Dragonball Evolution (2009)
Dragonball Evolution (2009)
Dragonball Evolution (2009), directed by James Wong, is a live-action adaptation of the beloved Dragon Ball manga/anime series by Akira Toriyama. Unfortunately, rather than being a triumphant reimagining, it has become infamous for all the wrong reasons—widely considered a prime example of how not to adapt source material.
The film follows Goku (Justin Chatwin), a high school student who discovers he is destined to protect the Earth from an ancient evil named Lord Piccolo (James Marsters). Alongside allies like Bulma (Emmy Rossum), Master Roshi (Chow Yun-Fat), and Chi-Chi (Jamie Chung), Goku embarks on a quest to gather the seven Dragon Balls before Piccolo can use them to unleash destruction.
While the cast makes a sincere effort, the film suffers from a complete misunderstanding of what made Dragon Ball iconic. Gone are the dynamic martial arts battles, rich world-building, and charismatic characters. Instead, the movie delivers bland action sequences, generic dialogue, and a plot that feels rushed and uninspired.
Visually, Dragonball Evolution lacks the flair and excitement of the anime. The fight choreography is underwhelming, the special effects look cheap, and the costume design fails to capture the distinct styles of the original characters.
Worst of all, it alienates fans by stripping away the heart and humor of the franchise. Even creator Akira Toriyama has publicly criticized the adaptation.
