Thoughts on this movie. There WILL be spoilers, as it pertains to comparison of the original material to its adaption. However, I'm making this post more to those who don't want to see the movie but are curious about the changes. You've been warned.
I just want to start with Goku for now, as he is the protagonist of the show, and henceforth, has the most noticeable changes.
Goku -
18 year old "Caucasian" teenager living with his 70 year old "Asian" grandfather, Gohan. (Except they pronounced it Go-hand without the "d") Goes to school and rides a bike. Is in love with Chichi.
Most people I've spoken to react in the same way. "...Goku is white." Yes, apparently, Saiyans are white according to Hollywood. Then again, could we really tell if he was Asian in the original anyway?
Goku is still somewhat simpleminded, but not as childish as his original Dragonball counterpart. There were subtle hints contributing to his original persona, such as his playful way of fighting with the bullies or eating a big piece of chicken leg. Of course, I'm surprised Goku left his grandfather and a ton of food for a party he was invited to by the girl of his dreams. For the record, I don't think Goku was actually in love with Chichi initially and only said he'd marry her because he thought marriage was a type of food. Yes, our original Goku was an idiot, but he was an idiot we loved. In the movie, the story ends up as a love story between the two.
Goku wears his Gi eventually, the one worn by his grandfather, Gohan. The top was similar, but the pants he wore looked really baggy and quite clumsy.
Goku does transform into an Oozaru (and yes, they do call it that, though the pronunciation is also a bit incorrect) though the conditions for it have changed. First, it only happens during the eclipse of a blood moon. Goku also lacks a tail, a necessity for transforming in the first place. Lastly, Piccolo mentions that the Oozaru was a being that was meant to serve him? I'm so confused. The Oozaru also isn't so much a Giant Ape than it is a very tall and large one that just reaches Shaq's height.
Goku also uses the Kamehameha, which is taught to him by Master Roshi. It's listed as the final air-bending technique Goku can use, though it doesn't go much farther in explaining what it really is. The way it's performed is also awkward to look at.
What's interesting to note is that one of Piccolo's lackeys, one who wasn't named, called him "Son Goku" on one occasion. I thought this was interesting.
***More to Come***
