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Dragon Ball z movies
DBZ Movie #1 - Return my Gohan!!
Released in: Japan, America
(The Dead Zone)
Japanese Release Date: 7/15/1989
Producer:
Toei
Synopsis: The story begins with Piccolo training in the wilderness, muttering about defeating Goku in the
next Budoukai. He is ambushed by three mysterious warriors, members of the Makyo race. The three of them gang up on Piccolo,
and in typical DBZ movie fashion, beat the crap out of him. They smash him into a mountain, and you see one lone shadowy figure,
talking about how Piccolo's death means that Kami is gone as well, and soon the world will be his! The next scene switches
to Gohan, studying some books, and setting a standard that would haunt him for the rest of his life. His studying is interrupted
by a visit from Gyuu Maou, laden with presents (All books O_o). While delivering the packaged textbooks, Gyuu Maou falls victim
to one of the three demons (he survives). The short, irritating creature demands the Dragon ball on Gohan's hat, and he and
his two comerades proceed to beat up Chichi and kidnap Gohan. Goku, sensing that something is wrong, rushes back to his injured
wife and father-in-law, and then begins his mission to find whoever did this. Meanwhile our villain, Garlic Jr, succeeds where
all other DB/DBZ villains had failed: he is granted immortality. Reveling in his newfound eternal life, Garlic Jr. decides
not to kill Gohan outright but instead to train him. From there comes one of the funniest scenes in DBZ, involving a demon,
Gohan, some alcoholic apples, and millions of dancing purple dinosaurs and multicoloured fuzz-balls. After the majority of
the joke is over, Goku arrives to challenge Garlic Jr. and his henchmen. He begins a fight with the three demons; Ginger,
Nikki, and Sansho by name. During the fight, Kami comes in to face Garlic Jr. himself, showing that neither he nor Piccolo
had actually died. It is revealed that 300 years ago, Kami had a rival to the throne: a demon named Garlic. Kami made it,
garlic didn't. So, being the well-to-do demon that he was, Garlic called up the demon hordes and was then consequently locked
up for eternity. Now seeking revenge, Garlic Jr. wants the throne that his father coveted. Garlic Jr. and Kami fight, while
Goku fights the demons inside the castle. He is assisted by Kuririn and Piccolo; Kuririn gets Gohan out to safety (or at least
tries to), while Piccolo and Goku make short work of the henchmen. Kami loses his fight against the now-immortal Garlic Jr.,
and the Namek/Saiya-jin team pick up the battle. At this point, one of the most dramatic transformations takes place: 3-foot
Garlic Jr. becomes 12-foot Garlic Jr. The fight resumes in pure late DB-style, ending with Garlic Jr. creating a portal to
a "Dead Zone," and accidentally sucking himself in when Gohan gets angry and starts blasting things.
Our Thoughts:
While not one of the best of the DBZ movies, Return my Gohan! does have some comedic value, and the animation/background artwork,
particularly with Garlic Jr's castle, is incredible. The movie suffers from a lack of, well, life in the plot, and was really
saved only by the humor and visuals. The alcoholic apples scene really must be seen to be believed.
Our
Rating:
4 of 7 - Somewhat boring, though humorous at times.
DBZ Movie #2 - The World's Strongest Man
Released in: Japan, America (The World's
Strongest)
Japanese Release Date: 3/10/1990
Producer:
Toei
Synopsis: Oolong has "borrowed" Buruma's Dragon Radar, and discovers that someone is gathering the Dragon
Balls. He tells Gohan what's up, and they decide to go north into the mountains. There they find a mysterious man named Dr.
Kochin, who has just summoned Shenron. He wishes for Dr. Wheelo and his lab to break free of their icy prison. Gohan and Oolong
are ambushed by Wheelo's henchmen, and Piccolo steps in to save them. He is captured by Wheelo's androids, but Son Gohan and
his pig companion escape. Dr. Kochin flies to the Kame house, and kidnaps Buruma to force Kame-sennin to come with him. Wheelo
wishes to possess the body of the world's strongest body, as he lost his in the accident that encased him in ice. Since Dr.
Wheelo was trapped in the ice for 50 years, he believes Kame is the best fighter on Earth. To test the martial arts master,
Wheelo makes him fight the three androids. Kame-sennin actually holds his ground for half a minute...then he is smacked around
and electrocuted. Goku learns of what happened, and flies to the mountains to rescue his friends. He is confronted with a
number of tests, including a battle with the fat android named Minkatsun. After puncturing the android, he is joined by his
son and Kuririn in battle. The two other androids, Kishime and Ebifuraiya, prove to be a challenge at first. They both fall
to Goku's Kaio-ken technique. At this point, Dr. Wheelo reveals his most powerful follower: Piccolo. Son Goku does battle
with his old enemy, infuriating Gohan. Dr. Kochin doesn't make things better with his inflammatory comments and energy staff.
