This ought to be interesting. A tree so big that it sucks the life out of an entire planet, in this case, Earth, and
produces fruit that is said to give whoever eats it unimaginable power.
The movie begins with a small probe flying through space. We then shift to Earth and a stream where Krillin gathers water
for a cookout at a campsite in the woods. It's a clear day out. Oolong is trying to get a fire really going under a pot
and ends up getting his nose turned black from rubbing his nose against some soot. Gohan arrives carrying a huge backpack
much to Oolong and everyone else's surprise. Gohan cheerfully (as if) explains his mom loaded pretty much all his
schoolbooks and some educational accessories. But Gohan in an unexpected irony included what Chi Chi forgot, a desk lamp,
a complete encyclopedia set, canned food, etc, etc, etc (o_O')...
Anyway, that somewhat weird scene is broken up and things move forward as it is now night in the forest. Out of the clear
night sky, the probe that was traveling through space earlier blazes through the atmosphere and crashes in a remote part
of the woods in a big explosion. The scene shifts to the location of the now landed probe which begins spewing robotic
technobabble about phase 1 complete. But in a separate turn of events, just above the crater that was made, a diagonally
positioned tree trunk somehow catches fire and OMG, can you guess what happens next boys and girls? lol Well the scene
pulls back to the distant view and a red glow appears in the area of the crash which spells FOREST FIRE. Krillin somehow
wakes up to this and alerts Bulma to wake the others. Animals are quickly retreating. Oolong in typical fashion runs
around like a chicken with his head cut off. Krillin and Gohan intend to put out the fire with their energy. They shoot
invisible waves of energy at ! the flames which douse a few, but it's having little effect. At one point, a small purple
dragon who we come to know as Icarus is trapped beneath a big log. Gohan sees this and lifts the log long enough for
Icarus to escape. (Note that these two have just met under extreme circumstances mind you, for the first time). Krillin
and Gohan continue to shoot wave after wave of energy at the blazing fire until finally, we fade to the end of it all
where it appears that by the time they managed to put out the fire, it already pretty much consumed the entire forest
leaving those poor animals homeless.
Bulma is shocked by this and the purple dragon makes a puppy face that inspires
Krillin to call the Eternal Dragon to wish back the forest. They all agree...and we finally cut to the title of this
picture. O_O' The timing sure seemed a bit off...oh who am I kidding, this is going in the review! Anyway, let me move
on here. Shenron has been summoned. The big scary dragon leaves Icarus re! ally frightened, and in a foolish move makes
a flying run at him. But Gohan stops him just before Shenron whacks him with his tail in self-defense mind you. While
holding Icarus back, Gohan wishes the forest be restored to its beauty before the fire. Shenron does just that as the
forest magically returns to normal and Icarus is happy and Shenron takes his leave of the scene by returning to the
dragonballs and scattering them across the globe. Gohan and the others take in the restored scenery as Gohan goes and
names the purple dragon Icarus as we already know. Meanwhile, the probe seemingly unaffected by what just happened
continues ominously with its functions gathering information on the Earth and proceeding with phase 2 as it sprouts
spiderlike legs and walks around scanning the surroundings and noting the abundance of botanical species and communicates
this back to the mothership that in simple terms, the planet is just what they are looking for.
In a distant part of the galaxy, the mothership itself soars through space as some henchmen confirm what they gather about
Earth being just right for the tree of might and why Kakarot hasn't been doing his job. Though one person who steps into
the room knows that he certainly hasn't perished as Kakarot is a Saiyan. They read Kakarot's power signature, but can't
locate where he is precisely...yet. Back on Earth, Goku (Kakarot as he was referred to as) and Gohan are taking an outside
bath. Chi Chi, being the persistent bugger she always is worries about poor little Gohan's skin becoming dry. But Goku
shows a little coolness and tells Chi Chi to get bent (just kidding) and him and Gohan splash around underwater. We see
someone, or something is sneaking up on Chi Chi. She is quick to notice and freaks out and reaches in for Goku and ends
up tickling him while they were trying to see who can stay underwater the longest.
