The Dragonball Movie Syndrome

With the American live-action film, Dragonball: Evolution only weeks away from its premiere, Anime News Nina creator Robin Sevakis provides her take on the situation.

I have to say, I almost want to see this happen for the "train-wreck" factor. If anybody can pull off a Hollywood version of Ash Ketchum, it's Shia Labeouf.


Source: Anime News Network

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First Early "Review" of Live Action Dragonball Movie

The release of Dragonball is still about five months away, but the hype and criticism continues to mount. After the promotional trailer was leaked, it was received with mixed reviews. The highly touted special effects have yet to be added to the trailer or movie, but it looks like they are already scheduling for additional filming. They have been scouting for males between the ages of 20-70 and fluent in Nepalese or Tibetan. The official trailer has been delayed to December 12th, 2008, possibly to coincide with The Day The Earth Stood Still. The movie is still slated to hit Japan on March 13, 2009 with a North American release soon to follow on April 10. The above footage shows a short teaser clip from a Japanese TV program called NHK, briefly displaying the dragonball and Goku's gi.

Ain't It Cool News reader Don reports having supposedly viewed an early release of the movie before special effects and score. His writing style and lack of sources doesn't lend him much credibility, but they are interesting looks into what the movie could turn out. You can click the link for the full story, but here are some interesting tidbits. Just as a warning, there is a bit of cursing present.

Action - I wasn't expecting the action scenes to be as awesome as they were. Simply put the best thing about this movie. The last action scene of Goku vs. Picollo are simply amazing and when picollo takes out his huge fucking ass sword with weird rectangle shape tablet attached it at the tip of sword and slamming it on goku was fucking awesome. Lot of blowing shit up, super cool flying scenes, awesome ki blasts. This fight scene was around 13-15 minutes long. There are other small action scenes that are fun and entertaining with slo mo but nowhere as good as the picollo vs. goku scene.

Justin Chatwin as Goku. This guy surprised me a lot. I really didn't like him when they casted him as goku but he did a damn good job in the acting department and he nailed the KAMEHAMEHA line.

Story - Dragonball fans will be dissapointed with some of the changes they have made with stories and characters etc. Krillin isn't in the movie, Tien isn't in the movie too. High school setting for the first 22-23 minutes was so not needed but ah well typical hollywood garbage of adding bullshit like that.

Chow Yun Fat as Master Roshi - I was dissapointed with this. I wanted the fucking perverted roshi who fucking grabs breasts and asses like in the anime but alas all of that is fucking gone. Also he acted like Mr. Kesuke Miyagi. You know what I mean. The lines he spoke were fine but I felt he was uncomfortable in the movie. Very dissapointed.

Full Review...

It's hard to discern if this review is authentic or not, as many of these points could be easily made up. It sounds like they're trying to keep the spirit of Dragonball while modernizing the story and keeping it relevant to Hollywood standards. A big focus seems to be on the action, so hopefully it will maintain that high energy while still feeling like a DB fight. Some of the things he points out sounds a bit superficial, but he does seem to be a Dragonball fan.

Overall, it's still too early to tell how the movie will turn out. It hasn't exactly been receiving positive press, but maybe this review is an indication that it won't be a complete disaster. The reception the film receives both Japan and North America should be very interesting to see.

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Early Live Action Dragonball Teaser Trailer Leaked

Before viewing the above leaked trailer, let me preface it with a few comments. This leaked trailer was created strictly for a brand licensing expo and potential Licensing & Merchandising partners, so it mostly just introduces the look, style, characters, and other elements of the movie way before special effects and CGI have been integrated. Things like music clearances and talent approvals have not been pursued yet, and you can immediately tell this leaked trailer was made for general, informative purposes. The official trailer will feature more action, energy, and visual effects that many have expected to help portray the feel of the Dragonball series. With that said, some of my previous comments about the movie seem to hold some weight while they take things in an interesting direction.

Goku is played by Justin Chatwin, mostly known for his role as Robbie in War of the Worlds.


