“Dragonball Evolution” is a live-action film released in 2009, based on the popular “Dragon Ball” anime and manga series created by Akira Toriyama. The movie, however, is widely regarded as a critical failure and a disappointment to many fans of the original source material. Here are some related answers to common questions about the movie:
1. What is “Dragonball Evolution” about?
The movie follows a young Goku as he sets out on a quest to find the seven Dragon Balls before the evil villain, Emperor Pilaf, can use them to take over the world. Along the way, Goku is joined by his friends, including Bulma, Yamcha, and Master Roshi. The film loosely adapts key elements from the “Dragon Ball” series but takes significant creative liberties.
2. Why was “Dragonball Evolution” criticized?
The movie was criticized for its deviation from the original anime’s tone, story, and character designs. Key issues included:
– Poor adaptation: Fans felt the movie did not capture the essence of the original anime and manga.
– Character changes: Iconic characters like Goku, Bulma, and Master Roshi were portrayed in ways that did not match their personalities or appearances in the source material.
– Bad acting and dialogue: Many found the performances wooden and the dialogue cringeworthy.
– Lackluster special effects: Despite the high budget, many believed the effects were underwhelming and did not live up to the action sequences in the anime.
3. Is “Dragonball Evolution” part of the official “Dragon Ball” canon?
No, “Dragonball Evolution” is not considered part of the official “Dragon Ball” canon. It was an attempt at a live-action adaptation, but it exists in its own separate universe. The main “Dragon Ball” franchise continues with the anime series, manga, and other media, which have remained more faithful to the original story.
4. What are the similarities and differences between the movie and the anime?
Similarities:
– Both focus on Goku and his quest to find the Dragon Balls.
– Some key characters like Bulma, Yamcha, and Master Roshi are present.
– The movie features the concept of the Dragon Balls granting wishes when all seven are collected.
Differences:
– The setting in the movie is more modern, with a high school backdrop, rather than the more fantastical world of the anime.
– Goku’s backstory and character are vastly altered. For example, in the movie, Goku is depicted as a teenager with no knowledge of his Saiyan heritage, while in the anime, he is a child who grows up learning about his true origin.
– The tone of the movie is more serious and grounded, whereas the anime features more humor, fantasy, and action-packed sequences.
– Iconic characters like Piccolo and Goku’s transformation into Super Saiyan are either omitted or drastically altered.
5. Is there a sequel to “Dragonball Evolution”?
No, despite the movie’s poor reception, there were discussions about potential sequels, but none were produced. The failure of “Dragonball Evolution” essentially ended any hope for a live-action “Dragon Ball” movie franchise. Instead, the success of animated “Dragon Ball” movies and TV shows, including the “Dragon Ball Super” series, has kept the franchise alive.
6. Can I watch “Dragonball Evolution” online?
Yes, “Dragonball Evolution” is available for streaming on several platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and others for rent or purchase. It may also appear on other streaming services, depending on your region.
7. What is the general consensus of critics on “Dragonball Evolution”?
The movie received overwhelmingly negative reviews from both critics and fans of the original anime. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a very low approval rating, and many critics cited the movie’s lack of faithfulness to the source material, poor special effects, and uninspiring performances as major drawbacks. It has since gained a reputation as one of the worst video game or anime adaptations in cinematic history.
While “Dragonball Evolution” failed to make an impact as a live-action adaptation, it remains a curiosity for fans of the franchise. If you’re looking for a faithful representation of the “Dragon Ball” universe, it’s better to stick with the anime or manga, which remain beloved worldwide.