In a blind rage, Gohan shatters Piccolo's mind-controlling gold veins, and does serious damage to the ship. Kuririn confronts
Dr. Kochin, who greets our bald hero with a heavy machine gun. Kame-sennin leaps in and chops off Kochin's pesky weapon, saving
his student from a few painful wounds. Now with all his henchmen disabled, Dr. Wheelo is forced to do battle himself. His
metal body is extremely powerful, and withstands a full-force Kame Hame Ha from all the Z warriors. Wheelo loses an arm in
the battle, and decides that he'll just wipe out the Earth. Gohan, Kuririn and Piccolo follow him up into space, and do battle
while Goku charges a Genki-dama. Goku eventually gets his attack off just as Wheelo is launching his planet smashing attack,
and the villain is destroyed.
Our Thoughts: I personally enjoyed this movie for a number of reasons: We're treated
to outstanding animation, there are gorgeous views of the mountains and the Earth, and Kame-sennin gets his hands dirty (not
in that way, you pervs). The animation seemed a lot cleaner than movie #3, even though it was produced before. Evil Piccolo
just looks menacing. Out of the three movies released in the U.S, this is the best one by far.
Our Rating:
4.5 of 7 - Excellent animation, but poor plot.
DBZ Movie #3 - Ultimate Decisive Battle for Earth
Released in: Japan, America (Tree of
Might)
Japanese Release Date: 7/7/1990
Producer:
Toei
Synopsis: A small probe from Outer Space lands and causes a forest fire. Gohan and Kuririn manage to put
out the fire and save a small purple dragon, but the forest is destroyed. Saddened, they gather the dragon balls, and Gohan
wishes the Forest back to its earlier state. The next morning, the probe activates and starts scouting out the earth. It reports
back to a strange group of Space Pirates, led by a mysterious leader. They decide that the planet is suitable for growing
"Shinseiju (Tree of Might)," and plant the seed. The Shinseiju literally demolishes several square miles in its growth, and
starts sucking the life out of everything. The tree is made to bear fruit for the gods (Think the Immortality peaches in the
old Chinese Myths). Goku, Kuririn, Tenshinhan, Chaozu, and Yamcha all rush to the base of the tree (Gohan was told by his
mother to stay home), where they face off against the Pirates. Gohan sneaks away from his mother to fight, and runs into a
Saiya-jin, the leader of the pirates, who looks exactly like his dad. Tares grabs Gohan, and recognizing that he's part Saiya-jin,
creates a fake moon. Oozaru Gohan comes after Goku first, and a small fight begins between them. This fight lasts until Gohan
sees Higher Dragon, in which Gohan's short attention span is diverted. Enraged, Tares blows the Dragon away, and then attacks
Gohan. Goku cuts off the Gohan's tail, and sets him aside where he's safe. Having defeated the rest of the Z warriors, Tares'
henchmen surround our hero. Goku takes them all on and kills the lot with ease. Tares resumes the fight, and they find that
their power levels are nearly equal. Tares grabs some of the fruit from the Tree, and takes a healthy bite. He then trashes
Goku, leaving him for dead. Goku attempts to make a Genki-dama, and the other heroes band together against Tares to stall
for time. The villain defeats them all with ease, and concentrates back on Goku just in time to see him lob the ball of energy.
Tares deflects the Genki-dama, and is totally unaffected. The earth had been drained so much that it was impossible to gather
any real energy. Goku begins draining energy from the Tree of might itself, until he builds one last Genki-dama. He then confronts
Tares for the last time, and hits him with the attack. Both Tares and the tree are destroyed, and all of the energy taken
by the tree is restored to the earth.
Our Thoughts: Not the best (or worst) DBZ movie you can watch. Tree of
Might has a few good points in it, but overall the lack of character originality, and the strange plot holes--like why the
Heck Tares looks like Goku--detract from the film
Our Rating:
3.5
of 7 - "Dry" animation, boring plot.
DBZ Movie #4 - Super Saiya-jin Goku
Released in: Japan, America (Lord Slug)
Japanese Release Date: 3/19/1991
Producer: Toei
Synopsis:
The fourth DBZ Movie starts out with a scene of Piccolo meditating by a waterfall--something that he does often. His quiet
time is interrupted by Gohan and Higher Dragon. Gohan has taught his little pet dragon to dance to his whistling, and he wants
to show it to Mr. Piccolo! Before the Namek can stop him, Gohan begins his little song-and dance routine. Before the sickening
display becomes enough to harm us, though, Piccolo screams out in pain (I would, too, but this is apparently because Namek's
can't stand human whistling), and Gohan is forced to stop. Then, after that little "cute scene," the actual "plot" begins.
