Ah, “Dragonball Evolution.” The movie that made us question our life choices, our taste in cinema, and whether we accidentally walked into a parody film.
If you’ve ever wondered how to take a beloved anime and turn it into a cinematic disaster, look no further! Here’s an in-depth (and slightly sarcastic) look at why “Dragonball Evolution” is often hailed as one of the worst movies ever made.
A Legacy of Disastrous Adaptations
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s set the stage. “Dragonball Evolution” isn’t alone in the hall of shame. It’s in good company with other “stellar” adaptations like “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “Super Mario Bros.”
But what sets “Dragonball Evolution” apart? Well, it’s a special kind of bad.
Goku Goes to High School: Because Why Not?
Remember when Goku, the Saiyan warrior, went to high school and had to deal with bullies, homework, and teenage angst? No? Well, neither do we.
But “Dragonball Evolution” thought it was a brilliant idea! Because nothing says “epic martial arts saga” like a high school drama.
Let’s talk about Goku’s hair. It’s like someone took a photo of the anime, showed it to a blindfolded hairdresser, and said, “Do your worst.”
The result? A gravity-defying mess that looks more like a bird’s nest after a tornado.
The Plot: Lost in Translation
The original Dragon Ball series had a rich storyline, filled with adventure, battles, and character development. “Dragonball Evolution”? Not so much.
It’s as if the writers played a game of “Telephone” with the original plot, and by the end, all that was left was a jumbled mess of confusion.
Behind the Scenes Drama
The making of “Dragonball Evolution” was, to put it mildly, a hot mess. The initial excitement quickly turned sour.
Even cast members like James Marsters expressed their frustration. It’s like they took the essence of “Dragon Ball,” threw it in a blender, and hoped for the best.
Special Effects: Or Lack Thereof
For a movie based on a series known for its epic battles and energy blasts, you’d expect some top-notch special effects, right? Wrong.
The CGI in “Dragonball Evolution” looks like it was done on a 90s computer during someone’s lunch break. The Kamehameha wave? More like the “Lamehameha” wave.
Characters: Who Are These People?
Piccolo, one of the most iconic villains in the Dragon Ball universe, was reduced to a green dude with a grudge. Piccolo looking like a rejected “Power Rangers” villain? It’s character assassination on a grand scale.
And don’t get us started on Yamcha. The characters were so off-brand, it felt like watching a bootleg version of the anime where everyone’s names are slightly misspelled.
The Dragon Balls: Reduced to Glorified Marbles
In the anime, the Dragon Balls are mystical, powerful orbs that can grant any wish. In the movie?
They look like oversized marbles that someone bought at a garage sale.
Shenron, the mighty dragon, must’ve been on vacation because the version we got was… underwhelming, to say the least.
The Fight Scenes: A Dance of Disappointment
Dragon Ball is known for its intense and well-choreographed fight scenes. “Dragonball Evolution,” on the other hand, gave us fights that looked like they were choreographed by someone who’d watched one too many slapstick comedies.
Punches that miss by a mile, awkward flips, and slow-motion sequences that make you wonder if the film is buffering.
Box Office Blunders
“Dragonball Evolution” wasn’t just a critical disaster; it was a commercial flop too. The movie garnered a domestic gross of only $9,362,785. Internationally, it fared slightly better with $46,357,987, bringing its worldwide total to $55,720,772. To put it in perspective, for a movie that was supposed to introduce the epic “Dragon Ball” saga to a new audience and reignite the passion of existing fans, these numbers were underwhelming.
It’s almost as if taking a beloved series and turning it into a confusing, jumbled mess isn’t a recipe for success. Who knew?
The Creator Weighs In
Akira Toriyama, the genius behind “Dragon Ball,” was initially optimistic about the adaptation. But after its release? Let’s just say he wasn’t sending the producers any thank you cards. In fact, he was so disappointed that he decided to get involved in new “Dragon Ball” projects, ensuring the franchise’s legacy wasn’t tarnished by this cinematic misadventure.
The Silver Lining
But fear not, dear readers! The “Dragon Ball” series is resilient. Despite the “Evolution” debacle, the franchise has seen a resurgence with new movies and series.
It’s a testament to the series’ enduring appeal and a reminder that one bad apple (or in this case, movie) can’t spoil the bunch.
“Dragonball Evolution” is a masterclass in how not to adapt an anime. It’s a movie that makes you appreciate the original series even more and serves as a cautionary tale for filmmakers everywhere. If you’re ever feeling down about a bad movie adaptation, just remember: it could always be worse. It could be “Dragonball Evolution.” And remember, even when Hollywood gets it oh-so-wrong, the spirit of our favorite franchises can’t be easily broken.
Related Posts:
