VIDEO: The trailer for Dragonball Evolution
James Wong directs this adaptation of the prequel anime to Dragonball Z. Only traces of the original plot remain: evil alien Piccolo (James Marsters) still fights to collect all seven dragonballs to summon a dragon that will grant one wish.
The rest plays out like a cheesy teen movie. Goku (Justin Chatwin) comes off as a snarky, emo Peter Parker, nothing like the naive, lovable hero from the anime. You might want to refill your popcorn rather than watch the stilted "romance" between Goku and Chi-Chi (Jamie Chung). Bulma (Emmy Rossum) and Roshi (Chow Yun-Fat) make an effort to emulate their anime counterparts, but clunky dialogue and clumsier action sequences turn the film into an accidental comedy.
Don't hold out for the Flying Nimbus, and don't expect Goku to have a tail — but do anticipate the so-bad-it's-good sequel if the producers get the funds.
