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Movies / On DVD / Dragonball: Evolution
Dragonball: Evolution

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Dragonball: Evolution (2009)

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Reviews Counted:6

Fresh:2

Rotten:4

Average Rating:5.3/10

Consensus: Executed with little panache or invention, Dragonball Evolution lacks the magic that made the books upon which it was based a cult sensation.

Rated: PG [See Full Rating] for intense sequences of action/violence and brief mild language.

Runtime: 85 mins

Genre: Action/Adventure

Theatrical Release:Apr 10, 2009 Wide

Box Office: $9,353,573

Synopsis: Based on the renowned Japanese manga/anime franchise, the live-action DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION follows the adventures of young Goku (Justin Chatwin of WAR OF THE WORLDS), who is drawn into the legacy... Based on the renowned Japanese manga/anime franchise, the live-action DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION follows the adventures of young Goku (Justin Chatwin of WAR OF THE WORLDS), who is drawn into the legacy of the mystical spheres of the title, and trains to become a powerful warrior with the aid of the wise but lewd Master Roshi (Chow Yun-Fat) and the weapons-loving Bulma (Emmy Rossum), among others. This small band of fighters must face off against the evil warlord Piccolo (James Marsters) and his minions to avert the end of the world. The first Hollywood feature-film adaptation of the venerable DRAGONBALL series, EVOLUTION is helmed by director James Wong (FINAL DESTINATION, THE ONE) with a nod to the playful work of coproducer Stephen Chow (KUNG FU HUSTLE). A movie where visual effects and plot easily eclipse the acting and script, EVOLUTION will appeal to those seeking a combat-heavy spectacle, though the presence of Yun Fat, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER alum Marsters, and former reality-TV star Jamie Chung help to elevate the proceedings. Although diehard fans may not be pleased with the film, which misses peak DRAGONBALL popularity by about 15 years, EVOLUTION, like its fellow 2009 movie STREET FIGHTER: THE LEGEND OF CHUN-LI, serves as fine entertainment for ardent martial-arts/video-game enthusiasts and tween boys. [More]

Starring: Justin Chatwin, Emmy Rossum, Chow Yun Fat, James Marsters

Starring: Justin Chatwin, Emmy Rossum, Chow Yun Fat, James Marsters, Jamie Chung, Joon Park, Eriko, Randall Duk Kim, Ernie Hudson

Director: James Wong

Director: James Wong
Screenwriter: James Wong
Producer: Stephen Chow
Composer: Brian Tyler
Studio: 20th Century Fox

[See More Credits]

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  • Jamie Chung SDCC 08
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    International Trailer
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    Goku Trains
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    My Car!
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  • Did You Do That?
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    You Are The Key
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    Dragonball Energy
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    I Will Have The Dragonball
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  • Justin Chatwin and Emmy Rossum Interview
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    Jamie Chung and James Marsters Interview
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Release:

Jul 28, 2009

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • Based on one of the most popular Japanese manga series of all time, Dragonball: Evolution follows a young warrior on an epic adventure to discover his destiny...and save the world from the forces of darkness.
  • For his eighteenth birthday, mild-mannered Goku is given a mystical Dragonball, one of only seven in existence, which combine to grant a perfect wish to whoever possesses them. But an ancient warlord named Piccolo has escaped eternal imprisonment and is on his own quest to gather the Dragonballs. Goku must enlist the help of his friends-and the power of his evolving martial arts skills-to defeat Piccolo before it’s too late!
  • Packed with spectacular visual effects, high-flying action, and over an hour of hard-hitting extras, Dragonball: Evolution Z-Edition brings the legend to life as never before!
  •  
     
     
     

    Reviews for Dragonball: Evolution

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    Evolution is far more entertaining than it deserves to be, unless you're a 10-year-old boy, in which case it's only the greatest movie ever made.

    Full Review Source: Village Voice | comment 16 Comments
    04/13/09
    Aaron Hillis
    Aaron Hillis
    Village Voice
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    There are a few entertaining fight scenes. But there is also uneven CGI, bad dialogue and a host of clichéd moments that make Dragonball Evolution just another disappointing matinee movie.

    Full Review Source: Globe and Mail | comment Comment
    04/13/09
    Jennie Punter
    Jennie Punter
    Globe and Mail
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    Fans of the best-selling Dragonball comics (and cartoons, and videogames...) might have a shot at untangling the knotty dream-logic that strangles Dragonball: Evolution's live-action adaptation.

    Full Review Source: Entertainment Weekly | comment 2 Comments
    04/13/09
    Adam Markovitz
    Adam Markovitz
    Entertainment Weekly
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    The giddy, anything-goes spirit of Japanese manga comics and Hong Kong martial arts flicks animates Dragonball Evolution. Not enough to make it a good movie, mind you, but enough so you won't hate yourself if you sit through it with the kids.

    Full Review Source: Boston Globe | comment 1 Comment
    04/13/09
    Joel Brown
    Joel Brown
    Boston Globe
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    A hyperactively messy little adventure fantasy in which movement is everything and meaning means nothing.

    Full Review Source: New York Post | comment Comment
    04/10/09
    Leigh Paatsch
    Leigh Paatsch
    New York Post
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    Dragonball Evolution doesn't take itself too seriously, but avoids campiness.

    Full Review Source: Variety | comment 40 Comments
    03/26/09
    Russell Edwards
    Russell Edwards
    Variety
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic
     
     
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