In the movie, a giant planetoid looks like it's going to hit the earth, yet explodes just before it makes impact. The inhabitants
of the planet, a group of space-pirates, land on the Earth in their little ship to terraform it and use it as a new home base.
They are a bunch of horned, sun-sensitive oddities led by Lord Slug--a strangely familiar green alien. Slug learns of the
Dragonballs by reading Bulma's mind; he immediately collects them and makes his wish: restore his youth. After becoming young
again, the fight begins. Gohan and Piccolo face off against Slug's three main henchman: Dorodabo, a fat gargoyle (Blown to
bits by Piccolo early), Angira, a Zarbon look-alike, and Medametcha, an extremely strange frog with the ability to create
energy-sucking clones of himself. After a little bit of fighting, Goku steps in and kills Medametcha and Angira rather easily.
Then it's Goku vs. Slug in one of the most predictable DBZ movie battles ever. Slug Trashes Goku. Goku goes "Super Saiya-jin"
(Well, not really...his hair remains black) Goku trashes Slug. Slug proves to all that he's a Namek. Slug grows to super size
and trashes Goku. Piccolo joins in and gets hurt. Ho-hum. Then more wierdness enters the story, as Piccolo tells Gohan to
whistle--causing Slug to fall to his knees in pain. Goku flies through Slug's stomach, and then creates a small Genki-dama
and defeats the Evil namek. The Earth returns to normal, birds sing, and Master Roshi wakes up from his nap and comments about
the beautiful weather.
Our Thoughts: There is a running debate over which DBZ movie is worse: 4, or 11. Basically
everything was done wrong in this movie. The characters were flat, the plot sucked, the villains were wasted (Just look at
Zeeun in the beginning), and the humor was about as funny as eating stale yogurt. The "Super Saiya-jin" transformation need
not be mentioned. In fact, the only good points of the movie were Piccolo's reaction to Gohan's whistling (hehe), and the
look on Slug's face right before he killed one of his henchmen for calling him old (Classic). So, get this movie only if you
really want to see EVERYTHING, or if you're in a weird mood. Either way, we'll forgive you.
Our Rating:
2
of 7 - Pure cheese, the worst of the movies
DBZ Movie #5 - The Best of Strongest Vs. Strongest
Released in: Japan
Japanese
Release Date: 7/20/1991
Producer: Toei
Synopsis: The movie
begins with a scene of Freeza destroying Planet Vegeta, despite Bardock's efforts. We see Goku's pod escape, and we are introduced
to Koola (Furiza's brother) who tells his henchman to leave Goku alone, since this is Furiza's territory. At this point there
is a flash forward to the present. After a little comedy, Goku, Oolong, Kuririn and Gohan go camping. Koola, after hearing
of Furiza's death, decides he must kill all living Saiya-jin. After some beating Koola's henchmen, Koola and Goku go at, only
for Goku to escape injured. After some commotion and a bit of luck, Kuririn, Oolong, father, and son are able to convene.
Gohan is delegated to get Senzu beans, and has little trouble thanks to Yajirobi's generosity. Gohan is caught by Koola's
henchmen on his way back, but he is quickly saved by Piccolo (surprise, surprise) until Koola himself intervenes and knocks
him out. Gohan makes a getaway, and as he is giving the bag of senzu beans to Kuririn, one of Koola's henchmen blasts it to
smithereens. Gohan, however, was given an extra senzu bean by Yajirobi, which he had tucked under his belt. He gives it to
his father just before he receives a thorough ass wompin' from the henchman Sauza. As Goku is about to launch an attack on
Sauza, Koola appears with Piccolo's unconcious body and does some further damage to it. Goku knocks Sauza away (and into a
mountain) and begins to fight with Koola. They duel for a while, and Koola decides to transform. After Koola forms a ki attack
powerful enough to destroy Earth, Goku realizes his failure, and after some sadness goes SSJ. He easily does away with Koola's
energy technique, and proves that Koola has nothing on a Super Saiya-jin. Koola's last resort is to put a little distance
between him and Goku and form an even more powerful planet destroying attack, which Goku catches, and eventually Kamehameha's
right back at Koola. Koola is pushed into the sun by his own attack, and by the same Saiya-jin he refused to kill. (How very
ironic!) Before a full happy ending can ensue, however, Sauza reappears. Piccolo kills him with ease. Then we get a little
comedy, as the Namek-jin nonchalantly blows off Gohan.
