Dragonball - Evolution

Dragonball - Evolution is rated PG: for intense sequences of action/violence and brief mild language.

Based on a Japanese manga series, Dragonball Evolution is an American-made live action adaptation of Akira Toriyama’s martial arts adventure. Before this movie storyline begins, the evil Lord Piccolo (James Marsters) has been captured and confined after attempting to destroy Earth and her inhabitants. Now 2000 years later, those who are in tune with the universe sense something is about to change during an upcoming solar eclipse.

For Goku (Justin Chatwin), however, it is just another crummy day in the life of a teen. Although he might have special secret powers, the other kids in his high school just consider him a geek. Unaware of the intensive martial arts training he does with his grandfather (Randall Duk Kim), his classmates take every opportunity to harass their fellow student.

Then one day at a house party given by Chi Chi (Jamie Chung), a girl who Goku has a secret crush on, the bullied boy stands up to the troublemakers. However while Goku is deftly avoiding the rabble-rousers’ punches, his grandfather is confronting Lord Piccolo who has escaped from his confinement and is in search of seven special orbs, one of which Grandpa gave to Goku. When Piccolo fails to find the glass ball, he demolishes the house and sets out to locate the teen.

For ardent fans of the franchise, the rapid introduction of numerous characters including a villainess named Mai (Eriko Tamura), a scientist named Bulma (Emmy Rossum), a thief named Yamcha (Joon Park) and the laid back, Hawaiian shirt wearing Master Roshi (Yun-Fat Chow) will be like meeting old friends. But for those unfamiliar with the story, it might take some time to sort out all the new faces.

Still the plot is a simple one. Freed from the tight quarters he was kept in, Lord Piccolo wants to collect the seven orbs and use them to summon a great dragon that will grant him one wish—namely to initiate the Apocalypse. On the other hand, Goku and his friends are eager to find the balls first and stop the planet’s total destruction.

Mixing martial arts action with plenty of futuristic fireballs and special laser guns, the script melds old and new settings with ample amounts of teen friendly jargon and comedic moments. While the depiction of hand-to-hand fighting, bullying, alien assailants and morphing monsters make up most of the violence concerns, there is only a smattering of profanities, sexual innuendo and cleavage exposure for viewers to contend with.

Although this production may have limited appeal beyond followers of the genre, it does present some positive portrayals of choosing good over evil, respecting one’s elders and practicing discipline. However, some viewers may feel as conflicted as Goku after being exposed to this script’s often stilted dialogue and mystical storyline.

Studio: 2009 Twentieth Century Fox. Visit the official movie site.

Goku is bullied at school by teens who crush his bike, threaten him and attempt to beat him up. At a house party, teens try to beat up a boy. Characters break car windows, have their hands smashed, or are thrown to the ground. While holding one of the seven orbs in his hand, Goku sees scenes of global destruction in his mind. Numerous characters engage in martial arts confrontations, exchange gunfire or use other weapons. A man throws alien life forms into lava and walks across them. Later he jumps through flames. Characters throw fireballs at one another. A girl threatens a man after he touches her backside. The script includes some brief sexual innuendo and profanity. Several shots of female cleavage are shown. A teen couple kisses.

Goku has to face good and evil aspects of himself during this film. What positive influences does he rely on to help him choose wisely.

Why does Bulma find it difficult to thank Yamcha for helping her? Do you think that expressing gratitude is a sign of strength or weakness?

Sending out teens to save the day is a common theme in other movies as well. In The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising, a teenager must collect a series of relics before their power can fall into the wrong hands. A young farm boy discovers he is the one chosen to free his people from the oppressive king in Eragon. Actor Yun-Fat Chow takes on a more regal role as the monarch in the 1999 version of Anna and the King.

Release Date: July 28, 2009

Dragonball Evolutions: Z Edition on DVD is presented in wide screen, with audio tracks in Dolby Surround Sound. Subtitles are available in English, French and Spanish. Bonus materials include:

- Eight Deleted Scenes

- Goku’s Workout: Stunt Work featurette-

- Fox Movie Channel Presents: Making a Scene

- Fox Movie channel Presents Life After Film School with Justin Chatwin

- Dragonball Gag Reel

- Brian Anthony “Worked Up” Music Video

Dragonball Evolutions: Z Edition on Blu-ray Disc is presented in widescreen, with audio tracks in 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio (English) and 5.1 Dolby Digital (Spanish and French). Subtitles are available in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Cantonese, Mandarin and Korean. Extra features include:

- Goku’s Quest (scavenger hunt game)

- Eight Deleted Scenes

- Goku’s Workout: Stunt Work featurette

- Fox Movie Channel Presents: Making a Scene

- Fox Movie Channel Presents Life After Film School with Justin Chatwin

- Dragonball Gag Reel

- Brian Anthony “Worked Up” Music Video