[MINOR SPOILERS] Dragon Ball is one of the most infamous anime franchises to ever grace this earth. I myself really like Dragon Ball out of the big three, being One Piece and Naruto. This anime has been popular for generations as Akira writes more content for his fans. Dragon Ball does have its ups and downs though, but the charming characters, unique designs, and linear but fun story is what drives this series on, so I am here discussing the newest movie after Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. Yes I am a big fan of the franchise, but the reason why there is no Dragon Ball ratings on my list is because I didn't watch all of it, I watched a lot of it, but not all of it because I used to watch it on cable and would miss some episode either the fault of me or the tv channel. Nevertheless, I will watch the entire series again all the way to the original Dragon Ball, but for now I will review and rate the new movie, so lets get on with the review.
Animation: The animation is quite unique to the Dragon Ball franchise, after the Broly movie I expected the animation to be the same, but the creators seem to want a new style and experiment on what is better for the series. Many have mixed feelings about it, but I will say in my opinion the animation can get jarring sometimes and will take time to get used to, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying myself 20 minutes into the movie and not even minding the animation even if it sometimes looks like a video game. The fights is what the animation excels at, the animation can be a bit weird in slower parts but once they start moving and fighting, it gets really good. Some might diss the movie for the 3D aspect, but I found it ok with only some tweaks here and there, but whatever you're into, I suggest you to watch the clips or trailers to make sure you will enjoy the experience. The colors in the ending fight does remind me of the Broly film and the movements are also more clearer to watch. It all depends on your tastes, some find the animation weird or ugly which I completely understand, you'll just have to see things for yourself if you're curious.
Story: Most Dragon Ball movies have a linear story or more fun to watch. The Broly movie surprisingly had some lore in the first 20 minutes and many liked that aspect, this movie however feels more like a side story. That's not necessarily bad, but it can turn off some people to watch it. I quite enjoyed it for what it was since this movie is about Piccolo and Gohan who are sadly secondary characters in the franchise now, so the movie can feel like filler, but some may find it great to give Piccolo and Gohan some spotlight which I definitely agree. The beginning of the movie can feel a bit weird in a writing perspective, but it gets better around the 20 minute mark where things start to pick up instead of listening to dialogue from characters for a long period of time AHEM the Dr. Hedo monologue AHEM. I felt a little weird as well, but I just turned my brain off for a second and found myself laughing and chuckling sometimes. Another thing that is mixed within viewers is the comedy, I mostly liked the comedy and made more hits than misses on their jokes, but for those who want a serious Dragon Ball movie like Broly won't get their wishes. The last 40 minutes of the movie also felt a little rushed in my opinion, it didn't get me out of the experience much, but I definitely noticed a change of pace which to some people will find it annoying. Most of where the movie shines is the characters, but I will save that in the next part of the review. In short, the storytelling is a little dumbed down from the Broly movie, but its still fun to watch.
Characters: This is where the movie truly shines. Every character in this movie, even the new ones, are amazing and charming to watch. I always smile when Piccolo acts like a father to most saiyan children and Beerus with his shenanigans and many more other characters. Minor spoiler here, but don't expect Vegeta or Goku to appear much, this is a Piccolo and Gohan story so only expect like 10 minutes of screen time with them which Broly also is in. Pan is another character is that I enjoy watching, she is so cute, sassy, and intelligent for a 3 year old and to see her bond with Piccolo like Gohan did in the Z days also warms my heart. Beerus and Whis are also on screen for quite a bit and their interactions are also priceless. Bulma for some reason has a lot more screen time than the others, but the body gag from her is funny in my opinion. I have nothing against Bulma, but like the series she can get on my nerves. Piccolo shined hard this movie, he is the most amazing and wholesome character in the movie with him almost dying to save everyone. Gohan was a bit of a step down in my opinion, he is the same, but a little careless especially about Pan and how he only cares about work. It isn't until some tomfoolery from the villain's is when he starts to truly care. Gohans character development felt a little rushed, it might be because it is a movie and was running out of time, I can see why the ending can get people to question things about the movie as well. Gohan is the second main characters of this movie, but kinda dumbed it down a bit as well and his transformation didn't have some sort of rising action to get to the climax, it just happens which can turn off a lot of people. I had a bit of a problem with that as well. Moving onto the villians, I didn't expect to like Gamma 1 and 2 so much. Their personalities are opposites and show more charm into the movie, they are definitely the best part of the movie besides Piccolo and Pan. Their rivalry aspect also makes me chuckle, Gamma 2 especially with his one liners, narcissistic tendencies, and random movements in talking scenes. The main villians though being the chubby Dr. Hedo, short Magneta, Elvis Presley Carmine, and the ultimate angry villain that arises at the end are okay. Carmine and Magneta are bland greedy corporates which is a little cliche, but aye we must move the plot forward. Dr. Hedo stands out as the new villain and can be a goofy goober while being the intelligent prodigy, he has a very unique character design, but there is nothing to add for his personality other than chubby smart prodigy. What makes it up though is Gamma 1 and 2 and the special surprise villain at the end which turns into the climax point of the movie. Most of the characters are great, but some may be underused, rushed, or bland, but most of them are not the focal point of the movie which might make you enjoy the movie more.
Voice Actors, Soundtrack, etc.: I went into the theater for dub since sub only had one seating and I missed it due to oversleeping, but as the other Dragon Ball dubs, the dub is quite good. Dubs can be controversial, but the Dragon Ball dub will always be one of the best and this movie didn't disappoint. Soundtrack is oddly great. Some people had a bit of trouble liking the soundtrack for the Broly movie with its weird chanting, but this movie only has battle music and I heard some rock in between a fight scene which I thought was great. This movie could've gotten a 75%, but I was enjoying the movie so much that I bumped it up a bit, it has some noticeable flaws but some wouldn't mind and some will. I found this movie hard to review because I am a little based on this film, in a critical standpoint it should be lower than an 80%, but it was just so fun to see on the big screen that I added some points out of pure enjoyment. Some may not agree and that is okay from me. Let me know what you guys feel about it in my Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero Discussion thread if you have any thoughts. Anyways, next I am going to review an anime that missed the mark, Noblesse. Otherwise have a nice day, peace.
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