Dragon Ball Super - Super Hero

If you had told me that Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero would be a good Dragon Ball film, I would have told you that you were spouting nonsense. This film's trailers were not promising at all: the full CG animation, another attempt to bring back the Red Ribbon, and what looks to be a cash-grab given how successful anime films have been recently (e.g. Demon Slayer Mugen Train and Jujutsu Kaisen 0). I was worried about this film and the fate of the upcoming Slam Dunk film. And I am so glad this movie proved me wrong.

First and foremost, the animation. Although I liked Dragon Ball Super Broly, I was not the biggest fan of the video-game-like animation in some of the fight scenes in that film. However, Super Hero's CG animation was not distracting at all to me. Sure, it may have taken a couple of minutes to get used to it, but for the most part, I'd say Toei had done a pretty decent job. And if you have seen other CG animes like Beastars or Land of the Lustrous, then this film would not be anything novel to you. But, I'd still like to see a hand-drawn film should Toei decide to make a sequel. 2D animation just hits different.

Regarding the story, it was a pretty basic 3-act structure. But then again, no one should walk into a Dragon Ball film expecting any major plot twists or shocking revelations. There are certain nitpicks regarding Piccolo's plan in the second act or how the Red Ribbon is still a powerful organization despite the fact that it's been confirmed to be mostly gone after Goku's heroics in the OG series. You will find it quite enjoyable you don't think too hard about it.

The fight scenes were quite solid this time around. The choreography, the lighting, and camera movements were all on point. Honestly, I got chills quite a few times during the third act (or it could just be the AC in the theaters).

And lastly, the characters. If you are here expecting some Goku and Vegeta action, you may be disappointed because they were barely in the film. But I, on the other hand, loved it. It's so refreshing to see Gohan and Piccolo get the spotlight again, and the movie sure gave them the much- needed return after being reduced to mostly background characters in the Dragon Ball Super manga. The Androids looked silly in the posters, but fortunately, they were really fun to watch (they almost made me cry towards the end as well). And Pan, what a cutie! She's easily the cutest kid character in Dragon Ball since young Goku himself. More of her, please. Thanks to this film, I hope the next one will turn the attention to the likes of Yamcha and Tienshinhan (especially Yamcha) as well.

All in all, if you are a Dragon Ball fan, I think you will have a good time with this film (if you can tolerate the CG animation or don't overthink the plot).

P/S: There's an after-credit scene, so stay till the end!

I'm fully aware this movie gets a lot of hate, though I can't understand why, it's within their right to have such feeling. Personally, I enjoy watching it. 2D animation will always be a better alternative but this 3D graphics isn't bad either, I have a good time watching the full action scenes which almost doesn't give us any room to breath, the choreography is excellent too. Story-wise nothing special about it, the ending's kinda cliche too, well I mean, Dragon Ball cliche, it wouldn't be a Dragon Ball movie without such ending. The villains somehow are a little bit underwhelming, without so much of a character development, but it's nice to see both Piccolo and Gohan get the spotlight sometimes, so not so bad at all, but not great either.

8/10.

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"Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero offers what most fans of the saga come looking for: energetic action, new transformations, and the classic Akira Toriyama humor that works brilliantly in this film.

The risk and courage in creating a narrative focused on Gohan, Piccolo, and Pan turn out to be successful due to the more intimate context, but it's still quite far from the epic levels and supreme satisfaction of the last movie.

Exaggerated fan service leads to unjustified, absurd new forms. The pacing and balance of the different storylines and relationships lack better control. The fight sequences have good moments, but some abrupt cuts take away some of the dazzle. And finally, 3D animation proves to be a massive decline in almost every aspect compared to the ideal mix used in recent content.

It's a pleasant, light, fun adventure but sadly unfulfilling."

Rating: B-

First, the story is well balance and don't give less that a good history of DB show in the other movies (cannons).

Second, the way that the animation in my opinion, was a 100% compatible with the scenes of action.

Third, Toriyama made justice with Gohan... and place him at level of Vegita and Son Goku, yes I'm a fan of Gohan and wait already 30 years to see him in this level... cof cof cof.

Four, if is a movie, all effects of sounds always are better in the theatre, and you enjoy it, it's true and this is the reasons why I go to see movies in theatre, and this movie of DB has a good effects.

Fifth, I'm and fan of DB manga!!!

Finally a new Dragon Ball movie! The world is waiting for new movies and more Dragon Ball Super episodes for years, seriously!

This movie is cool, the 3D choice is ok, but Cell Max just screaming all the time is ridiculous, he is sadly a big fail ...

Character development is nice! Delightful to see Son Gohan finally back

Animation looks good, despite the camera spinning around too much

But this final boss needs improvement, such a waste of potential. Cell is supposed to be elegant, clever, to absorb other characters to become stronger, not just a stupid animal screaming all the time, what went wrong with this??

Looking forward more episodes and movies asap.