Dragonball Evolution tries to popularize the fictional anime world onto the screen, yet it fails to convey its essence. The story of the movie revolves around the mission of a young Goku to assemble mystical Dragon Balls before King Piccolo, a villain, can cause destruction on earth. Although the plot is minimal and the story is full of common stereotypes, it is not the most rhythmic and lacks a sense of tone changes, as it switches back and forth between a comedy of high school life and martial arts fights. The acting, particularly that of the protagonists, is very stilted and uninspired and this takes away emotion of certain critical scenes and the viewer misses the depth and charm of the original series.
The movie has problems in visual representation of the colorful, fantasy world of Dragon ball. The special effects, especially in the metamorphosis to Ōzaru, are sublime and contribute to the lack of impact of the climax battles. The action scenes are not as fluid and energetic as martial arts films based on the legacy of the series, and the cinematography and the sound track are generic, and do not take the material to the level of the average Hollywood film. This visual detachment, with its clumsy dialogues and two-dimensional characterizations, does not help the movie to generate a dramatic and immersive experience.
The message about heroism and self-discovery was the most effective one the story of Goku teaches us that even the most inexperienced warriors can do something when they are brave and persistent. The film has its shortcomings, but it has allusions to the uplifting nature of the franchise even though it ends up being a wasted chance to celebrate its richness, comedic value, and philosophical implications. The movie “Dragonball Evolution” produces both nostalgic and disappointing effects on the viewer, as a lesson about the significance of loyal adaptation and fidelity to the story.
