[Talisman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mesnick

The movie received its share of hate, but it is foolish to deny that it has its advantages. The actress in the role of Chi-Chi is very beautiful. Chung Yun-fat as Master Roshi gives 1000%. And a twist with the true essence of the MC can impress those unfamiliar with the original. But, at the same time, the film is terribly crumpled, ridiculous, and the leading actor is as unattractive and anti-charismatic as possible.

I wouldn't say Justin Chatwin is unattractive (quite the opposite) but he's definitely struggling with the material and some costars of questionable ability (Bulma and especially Yamcha). He absolutely shined during the car slide and the surrounding scene, but the more dramatic parts just didn't click either due to poor prep or just godawful dialogue.

Chow Yun-Fat going full Raoul Julia-in-Street Fighter is a highlight of the film, again an actor who is so much better than the material giving it the kind of ribbing it needs.

But I do agree that the film is a compressed, crumpled mess of ideas and events that has absolutely no time to really breathe or establish much in the way of anything. It's one of those films I appreciate for genuinely trying and you can see in parts the film it wants to be, bogged down by the weight of studio demands and a horribly slashed budget (30 million down from 100-130 million).

Make no mistake, I am not calling it a good movie, but it's one I appreciate, respect, and enjoy despite all of its flaws because, as I said, you can occasionally see the genuine bits of what it's trying to be shine through. The car slide, infamous as it is, is 100% a Toriyama bit, and I love that.