Our Thoughts: Movie #5 is one that will leave you saying
"ho-hum." Definitely not the most exciting movie, but still with its moments. The animation is pretty good, but definitely
not near the top. It's unfortunate that the three movies (5, 10, and 11) where Goku sees little or no action are mediocre
at best. Would be fun to see Piccolo or Gohan have movies where they are the main characters. Even with my quarrels, I still
recommend this movie. Why? Because it provides the back-story to what I believe is the greatest of the films: Movie #6.
Our Rating:
4
of 7 - Nice samurai action, less focus on Goku for a change.
DBZ Movie #6 - Clash!! 10,000,000,000 Power Warriors
Released in: Japan
Japanese
Release Date: 3/7/1992
Producer: Toei
Synopsis: Our story begins
on New Namek, where a giant, planet-sized machine begins to devour the world. The Z warriors catch wind of the plot, and fly
off to the crippled planet. By this time, all the inhabitants of Namek have been captured by advanced battle droids, and are
being led off to a prison camp where they are to be executed. However, our heros arrive just in time, and save the Nameks
from certain death. As the droids prepare for battle, the leader of the machine army, Metal Cooler, reveals himself. He explains
that after Cooler was blasted into the sun, the space-faring Big Ghetti Star came across his remains and assimilated Cooler's
brain. The only way to sustain the tremendous sphere is to sap large amounts of energy from the cores of planets and its inhabitants.
Piccolo, Kuririn, and Gohan begin battle with the robots, but their armor proves to be exceedingly tough to puncture. While
his friends are occupied with the droid army, Goku begins to battle Metal Cooler. It isn't long until Goku gains the upper
hand, and knocks off one of Metal Cooler's arms. Unfortunately, Cooler regenerates his limb, and informs our hero that the
Big Ghetti Star instantaneously corrects weaknesses and repairs damage. Now with better tactics, Metal Cooler begins to win
the fight. Yet out of nowhere, Vegita comes to the rescue, and joins Goku in his foray. Meanwhile, Kuririn and Gohan have
been captured by the droids, and flown to the prison camp. Only Piccolo remains, and with a huge burst of energy, he evaporates
the remaining droids. With the army destroyed, Piccolo flies to the heart of the Big Ghetti Star. Vegita and Goku attack Metal
Cooler at full strength, and turn his body into such a fine powder that no regeneration is possibly. Thinking that they have
won, they are shocked to see hundreds of Metal Cooler's sliding down a nearby ridge, and running straight towards them. The
next thing they know, they are hanging in the main chamber of the Big Ghetti Star by thousands of tiny electrodes. Cooler
begins to steal their energy, but finds that the Ki of a Super Saiya-jin is too much to handle. With overloading batteries,
the Big Ghetti Star begins to self-destruct. Goku and Vegita, in a final showdown with the massive core of the world-eater,
destroy Cooler's remains. The good guys barely manage an escape, and the Big Ghetti Star explodes in a fireball. Namek is
left scarred, but no blood is shed this day.
Our Thoughts: This is, by far, my favorite Dragonball movie. The
animation and music are far above the standard, and the battle droids are just plain cool-looking. The plot is fairly simple,
but it is different from the usual "all-powerful being arrives, Z warriors must kill it." Instead, we are treated with a tale
about a giant, ever-evolving spore colony. My one complaint would have to be the length of the movie: it was just too darn
short. Many of the fight scenes seemed compressed for time, and the 45 minutes just didn't do it justice. This is one of the
better anime films available, and even casual DBZ fans should own a copy.
Our Rating:
6.5
of 7 - Great animation and story, fun to watch
DBZ Movie #7 - Utmost Limits of Battle!! The Three Super Saiya-jin
Released in: Japan
Japanese
Release Date: 7/11/1992
Producer: Toei
Synopsis: The trouble
starts when two odd looking androids (#15 and #14) make their way through the streets toward a hotel where Goku, Gohan, Kuririn,
Master Roshi, Oolong, Chichi, and Trunks are staying. They wreak havoc as they blow up buildings and cars and send people
screaming in terror. Eventually they locate Goku and destroy his temporary residence. The Z warriors rescue everyone in the
skyscraper before it fully collapses. Trunks reminds Goku that they will only hurt civilians if they continue to fight in
the city. As a result, Goku flies, chased by the two androids, to some uninhabited ice plains. There they battle, and we see
that yet another robot has been released from Dr. Gero's laboratory. This robot, #13, tells Goku that the and the others were
created by Dr. Gero's computer, and though Dr. Gero is dead, his computer magnified his hatred for Goku many times over, and
created #13, #14, and #15 as a result. As they fight, it is clear that the androids are gaining the upper hand (Goku fights
#13, while Mirai Trunks takes #14 and #15). Vegita comes to help out Goku, because he wants to save the victory over Goku
to himself. There is now one Saiya-jin per android (Vegita takes #15). Soon, all the Saiya-jin go SSJ. Vegita and Trunks make
short work of their foes. Gohan tries to help his father, but is shot at, and saved by Piccolo, who helps Goku take on #13.
