Let me begin by stating, without a shadow of a doubt: I loved this movie! For those who don't know, the "Dragonball," series is a popular anime show (originally created in the 80s, but became popular in the western market in the late 90s) with a very big following. The live-action movie adaptation, however, differs greatly from the original cartoon and manga. It is similar in concept, but, as is the way with Hollywood adaptations, is a completely different experience. Normally when this sort of thing happens, the movie is completely ruined. However, trust me when I say: Dragonball Evolution is awesome. For a movie based on such a ridiculous premise, it is insanely fun and charismatic.

The story revolves around Goku who must set upon a quest to find the seven Dragonballs and find the hidden powers inside him in order to save the world. To throw trouble into the mix, the evil Lord Piccolo ((ndash)) who was previously imprisoned by an enchantment thousands of years ago when he first attempted to destroy the world ((ndash)) has returned and is also seeking the Dragonballs. What's so special about these balls? Collecting all seven allows the possessor of the balls to summon an ancient dragon who will grant the possessor any wish he or she desires.

Rather than attempting to condense the story from the original cartoon (which spans hundreds of episodes), the movie takes the idea and creates a new story for the movie. First and foremost, this movie should not be taken seriously, nor should you expect it to be faithful to the original series. However, as stated, this movie is too much fun to pass up. Throw caution to the wind, leave your pride behind one night, and check it out. I loved this movie for what it was and you should too!

Chances are you've already seen Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, or, at least, heard of it. Think of those hidden camera shows you used to watch on TV, where unsuspecting people were set up in the most outrageous situations and their reactions recorded on camera. Borat is the not-for-television version of those shows. Borat Sagdiyev (Cohen) is a famed reporter from Kazakhstan, who is sent to America to make a documentary on the country and culture. Upon his arrival he discovers, and subsequently falls in love with, Pamela Anderson, and sets across the country to find and marry her. Created by the mastermind behind, "Da Ali G Show", Borat is partly a satirical look on the absurd conservatism of American culture, and partly an opportunity to be as outrageous and offensive and funny as possible. The movie is side-splittingly hilarious, but you really have to go into it realising it's all a joke, and it's offensive for the sake of humour, not out of malicious intent. With that in mind, be prepared to be disgusted (unless naked men fighting do it for you), shocked, and even surprised that Borat doesn't get shot by the locals (especially when he manages to tick off an entire audience at what looks like a redneck rodeo!) This movie is too good to pass up. It's horrible and slander-ish, but in all the good ways. Nothing beats watching American culture be challenged and questioned by a seemingly innocent (yet inherently offensive) reporter who doesn't know any better.