This trailer doesn't answer many of the questions people have, but it is one of the first solid looks at the treatment and style outside of leaked set pictures. The questionable changes remain intact, like Goku's (Justin Chatwin) ethnicity, him starting out in high school, and the more serious atmosphere. One of the first things I gained from the trailer was the tone and attitude director James Wong was trying to achieve. While the original Dragonball series was lighthearted and had a distinct Asian style, the movie goes in the opposite direction. The trailer comes off as serious and very Americanized. I was hoping for something along the lines of producer Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle instead of a modern day version of the Jackie Chan/Jet Li team-up flick, Forbidden Kingdom. The setting doesn't sit well with me, especially with scenes that show a little too much of its modern day trappings. Perhaps the CGI effects can help with blending the ancient and futuristic environments, but the atmosphere doesn't feel quite right. Since Master Roshi (Chow Yun-Fat) received a large spotlight, that helped show the changes made to the character. While his perverted nature may not sit well with families, he appears far too serious and a little too young for the role. The look of Lord Piccolo is an interesting take, but I will reserve judgment until there is a full image of him.

Lord Piccolo is played by James Marsters, who appeared as the evil Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.

It is evident which audience they are trying to appeal to with this movie. Many DB fans will watch it regardless of its quality, but it will be a harder sell to non-fans. The Dragonball series has gained a somewhat poor reputation in the US for its drawn out storylines, long fight scenes, and at times, lack of substance. Many had generalized anime as being just like Dragonball Z. Although DB is more of a comedy/adventure and much different than its successor, it was probably wise for them to take a mainstream standpoint with the movie. The music score has been a controversial subject with DBZ's localization, but the film score is looking positive. Composer Brian Tyler (Rambo, Eagle Eye) is apparently a big fan of the series and looks to capture the sweeping, epic, fantasy feel of the original anime and of Wong's adaptation. The official teaser trailer was supposed to premiere alongside Max Payne on October 17th, but has since been pushed back to later this year to allow for more editing and special effects.

There are still a lot of unknown details, but dbthemovie.com is a great source for cast and crew information, news, and an informative FAQ. With the movie releasing in North America on April 10, 2009, there is still over six months to finalize and polish. The internet community has been very vocal in its opinion of the Dragonball movie, but perhaps they can pull out a few surprises in this first iteration of their planned trilogy.

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The Dark Knight: More Than A Super Hero Film

You've heard the hype, excitement, and anticipation surrounding the sequel to Christopher Nolan's amazing origin story and film series reboot, Batman Begins. With the Joker teased in the final moments of the movie, there has been a frenzy since Heath Ledger was controversially cast as the quintessential Batman villain. Previously known for his role in the award-winning Brokeback Mountain, he quickly silenced doubters by portraying the Joker like never before. His tragic death earlier this year has only solidified the early positive reactions to his performance, magnifying the already huge buzz for The Dark Knight. But the movie is so much more than any one performance. With District Attorney Harvey Dent making his debut, the gradual downfall of the corruption and evil brought about by the mob bosses, and seeing Batman evolve as the stakes get higher, the Joker is but one piece that ties everything together. With Nolan's realistic vision of Batman, Batman Begins presented a story that defined who Bruce Wayne is, the fall and hopelessness of Gotham City, and the reason Batman came to be. The Dark Knight takes everything further, putting the sequel beyond the boundaries of the superhero movie genre and into much deeper, darker, and thought-provoking areas that make it a true classic in every sense of the word.