#13 absorbs the batteries and processing units of the two fallen androids after realizes they have been disposed of. With
the power of the other two androids within him, android #13 is transformed into Super 13. This blue monstrosity makes short
work of all the Z warriors but Goku. He continues to pummel Goku until Goku falls under water, at which point he turns his
attention to Gohan. Gohan sees that Goku is gathering energy for a Genki-dama, and one by one, the Z warriors sacrifice themselves
yet again, though they are near unconcious. Eventually, Goku turns SSJ while gathering energy, and absorbs the Genki-dama's
energy. His aura is so powerful that Super 13's skin begins to melt away. Goku embeds his fist into Super 13's abdomen, and
destroys his remains.
Our Thoughts: As far as DBZ movies go, this one is close to the top. It's quite action
packed, and blends elements of humor well with the action, so that one can get a little comic relief every now and then. The
fight scenes are up to the usual DBZ par, and are very fun to watch. The ending is actually a little anti-climatic; we were
hoping for Goku to have another fight at full power with Super #13 after the Genki-dama was absorbed. Even so, however, this
movie is definitely worth buying. You won't be dissapointed.
Our
Rating:
6 of 7 - Some great panning shots, interesting characters
DBZ Movie #8 - Burnout!! Fierce Fight, Violent Fight, Super-Exciting Fight
Released in: Japan
Japanese
Release Date: 3/6/1993
Producer: Toei
Synopsis: The Z warriors
(excluding Goku) are introduced to two new surviving Saiya-jin. We find out that one of them is named Paragas, while the other
remains temporarily anonymous. These Saiya-jin wish to make a new home for their kind, with Vegita as king. Goku happens to
be at a school interview, but is contacted by Kaio-sama and is told that a Saiya-jin of immense power utterly destroyed the
South Galaxy, and is now heading towards the North Galaxy bound on wreaking havoc. Meanwhile, the Z warriors have decided
to venture to New Vegita, and after arriving catch wind that the legendary Super Saiya-jin is heading towards the North Galaxy.
They form a team with Paragas's son Brolli to see if they can find out any extra information, but all they discover is that
New Vegita is being constructed mostly by slaves. During their expedition Goku teleports to join them. We soon find out that
Paragas knows of a comet which will eventually collide with New Vegita destroying the planet. In the middle of the following
night, Brolli attacks Goku, but Paragas is able to stop him by use of a remote control linking to an odd electronic necklace
Brolli wears. The next morning, Goku informs Vegita that he has recognized Brolli as the legendary Super Saiya-jin. Trunks
then informs his father that New Vegita was simply a ploy, and Paragas confirms this, stating that he and Brolli were disposed
of as trash from Old Vegita-sei and left for dead. Thanks to Brolli's awesome powers, they managed to survive. They plan to
exact revenge on Vegita and take over Earth. Vegita is afraid of Brolli, after admitting to himself that he really is the
legendary SSJ. Brolli has meanwhile broken the control device around his neck and is fighting against all the Z warriors,
with the exception of the terrified Vegita. When things are looking grim for the Z warriors, Piccolo arrives with a senzu
for everyone. Kuririn and Kame-sennin are able to escape to safety through Piccolo's spaceship, and Vegita finally begins
to fight Brolli. The giant comet has already begun to descend on New Vegita, and Paragas attempts to escape in pod, only to
be killed by his son. Goku continues to fight Brolli even as the comet descends on them, but to no avail. At last, Piccolo
instructs everyone to give their strength to Goku. They do so, but Vegita is too full of pride to commit. Eventually he allows
himself, and Goku is given enough power to defeat Brolli. Just as the comet is about to blow New Vegita to smithereens, Goku
teleports everyone to safety and a happy ending ensues.
Our Thoughts: This is definitely one of the better DBZ
movies. The story of Paragus and Brolli's life on Vegeta is well orchestrated and does not hesitate to be emotional, something
which many of the other movies are lacking. The fight scenes between Brolli and the Z warriors are, as always, action packed
and animated very well. There is also a peculiar moment of tension and sorrow when Paragas is vanquished by Brolli, but we
realize that it is the "way of the Saiya-jin." This movie also has the advantage of being the first appearance of Brolli,
so it does not suffer from his character becoming stale (which is beautifully demonstrated in movie #11).
Our Rating:
5.5
of 7 - Longest DBZ movie, compelling story
DBZ Movie #9 - The Galaxy's in Danger! The Super Awesome Guy!
