"Dead Zone" is the first Dragon Ball Z movie and it follows Goku as he tries to rescue his son from Garlic Jr. And his demon henchmen. This movie is some classic DBZ fun. It has some well animated and more martial arts focused fight scenes. We have the final appearance of the power pole as a weapon. Piccolo and Goku aren't yet allies but must find common ground to defeat the bigger threat. The villain's plot is straight forward and effective. Goku's motivation to fight back is likewise easily understandable.
Sadly, I can't think of this movie without being distracted by its several game breaking plot holes. Why would the henchmen try to kill Piccolo before making a wish on the Dragon balls? Why does Kami think that Goku killed Piccolo? Why would the henchmen steal Gohan if all they wanted was the Dragon Ball? And even bringing in the eponymous Dead Zone makes little sense.
But, call it nostalgia, this was the first DBZ movie I saw, but I do enjoy the film. I give it credit for being the first under the "Z" series. It may not be the best script, but it does do a lot with excellent delivery. Not the series best, but everyone has to start somewhere.
Sadly, I can't think of this movie without being distracted by its several game breaking plot holes. Why would the henchmen try to kill Piccolo before making a wish on the Dragon balls? Why does Kami think that Goku killed Piccolo? Why would the henchmen steal Gohan if all they wanted was the Dragon Ball? And even bringing in the eponymous Dead Zone makes little sense.
But, call it nostalgia, this was the first DBZ movie I saw, but I do enjoy the film. I give it credit for being the first under the "Z" series. It may not be the best script, but it does do a lot with excellent delivery. Not the series best, but everyone has to start somewhere.