Batman Begins was a great film, giving an accurate and realistic portrayal of the mythos that has not been seen in live action depictions for a while. After the abysmal Joel Schumacher films, Batman Forever and Batman and Robin, Nolan stepped in and made everything right again. With an amazing cast featuring the likes of Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman, there were only a few minor problems and issues that prevented Begins from truly reaching greatness. The original character and created love interest, Rachel Dawes was one of the sore points of the film. With a very thin personality, little chemistry between her and Bruce, and the poor portrayal by Katie Holmes, the role was recast with the much better actress, Maggie Gyllenhaal. And with the introduction of Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, Eric Roberts as mob boss Sal Maroni, and Heath Ledger as the Joker, The Dark Knight only gets better. Picking up not long after the end of Batman Begins, everything hits the ground running. You can immediately see the effect Batman has had on Gotham, the change and hope Harvey Dent is bringing, and the very real criminal shift that the Joker is causing about and continuing. Every character is spot on, from Jim Gordon to Alfred to the much improved Rachel Dawes. Just about every problem many people had with the first film was remedied and made better by tenfold.


There were so many things to like about The Dark Knight, it's difficult to find a negative point. Most, if not all of the actor reprisals truly outdid themselves the second time around. They all felt even more in character, like they really found their groove. Rachel Dawes made an amazing turnaround, going from poor plot device to a real character. And the one character who may end up flying under the radar is Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent. Most know him as the villain Two-Face, most famously played by Tommy Lee Jones in Batman Forever. However, Two-Face is not a typical villain and is perfectly shown here. While many sing the praises of the many dimensions and richness of Batman or the Joker, Harvey Dent has his own past and history that is just as deep and tragic.
As the new District Attorney for Gotham City, he leads the crusade against mob bosses like Sal Maroni and the incarcerated Carmine Falcone that has controlled the city for so long. His passionate speaking and court savvy, possible love, and overall attitude leads him on a journey not unlike Bruce's path in the first film. His campaign slogan, "I Believe In Harvey Dent" perfectly sums up his drive, dedication, and his overall outcome. The infamous scene by the bat-signal with Dent, Gordon, and Batman are just one of the few touches that takes The Dark Knight that extra step into greatness. While all the hype and excitement is surrounding Heath Ledger's performance, I think Aaron Eckhart's role as Harvey Dent will surprise many.

With so much pressure and anticipation for one of Ledger's final roles, it was almost impossible to conceive that he live up to that hype. While his untimely death may cause some to see the Joker through rose-colored glasses, he truly does draw and demand attention that is really awe-inspiring. Much different from Jack Nicholson's version in the original 1989 Batman film or even Mark Hamill's version in the animated series, Ledger shows this dark, twisted, yet humorous Joker that is so unique and right. He ushers in this new kind of criminal, different from the mobs and petty thugs that littered the streets. As Batman, Jim Gordon, and Harvey Dent lead the charge in the war against the mob, the Joker brings an entirely new element to the table that is pure anarchy. Heath Ledger's performance was truly astounding, with so many subtle nuances and details captured perfectly and vividly. He perfectly shows why Batman and Joker are eternal enemies and shows the beginnings of that never-ending fight against this new crime element that the Joker ushers in. The Joker's lack of typical criminal motives and his twisted nature shows why he's different from the rest of them. Ledger's undisputed portrayal shows why the Joker is unofficial and unspoken leader of Batman's rogues gallery of criminals and the amazing imprint he will put on the Batman mythos to come.


While the state of Gotham is gradually improving after Batman Begins, the dark, grittiness and corruption are still very prevalent. As Bruce really absorbs the role and responsibility he's undertaken, he starts to question himself, the life he's living, and the hope that is still alive in the city. The unspoken alliance between Dent, Gordon, and Batman echoes throughout the film, with repercussions felt with every step. The duality and contrast of concepts such as light and dark, good and evil, & pure and corrupt fit very well here, with very different ideals and senses of justice present in many characters. The Dark Knight analyzes the human concept, one of inherent good, moral duty, and making the right decisions. The themes and concepts in this film go way beyond that of a typical comic book movie or even a Hollywood blockbuster. It's more than an action flick, more than a love story, and more than a super hero film.

The Batman character and mythos has remained an enduring classic for so many years, and it really feels like it has been reborn with director Christopher Nolan's vision and the hard work all of the actors have put forth and redefining these timeless characters. The Dark Knight transcends its fantasy trappings and tells a tale full of despair, real human emotion, and thought-provoking themes and concepts. Heath Ledger has left an indelible imprint on the series that not only epitomizes the Joker but displays why Batman has remained a symbol and a true legend.

