Based on the Japanese comic, cartoon and video game franchise Dragon Ball, this movie tells the story of Goku, an unusual teen. Though trained in magic and martial arts by his adoptive grandfather, Goku is bullied and shunned at school. But when the demonic Lord Piccolo kills Goku’s grandfather, Goku learns about the Dragon Balls: seven magical objects which, together, can grant a person’s fondest wish. With the help of wacky martial-arts teacher Roshi, inventress Bulma and bandit Yamcha, Goku races to gather the Dragon Balls and master the power within him…before Piccolo uses the Dragon Balls to destroy the world.   

As is typical of Japanese anime products, Dragonball Evolution is dominated by special effects-laden magical duels and wild martial arts battles involving everyone in the cast (including some sparring between Goku and his girlfriend Chi-Chi). Though there is much kicking, punching and acrobatics, few people are even injured. Goku’s grandfather is killed when Piccolo collapses a house on him, but there is no blood or graphic injury to be seen. Bulma and Piccolo’s aide Mai fire guns frequently, but again with little effect. Explosions and “magical” effects are frequent, and some people are transformed into monsters and then change back, but while the movie features live actors and realistic special effects, the end result is not much more graphic than a typical episode of the cartoon.

There is little other problematic content in the film. Goku is bullied by a gang, but gains a delightful revenge when he dodges their punches, causing the gang members to demolish their own car and knock each other out. The word “damn” is heard once, and Piccolo speaks several times of his magical imprisonment in “hell.” At one point Yamcha’s crotch is scorched by steam, seemingly causing him to yell, “My nuts!” There is some mild innuendo, such as Bulma warning Roshi when he touches her thigh, “leave your hand there another second and you’ll lose it!” Mai, Chi-Chi and Bulma wear outfits that reveal some cleavage, and at the movie’s end Goku and Chi-Chi share a passionate kiss. Several good messages are present, as well: Goku’s grandfather tells the ostracized teen that “normal is overrated,” and also urges him to “have faith in who you are.” And unlike the defiance typical of American teen stereotypes, as in Japanese culture the young people are noticeably deferential and obedient to authority figures like grandparents and teachers.

All in all, this movie surprises in how relatively mild it is. Violence is definitely present, indeed abundant; but is really no more severe or graphic than that seen in Star Wars or an old Warner Brothers cartoon. And perhaps that is the best way to understand Dragonball Evolution: being true to its source material as an action-filled fantasy cartoon come to life. Due to the intensity of its action and minor language, the Parents Television Council does not recommend Dragonball Evolution for children under age 10.