Released in: Japan
Japanese
Release Date: 7/10/1993
Producer: Toei
Synopsis: Movie 9 begins
with a tournament, organized as a birthday present for Dollar Money, the son of Gyusan Money, the richest man in the world.
The combatants are to fight simultaneously, until there are only four contestants left. At this point, the remaining four
were to fight four "aliens" (Idiots dressed up in costumes), and whoever finished first was to fight Mr. Satan for the grand
prize. The first half of the movie is mainly comedy, with Gohan, Mirai no Trunks, and Kuririn fighting their way through the
tournament, becoming three of the four finalists (The fourth was a huge sumo wrestler named Daisuke). All the while Goku is
watching his son from heaven, and Mr. Satan is engaged in his usual antics in trying to get away from "Those people!"
The second half begins when, in the final rounds, the four "Aliens" have most obviously been replaced with REAL aliens- led
by one named Bojack. Bojack had apparently tried to fight the gods some time ago, and was imprisoned in a star. Kaiou's death
during the Cell game freed him, and he was trying to get special revenge on the North Kaiou by taking his student's planet
first. Trunks defeats his opponent, but loses to Bojack, while Kuririn and Daisuke both lose to theirs- at the cost of Daisuke's
life. Gohan doesn't finish his fight before all of the villains convene and introduce themselves, thus spawning one of the
finest one-sided movie fight scenes yet, which lasts until everyone is trashed and Gohan is being crushed to death by Bojack.
Goku, breaking the afterlife rules, teleports out of heaven in an effort to save Gohan (He whacks Bojack in the jaw in what
was actually a rather funny scene). Gohan then goes SSJ2 and kills two out of the three henchmen (The third expired at BojackÕs
hands for showing fear), and Gohan then kills Bojack. The movie ends with everybody recovering in the hospital, a typical
happy movie ending.
Our Thoughts: Despite its shortcomings, which I will get into later, Movie 9 was one of
the best of the DBZ movies. The fight scenes were well-done, the one-shot characters were creative, the music was incredible,
particularly near the end, and it had a good mix of humor and action- not to mention the fact that it actually fit into the
DBZ timeline. The only problems were that it was excessively short, that the enemy characters were not developed nearly enough
(I hate wasted characters), and that it ended too abruptly. Gohan defeated Bojack with one punch. With those few exceptions,
the movie was about as good as any DBZ movie could get, and was actually on par with the series a lot. Being one of the few
that Toriyama had a big hand in, I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to find a good DBZ movie.
Our Rating:
5.5
of 7 - Spectacular battle scenes.
DBZ Movie #10 - Dangerous Partners! Super-Warriors Never Rest
Released in: Japan
Japanese
Release Date: 3/12/1994
Producer: Toei
Synopsis: The Tenth DBZ
movie opens with a strange scene in a dark valley. A dark, powerful figure is unconscious, experiencing vivid flashbacks of
Kakarotto defeating him. The scene switches to a happy one of Goten and Trunks searching for the Dragon balls, chaperoned
by Videl. Goten wants to wish for lots and lots of food to eat, and Trunks wants the Dragon balls so he can go on lots of
adventures (As if the Buu saga isn't enough for them). They have some fun, cute adventures finding the DBs, and eventually
make it to the last one, which is strung on the necklace of a village shaman. The villagers are about to sacrifice a young,
beautiful maiden to the monster god of the village, in return for their peace and well-being. Goten and Trunks fly off and
defeat the monster--a really goofy dinosaur--easily. The villagers congratulate them and give them the Dragon ball, and all
three Z soldiers stay in the village overnight. The next morning, Videl goes out early and runs into Brolli, who has inexplicably
survived Movie #8, and has also inexplicably lost most of his brain. Brolli mistakes Videl for Kakarotto and knocks her unconscious
in a lake, then goes after Goten and Trunks. The two boys spend some time running around, avoiding Brolli, and getting into
hi-jinks. This goes on until Gohan steps in for no good reason and tries to fight. There's a really typical fight in which
Brolli is covered by lava, and Gohan is rescued by kuririn in a Piccolo outfit. Brolli escapes the lava, and fights back again.
Goten wishes that the Dragon would defeat Brolli, and Goku's ghost is resurrected to help them fight. Using a Triple Kamehameha,
the Son family knocks Brolli into the white-hot sun. Goku disappears, leaving the question of whether or not he was really
there, and everybody goes home happy.
Our Thoughts: Movie #10 was really a letdown after movies 8 and 9. There
were a few good parts, such as: The opening scene with Brolli, the scene where Trunks pisses on Brolli's head, and the scene
where Kuririn rescues Gohan, and the scene where Goku, Gohan, and Goten destroy Brolli. However, it's the same story once
again, and it really does not present us with anything new. Granted, it is better than movie #11, but just by a hair. Watch
this movie if you want, but don't expect too much from it.