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The Live Action Dragonball Debacle

From left to right: Bulma (Emmy Rossum), Mai (Eriko Tamura), Chi Chi (Jamie Chung), Goku (Justin Chatwin), and Master Roshi (Chow Yun-Fat).

You don't want to stare, but you just can't look away. That pretty much sums up the overall feelings surrounding the new live action Dragonball film, coming April 10, 2009. Despite the lack of a trailer or even an official synopsis, there are already too many things wrong with the adaptation to even count. Retelling the second half of the original adventure series, Dragonball, teenage Goku discovers his heritage and seeks out the seven legendary Dragonballs before the evil Lord Piccolo can use them. With the help of Bulma, Chi Chi, Master Roshi, and a cast of others, he must train and defeat Piccolo before he takes over the world.

The production crew at least sounds decent, with director James Wong and producer Stephen Chow taking the reins. Wong, known for his work on The X-Files and Final Destination, rewrote the script after the movie was officially greenlit in 2007. Chow's major US releases, Shaolin Soccer and Kung-Fu Hustle have a comedic action tone and a bevy of special effects that wouldn't be out of place in Dragonball. As for the actual casting, the choices are questionable at best. War of the Worlds actor Justin Chatwin plays Goku, which doesn't fit at all given the character's very Asian persona. Buffy star James Marsters will play Lord Piccolo, better known as the original King Piccolo in the anime and manga. Chow Yun-Fat, closely associated with filmmaker John Woo and best known in the US for his role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, plays mentor as Master Roshi. Outside of Lord Piccolo and Master Roshi, the rest of the cast seems to be a mixed bag. Phantom of the Opera actress Emmy Rossum and Real World cast member Jamie Chung play Bulma and Chi Chi, respectively, which could turn out decently if written and portrayed correctly. But with original characters being created and liberties being taken (more on that below), there isn't too much hope for a credible and faithful version.


One of the most important parts of an adaptation is being faithful to the source material. While Dragonball Z received a poor reputation of slow development and lacking substance, the original Dragonball series had a fun, adventurous tone with action, humor, and a varied cast of characters. The direction the movie is headed doesn't look so good. First of all, it is completely disregarding Goku's adventures as a child and starts Goku as a teenager. This is somewhat understandable, seeing as it would be more difficult to tell the entire Dragonball story in a single film. But one of the biggest flaws already evident is that Goku is a high school student. The proper time period can be debated, but his character and personality cannot. He has always been known as young, naive, and uneducated, since he was raised in the wilderness by his surrogate grandfather, Gohan. His inquisitive nature, naivety, misunderstandings, and lack of "book smarts" has been chronicled throughtout his childhood and even through adulthood. With original characters being created to be his high school classmates, it looks like the story will take a more present-day tone while still keeping the futuristic nature of the civilization.


They seem to be taking liberties with the story, which can be seen in the female-dominated movie poster. Good friend Bulma and love interest Chi Chi can be seen heavily featured, with minor slapstick villain, Mai repurposed to be Piccolo's ally. The glaring omission of major characters and fighters such as Krillin, Tien Shinhan, and Chiaotzu are immediately noticeable, although Yamcha manages to make it in. Attempting for a more serious tone, the anthropomorphic creatures and comedic relief have been omitted well. The character design choices are also very questionable. The majority of this is due to odd casting, but the hair and facial features of Goku, Bulma, and Master Roshi are much different. While there's only so much they could fit into one movie, it looks like they are placing their focus in accordance for a stereotypical hollywood movie rather than trying to be faithful to the source material.

It may be too early to write off Dragonball, but it's not looking so good. General expectations are mixed, with some voicing that it doesn't look or feel like the source material. With mostly just the casting list, a rough plot line, and leaked set pictures to go on, perhaps things will turn around in post-production. Even if you're not a fan, it's going to be really hard to look away come April 2009.

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