DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION
US, 2009, 84 minutes, Colour.
Justin Chatwin, Chow Yun- Fat, Emmy Rossum, Jamie Chung, James Marsters, Ernie Hudson.
Directed by James Wong.
With a title like this, it is no secret that this is one of those sword and action shows designed for a younger audience. It is an American adaptation of a Japanese Manga book.
The opening gives the usual explanation of how there was a battle between good and evil in time immemorial. The villain, Piccolo, was imprisoned under the earth. But, seven orbs,dragonballs, containing supreme powers are loose in the universe. Only by collecting them could someone restore order or (as is Piccolo's intention, aided by his minions) to destroy order.
Move to the present and a neo- Karate Kid situation where a teenager, Goku, (Justin Chatwin) is being trained by his grandfather in martial arts. For his birthday, he is given one of the dragonballs without realising its power. What follows are the standard adventures, presented vigorously but undemandingly. Our hero is joined by an Asian American girl with some smart martial moves, an agent for the good who is suspicious of him, and, eventually, a very mundane version of the supreme wise man (Chow Yun Fat).
Special effects, stunts, final battles and who knows what possibilities for sequels.
1.The Manga origins of this story? The Japanese perspective transferred to the United States? How effective?
2.The prologue, the history of the battle between good and evil, the imprisonment of Lord Piccolo? The transition to 21st century US? Homes, high schools? The contrast with the world of fantasy, seeking out the wise masters, Piccolo arriving in the world? The battles, stunts, special effects? Musical score?
3.Goku, his age, birthday, training with his grandfather? His skills? Going to school, the students, his friendship with Chi Chi? His interaction with the other students, looking down on him? Restraining his powers – and exercising them? Sneaking out for his birthday party? The party and the fiasco? The return home? The gift of the Dragonball?
4.The grandfather, his training his grandson, his knowledge of the mysteries? The gift of the Dragonball? Piccolo and the attack on the home, burning the home, killing the grandfather? His fatalistic attitude, handing on his heritage to Goku?
5.Bulma, the young woman, the minion of the good, trying to get the Dragonball, the clashes with Goku? Their eventual alliance? Chi Chi and her joining the group?
6.Lord Piccolo, his appearance, evil intentions, imprisoned, loose? His minions?
7.The young people, their adventures, fights, the clashes with evil? Each using their own skills? The final confrontation for Goku, the collection of the balls? Seeking them around the world?
8.Master Roshi, rather mundane? Genial? His suspicions, his joining the group, advice, his seeming to be killed, revival?
9.The visit to Sifu Norris? His ancient knowledge? His support?
10.The credibility of the search, the quest, the battles, the ingenuity of the young people, their physical skills? The effect on each of them?
11.The restoration of order to the world – and the possibility of sequels?
