Dragonball: Evolution are surprisingly reminiscent of the manga/anime. I was pleased that nothing really looked like it was green screened (though I am sure it was).
FX, make-up, sets, etc.: 8 out of 10
Music: I truly cannot remember the music from this movie, therefore it must have not been anything spectacular...on the other hand it couldn't have been too terrible either.
Music: 5 out of 10
Respect to Source Material: As any fan of the original can tell you, this movie does NOT follow the anime/manga. But, I don't fault it for that--after all "Dragon Ball" does not even try to follow its own source material.
The movie does try to stick to the roots of the story, and it felt like Dragon Ball.
Respect to Source Material: 5 out of 10
Overall Experience: I am glad I decided to see this movie while still in theaters. I was genuinely entertained by this movie and will be buying it on Blu-ray.
Overall Experience: 7 out of 10 (factors into total twice)
Summary: Dragonball: Evolution is a good way to waste an afternoon. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and it doesn't debase itself with talking pigs wearing panties on their heads. If you are a die hard fan of the original this movie may not be for you, but for those of us just looking for a light and fun movie--Dragonball: Evolution gets my recommendation.
Dragonball: Evolution--6 out of 10