Menu

«Previous post | Next post»

When “Dragonball: Evolution” came out in 2009, I had just turned 21 and was looking forward to a new amazing adventure for “Dragon Ball Z”. Unfortunately enough though, what premiered in theatres was hailed by fans as the worst “Dragon Ball Z” live-action movie adaptation to date, (yes, DBE is even worse than the one created by Japan). Well, you have probably not heard anything about it, as it was that bad. However, a quick Google search will provide you relief to know that yes, Japan attempted and failed to do the same thing.

Ben Ramsey wrote the script for “Dragonball Evolution”, but it was James Wong who directed the movie.

“Dragonball: Evolution” writer Ben Ramsey recently apologized to fans—in what can only be assumed as—an attempt to revive his career and become a better writer. The apology which follows, sounds about as heartfelt as someone admitting that they had a crush on a girl from his or her high school year, and are no longer afraid to admit it due to the social climate changing in their lives.

“I knew that it would eventually come down to this one day,” “‘Dragonball Evolution’ marked a very painful creative point in my life. To have something with my name on it as the writer be so globally reviled is gut wrenching. To receive hate mail from all over the world is heartbreaking. I spent so many years trying to deflect the blame, but at the end of the day it all comes down to the written word on page and I take full responsibility for what was such a disappointment to so many fans. I did the best I could, but at the end of the day, I ‘dropped the dragon ball.’”

“I went into the project chasing after a big payday, not as a fan of the franchise but as a businessman taking on an assignment,”.

“I have learned that when you go into a creative endeavor without passion you come out with sub-optimal results, and sometimes flat-out garbage. So I’m not blaming anyone for ‘Dragonball’ but myself. As a fanboy of other series, I know what it’s like to have something you love and anticipate be so disappointing.” – Ben Ramsey

I have seen a lot of bad movies in my years, but DBE is with no doubt one of THE worst movies that I´ve ever seen (Robin).

Honestly as a fan of the series, and an open-minded person, I can understand where he’s coming from, but simultaneously it seems as if the apology is only coming out now—due to his career hitting a brick wall. When “Dragonball Evolution” hit theatre’s it merely gained $9 million at the box office, and received a 14% average score via Rotten Tomatoes. As sad as it sounds, it got worse. A PSP game adaptation was created to boost morale for the title, and it too failed in sales. If Ben Ramsey wants to become a better Screenwriter, by all means become a prominent example by doing the right thing the first time: Research your subject matter thoroughly—don’t do for a payday—as it never works.

I commend you on admitting your shortcomings, but I see this apology as one that was only surfaced after “Dragon Ball Z” has had renewed success from the series creator Akira Toriyama himself. And that success was simply brought about after you made it necessary for him to do so to preserve his creative genius. Many fans would be willing to accept your apology, and still others might ignore it in favor of the next iteration from Akira Toriyama.

Source:
thedaoofdragonball

Credit:
Robin Ek – Editor