Cartoon transitions well to film with lots of martial arts action

“Dragonball Z Evolution” is a perfect mixture of action, martial arts and magical fantasy.

The cartoon-based movie follows Goku’s (Justin Chatwin) search for the mystical Dragon Balls.

Whoever finds all of the balls will be able to summon the dragon and make one perfect wish.

Exploding houses, a dying grandfather, and family secrets manifest on Goku’s 18th birthday.

After receiving a psychic warning, Goku rushes home to find his grandfather had been attacked.

That is when his grandfather gave him the four star dragonball.

Goku enlists the help of Master Roshi (Chow Yun-Fat), Chi-Chi (Jamie Chung), and Bulma Briefs (Emmy Rossum) to help him find the magical treasures.

However, Piccolo, the evil Namekian warlord, also wants the balls.

Goku discovers love, builds new friendships, and realizes his true nature during his worldwide adventures.

Yet when he finds that he is the evil slave of Piccolo, Goku must choose whether to take the path of good or evil.

Dragonball’s soundtrack left a lot to be desired.

Techno music that resembled a sad revision of “Mortal Combat” is played throughout the movie.

However, the romance scenes had some very appropriate slow instrumentals.

Still, the entire music experience could have been better.

“Dragonball Z Evolution” is a must see movie for children.

Adults, on the other hand, can save this movie for a night when there is nothing else on television.

Rating: B+

— Mark Smith
Staff Writer