Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
Gokuu Son and his friends are out camping when three mysterious enemies ambush them. After a quick fight, a fourth enemy named Cooler joins the fray. Seeking retribution for his younger brother Frieza after he was defeated, Cooler attacks Gokuu; however, the latter manages to escape with Gohan Son and goes into hiding. Unsatisfied and infuriated with the outcome, Cooler and his men begin the hunt to uncover Gokuu's location and kill him to carry out their plans of exacting revenge.
Audience Consensus
Audiences generally agree that Cooler's Revenge is a fun, action-packed entry in the Dragon Ball Z movie lineup, largely carried by the compelling villain and an excellent soundtrack. However, many criticize its simplistic and derivative plot, which leans heavily on established formulas, and a lack of significant character development for anyone other than Cooler.
Strengths
- Cooler is a compelling and well-voiced villain, often considered superior to Frieza.
- The soundtrack, particularly the US rock score, significantly enhances the action sequences.
- Fight choreography and animation, while standard for the era, are generally well-executed.
- Cooler's transformation and final form are noted as stylish and intimidating.
- The film effectively utilizes the Super Saiyan transformation as a mystical power in times of despair.
- Villain's henchmen (Cooler's Armored Squadron) are noted for having individual personalities and unique techniques.
Weaknesses
- The plot is simplistic, derivative of the Frieza saga, and lacks innovation.
- Pacing issues are present, with weak first and final acts and moments where the story spins its wheels.
- Character development is minimal, and villains beyond Cooler are often seen as cookie-cutter.
- Goku is sidelined for a significant portion of the movie due to injury.
- Some find Cooler's power level and that of his henchmen questionable or inconsistent with established lore.
- The ending is described as gimmicky and tacked on.
- Krillin's treatment is criticized as a repetitive and unnecessary humiliation.