To millions of boys worldwide, the phrase 'Kame-hame-ha!' from the Dragonball series is more than a magic word that releases a killing blast of energy. It is a significant mark in their boyhood.
Now, with Dragonball: Evolution - a live-action adaptation of the classic teen manga - hitting theatres, fans can finally witness their childhood heroes coming to life and enjoy, once again, countless acts of overwhelming heroism.
Goku (Justin Chatwin) is a geeky, martial arts enthusiast. Hardly popular and secretly in love with the 'It Girl' Chi Chi (Jamie Chung), the boy leads a mundane life that alternates between school and kung fu training with his grandfather. That all changes on his 18th birthday, when his grandfather gives him a pearl-like shining ball and takes the innocent teen from zero to hero.
The sphere, Goku later finds out, is a Dragonball, and if he can collect seven of them he will get a wish. After learning a coming solar eclipse is a sign of the apocalypse and that green-faced alien Lord Piccolo (James Marsters) is plotting to destroy the world, Goku and Bulma (Emmy Rossum) - who is also tracking down Dragonballs - are guided by Master Roshi (Chow Yun-fat) on an epic quest to save the world.
Director James Wong, of X-Files and Final Destination fame, has re-created legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama's fantasy world of martial arts and aliens with a cast of both rising young stars and acclaimed actors.
It's hardly possible to fit everything into 85 short minutes, and some details are skimped over. Yet Wong and the cast have captured the essence of this classic with beautifully made visuals, convincing acting and some timely punchlines.