To millions of boys around the world, the phrase 'Kame-Hame-Ha!' is more than just a magic word from the Dragonball series; it is an important milestone in their boyhood.
Now, with Dragonball: Evolution - a live-action adaptation of the classic teen manga - hitting cinemas, fans can finally witness their childhood heroes coming to life.
Goku, played by little known Canadian actor Justin Chatwin, who played Tom Cruise's son in War of the Worlds, is a geeky martial arts enthusiast. The most exciting things in his mundane life are his secret love for It Girl Chi Chi (Jamie Chung) and kung fu training with his grandfather. That all changes on his 18th birthday, when his grandfather gives him a shimmering pearl-like ball and takes the teen from zero to hero.
The sphere is a Dragonball - if he can collect seven of them, he will be granted a wish. After learning the 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 fellow Dragonball-seeker Bulma (Emmy Rossum) 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 using a cast of rising stars and acclaimed actors.
But his daring decision not to take anything more than the core plot from the original has irritated and disappointed loyal fans worldwide.
'The biggest challenge in adapting a manga or animated series for a live action movie is the burden of reality,' Wong explains. 'Once characters are brought to life by flesh and blood humans, the rules change ... Animated characters can get away with a lot more than live action characters. Writing for live action characters has to allow for nuance in dialogue, character dynamics and action.'