Our Rating:
4.5
of 7 - Reused plot, corny ending.
DBZ Movie #11 - Crushing Super-Warrior!! I am the Winner
Released in: Japan
Japanese
Release Date: 7/3/1994
Producer: Toei
Synopsis: The movie opens
with the emergence of several mutant creatures from their holding tanks, which Jaga plans to use to gain his revenge on Mr.
Satan. Elsewhere, the enraged Android 18 trashes Mr. SatanÕs mansion in an effort to collect the 20 million zeni he promised
the Artificial Human for throwing the Tenkaichi Budoukai to him. As their bickering ensues, a strange man enters Mr. SatanÕs
house with a challenge from Jaga Badda, one of Mr. SatanÕs childhood rivals. Mr. Satan agrees to accompany the man back to
JagaÕs castle, and Android 18 Ñ wanting to collect her money Ñ tags along (Goten and Trunks invite themselves and hide out
in the trunk of the car). Making his grand entrance to face JagaÕs challenge, Mr. Satan ever so gracefully slips on a banana
peal and falls flat on his ass. With blinding speed, JagaÕs mutant creations surround the cowering world champion (some hero,
eh?) Satan ÒinvitesÓ Android 18 (his ÒstudentÓ) to take on the mutants. Not wanting to miss out on the action, Goten and Trunks
join fight and the three super-warriors quickly extinguish all the mutants at hand. Jaga, angered by yet another defeat at
the hands of Mr. Satan, reveals his laboratory full of bio-warriors. As Trunks and Goten investigate, they run across a very
familiar specimenÉ Brolli! Not wasting any more time, Jaga orders the release of his super-warrior. [Note: Though heÕs been
killed twice before, Brolli is revived once again via a drop of frozen blood collected from the scene of his last demise.
Some plot, eh?] However, due to a fluid overflow during his release, Brolli is now covered in genetic-altering goop. Android
18 releases a flurry of attack on the monster, only to be taken down with one swift blow. Trunks then saves Mr. Satan from
BrolliÕs attacks, but in doing so causes the release of several thousand gallons of genetic-altering goop. The two Saiya-jins
power up, and begin their battle with the legendary Super Saiya-jinÕs third incarnation. The battle ensues, the Saiya-jins
become distracted, and Android 18 intervenes, only to be knocked away. Kuririn arrives just in time to save his wife, and
the battle continues. The two Saiya-jins are once again distracted by cries for help from Mr. Satan, and are soon in danger
of being killed themselves. Kuririn saves Goten, whose head is about to be crushed by Brolli, with a Kienzan, and Trunks draws
Brolli away with his patented full-moon-ass-slapping-bird-flipping technique (^_-). Up against a wall, Trunks is saved once
again as an entire container of genetic-altering goop empties itself right on top of Brolli. With Brolli out of the way, Trunks,
Goten, and Kuririn turn to the task of evacuating JagaÕs island castle. A tidal wave of goop is now engulfing the island,
and all efforts on the part of the three Z-Warriors to stop it fail. However, when the goop finally contacts the seawater,
the warriors realize itÕs the key to stopping the goop. In what is probably the best scene in the whole movie, the three warriors
fire a triple-Kamehameha into the ocean, causing a tidal wave to cleanse the island of the goop. In a final attempt to have
his revenge, a much larger Brolli emerges to the ocean, turns to stone, and is blasted to peaces by Trunks and Goten. Finally,
back on Kaio-samaÕs planetoid, Goku comments on BrolliÕs never-ending persistence and proceeds to stuff his face. Nani!? ItÕs
over!!!
Our Thoughts: I nearly gagged when watching this movie the second time for the purposes of this review.
Luckily, I remembered most of the (paper-thin) plot, and was able to fast-forward through damn near the whole thing. Despite
all the low points, which encompass nearly the entire movie, this movie does have its moments. For instance, the scene where
Trunks pulls off his gi, slaps his ass, and gives Brolly a full moon isÉ well, one of the only humorous scenes. Aw heck, who
am I kidding? This movie is just more recycled Brolly garbage. End of story.
Our Rating:
2.5
of 7 - Gives #4 a run for its money in overall crapiness.
DBZ Movie #12 - The Rebirth of Fusion! Goku and Vegita!
