This was a movie that wasn't readily available back when I was first watching DBZ. The only DBZ movies that Toonami would air were the first three. I only ever saw glimpses of "Broly" through different YouTube AMV's and it looked awesome. Broly was this monster of a Sayian, he towered over our heroes and was looked like a real imposing figure. The premise sounded epic. The "Legendary Super Saiyan", you mean like that one Vegeta mentioned on Namek in the series? That helps give this movie a bit more substance than it just being a new villain they make up, there is some connection rooted in actual DBZ lore. Then, after many years, I finally tracked down a copy and watched the film for myself. And it was...underwhelming.
First off, most translations of the is movie title refer to it as "Broly: Legendary Super Saiyan", so the whole mystery they try to build up of who the villain is, is pretty stupid. I'm positive nobody watching the movie is scratching their head wondering, "gee, who could the legendary super saiyan be?" But yet the movie drags out the reveal intil about 40 minutes into the movie.
Once we get to that point, Vegeta becomes completely useless in the story. And in a real out of character move from him. Vegeta seems to have a "can't win don't try" mentality that has never been seen before or since. This movie does not shine him in a good light, he literally has to be carried to the fight, people begging him to help out.
And sadly, Broly is also not an interesting character. He is big and strong and has a cool concept. But his motivation and back story make no sense, and once he starts fighting, he is the very definition of a one note character. And like many of these movies the ending comes very abruptly with the while build up to it feeling unearned.
With all those negatives being said, I do like the setting of Planet: "New Vegeta". The movie brought all its coolest toys to the playground, we have Krillin, Piccolo, Trunks, Vegeta, Gohan and Goku all in powerful form. And the fight between Broly and all the participating fighters has a lot of really cool moments.
Didn't live up to the hype, but it was an OK entry. Not quite Legendary, but Broly's best and worst are still yet to come in later movies.
First off, most translations of the is movie title refer to it as "Broly: Legendary Super Saiyan", so the whole mystery they try to build up of who the villain is, is pretty stupid. I'm positive nobody watching the movie is scratching their head wondering, "gee, who could the legendary super saiyan be?" But yet the movie drags out the reveal intil about 40 minutes into the movie.
Once we get to that point, Vegeta becomes completely useless in the story. And in a real out of character move from him. Vegeta seems to have a "can't win don't try" mentality that has never been seen before or since. This movie does not shine him in a good light, he literally has to be carried to the fight, people begging him to help out.
And sadly, Broly is also not an interesting character. He is big and strong and has a cool concept. But his motivation and back story make no sense, and once he starts fighting, he is the very definition of a one note character. And like many of these movies the ending comes very abruptly with the while build up to it feeling unearned.
With all those negatives being said, I do like the setting of Planet: "New Vegeta". The movie brought all its coolest toys to the playground, we have Krillin, Piccolo, Trunks, Vegeta, Gohan and Goku all in powerful form. And the fight between Broly and all the participating fighters has a lot of really cool moments.
Didn't live up to the hype, but it was an OK entry. Not quite Legendary, but Broly's best and worst are still yet to come in later movies.