Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
In his laboratory, biotechnology expert Dr. Kochin gathers the dragon balls intending to free his master Dr. Uirou, a mad scientist hellbent on ruling the world, forever frozen in the never-melting ice of the Tsurumai-Tsuburi Mountains. Attempting to locate the dragon balls, Gohan Son and Oolong arrive at the scene and are ambushed by several creatures known as "Bio-Men." Training nearby, Piccolo attempts to save them but is then attacked by three mysterious warriors. When the ice beneath them breaks, it cuts their altercation short, burying Gohan and Oolong within. After regaining consciousness, they return home to Kame House only to encounter Bio-Men, demanding Muten-Roushi to follow them. Refusing, he easily defeats the creatures, piquing Dr. Kochin's interest. Under the impression of Muten-Roushi being the strongest man in the world, Dr. Kochin takes Bulma hostage, forcing Roushi's agreement to accompany him in mysterious plans involving his master. Who are Dr. Kochin and Dr. Uirou? What even is their purpose?
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is divided, with many fans appreciating the action-packed fights, Master Roshi's moments, and the classic DBZ animation. However, a significant portion of the audience criticizes the predictable and nonsensical plot, weak villain, and numerous continuity errors, making it a divisive entry in the franchise.
Strengths
- Epic fights and more characters featured than the previous movie.
- Master Roshi's rare fighting moments are appreciated.
- Good pacing with a balance between fights and slower scenes.
- Visually splendid animation and colorization, with good atmosphere building in the snowy setting.
- Enjoyable and fun action-packed entertainment for fans.
- The fight choreography is good, using swift kicks, punches, and energy attacks.
- Gohan's latent power is used well without being an overpowered deus ex machina.
- The art style, using the older look of early DBZ, is wonderful and adapted well.
Weaknesses
- Contains plot inconsistencies and timeline issues, making it hard to fit into the main canon.
- The plot is considered insipid, unoriginal, and predictable.
- Too much talking, with dialogue often described as moronic or cliché.
- Fight scenes can be repetitive, mediocre, and not as cool as remembered.
- The ending with a Spirit Bomb is seen as disappointing and anticlimactic.
- Some characters (like Bulma and Krillin) are underutilized or relegated to damsel-in-distress roles.
- The premise of a brain in a jar with a functional lab for 50 years lacks logic.
- Villain design and originality are lackluster and boring.
- The movie feels like a low-budget replica of the Saiyan saga.