Released in: Japan
Japanese
Release Date: 3/4/1995
Producer: Toei
Synopsis: The trouble
starts when a careless teenage...heaven dweller, we'll call him, neglects to change the tanks of the "soul laundry machine",
which cleans souls that are going to hell. When the tanks explode, the heaven dwelling kid becomes possessed and turns into
Janenba, a huge blob-like creature. Janemba changes the laws of the afterworld and creates much havoc, including bringing
such characters back to life as Furiza and his minions and all of the other dead. Pikehan and Goku try to free the Demon lord
(who has been imprisoned in a bubble of sorts) and distract Janemba, it becomes evident that this tubby bastard's magic is
almost invincible. While Pikehan shouts insults at the Demon lord's prison, Goku strikes back against the Jell-o menace. It
looks as though Goku has won, when Janenba transforms into a smaller, deadlier fighter, whom Goku cannot defeat. When Vegita
shows up, he too realizes that he cannot beat Janenba, so Goku convinces Vegita to fuse with him (after much petulance and
whining). Unfortunately, Vegita screws up the fusion dance, which is amusing in and of itself, and they turn into fat Gogita
for 30 minutes. During this moment of weakness, Gogita gets the living snot beaten out of him. Meanwhile, Gohan, Videl, Goten,
and Trunks are taking care of the masses of undead that now walk the Earth (Including Hitler and his army of tanks!). They
prove to be no match for our seasoned warriors. When the Fat Gogita transformation wears off, Pikehan buys Goku and Vegita
the time to fuse correctly. In this new form of Gogita, Janemba is easily defeated and the rules of the afterworld return
to normal and the generic happy ending ensues.
Our Thoughts: This movie is probably the most amusing from DBZ.
But as with most of the movies, it really is too short to develop a good plot. The fight scenes are some of the best in the
series (Janemba's sword is damn cool). The scenes with Trunks and Goten fighting the undead are quite humorous, especially
when Hitler attempts to conquer the world again.
Our Rating:
6
of 7 - Features one of the best villains in the series, really amusing at times.
DBZ Movie #13 - Dragon Fist Explosion!! If Goku Can't, Who Can?
Released in: Japan
Japanese
Release Date: 7/15/1995
Producer: Toei
Synopsis: As the movie
begins, we are presented with a flashback. In it, a young boy with elf like ears and a sword (think Link with an orange Mohawk)
is fighting a gigantic monster. Despite his masterful sword handling skills however, the boy is defeated. Time jumps forward
to a point somewhere around the 25th Budoukai. As Gohan and Videl sit in class, Gohan receives a message on his wristwatch
informing him that his assistance is needed in order to save an old man who is contemplating suicide. After saving the old
man, Gohan learns that the old man only attempted to jump off a building in order to get his attention. The old man produces
a golden music box, which he tells them contains a legendary warrior who has been trapped for ages. After several attempts
to open the box using Goku's shear strength and Bulma's technological expertise, the warriors collect the Dragonballs and
summon Shenlon to release Tapion, the warrior who is trapped inside the box. The box shatters at Tapion is released, and Trunks
and Goten marvel over the legendary warrior. After inquiring as to his surroundings, Tapion informs them that he must be returned
to the box at once, or the Earth will surely be destroyed. Tapion walks off as the Z Warriors contemplate the events that
just took place. The following day Hildegarn, a large monster, is reeking havoc on the city. Gohan tries unsuccessfully to
defeat the monster with several very large Ki blasts. However, the monster does not subside until Tapion arrives, and plays
a tune on his flute, which causes the monster to disappear in a puff of smoke. The following day, Bulma attempts to build
a device that will contain the monster and Tapion as well as the music box did. Unfortunately, as Tapion sleeps inside the
device that night, the monster escapes from within him, and reeks havoc on the city once again. After a long and drawn out
battle with Hildegarn, Goku decides to use a technique that he has never used before. He goes SSJ3, powers up, leaps into
the air, extends his fist, and shouts "Ryu Ken". Hildegarn explodes in a flash of light. After the battle, Tapion presents
Trunks with his sword, saying he won't need it anymore, and flies off. Neither the monster, nor Tapion are ever heard from
again.
Our Thoughts: Movie 13 is probably one of the better features in the DBZ series. Only the second in the
series to use computer-generated graphics, the visuals are striking. The camera's pans and zooms are superb, and even the
non-computer-generated animation is commendable. The sound track, while not the best, is one of the better, featuring a wide
range of high quality original and true-to-the-original music. As always, the voice acting is outstanding, far surpassing
the meager limits of FUNimaton's dubs. The story is intriguing, and even attempts to explain a few things that transpire during
the series (most notably, how Trunks acquired his sword). The movie runs a bit longer than most other Dragonball Z films,
albeit not nearly as long as movie 8, and achieves a nearly perfect length in doing so. Overall this movie is quite enjoyable,
and is a must-have addition to any Dragonball Z otaku collection.
Our Rating:
5.5 of 7 - Wonderful animation, decent overall..
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