Gohan emerges and is delighted to see
his little dragon friend and points that out to Chi Chi. She just goes into mother mode and scorns Gohan for bringing
dragons into their home and proceeds to blame Goku for Gohan's lack of studying and thinking elephants will invade her
bathroom. Poor Icarus just sleeps outside through it all unaware of a crazy woman's hostility towards him. She of course
will have none of Icarus in the household. But Icarus doesn't want to leave. In a ironic, but not entirely surprising
twist, Goku calls Gohan to a private place where he made a small cave for Icarus complete with bed and some fruit. Gohan
is happy about this and agrees to keep it between them for now.
Meanwhile, Yamcha and Puar are cruising around in their new cruiser showing off about it. But their idle chatter becomes
one of concern when Yamcha senses something evil somewhere near. Piccolo is meditating by a waterfall trying to ease hi
ever stressed out mind when he too senses the evil that is approaching and a power like Goku's but greater. The group from
space as arrive as Amondo, the build guy decides to blow out a chunk of the ground where the seed will be planted. The seed
is dropped into the mini canyon made and now it's just a matter of time. Elsewhere, Gohan and Icarus are playing and having
a good time. After giving Icarus a back, Gohan falls asleep. But Chi Chi calls him for lunch. Icarus suddenly sense in the
distance the terror that's about to happen as sure enough, the seed sprouts big time and all these monstrous roots plow
into the ground around it and spread like crazy, tearing up the ground in the forest. Watching from above, King Kai senses
what is hap! pening and contacts Goku through telepathy immediately. Though it don't seem like it.
The evil guys watch
from their ship as the mysterious guy revels in the revelation of what they set in motion. The tree of might continues
to grow at an alarming rate, taking up space everywhere around it and driving its roots throughout the forest. It starts
getting very tall and even overshadows the forest, tearing it apart. A city also falls victim to the tree's growth as
buildings collapse and streets are destroyed. Soon, what began as a seed small enough to fit in the palm of your hand has
instantly grown into a tree the size of a small state! Completely unaware of what just happened, the entire Z gang have
gathered at Chi Chi's while Yamcha gets some sentiment about his wrecked cruiser. Bulma is upset over Yamcha even buying
a cruiser only to no doubt impress the ladies, but as well all know, Master Roshi sees nothing wrong with that. Chi Chi,
being the ever constant snob she is just ! had to once again warn everyone it's ok to be a bunch of pimp daddies as long
as they don't distract Gohan from his studies (Somebody please stick duct tape over her mouth and lock her in a closet or
something -_-'). Yamcha offers to help Gohan with his studies, but Chi Chi doesn't want none of it. But the gang just
laughs it off.
Suddenly, Icarus comes tapping on the window, needing Gohan's attention. Since this is in plain view of
everyone, Chi Chi learns of Gohan and Goku's little plot and Gohan is too embarrassed to realize Icarus wants to show
Gohan what Icarus sensed and saw literally earlier. Chi Chi bothers him some more and Gohan finally gets serious and
demands that Icarus leaves and he finally does reluctantly. King Kai finally gets through to Goku and warns him about
the tree of might and gives a brief background explanation of it, how it sucks all the nutrients from a planet and once
it bears fruit completely, that planet becomes a dead one. Goku's brain finally! registers some activity and he now sees
the severity of the situation and vows to stop the ones who did this. The henchmen chat about the fruit being almost done
and revel in the excitement of becoming the most powerful beings ever. They comment on Kakarot being tough, but the
mysterious guy who is revealed to be a Saiyan himself named Turles is not worried in the least and patiently waits for the
fruit to mature. Back at Chi Chi's Goku goes over the situation with the others and they prepare to leap into action. But
Gohan is stopped by Chi Chi when she sees he wants in as well.
They arrive at the base of the tree and power up and fire energy blasts at it. But after the smoke clears, they realize
their efforts were futile. They think of a different way when Goku senses something above and flies up to see Turles's
henchmen. Tien senses great power from them. Yamcha is pissed that they caused the explosion that wrecked his cruiser.
Back near home, Gohan realizes that Icarus is gone when he goes to his cave and regrets not paying enough attention to
him. But suddenly, Icarus picks him up from behind much to Gohan's relief he didn't leave and they take off for the tree
of might. The two groups prepare to battle and begin. Tien and Chaozu take on the two small purple twin aliens and think
they got the advantage but that's reversed as the twins pull a Ginyu and introduce themselves as Raisin and didn't catch
the other's name. But Tien does the Solar Flare to stop them in their tracks. Krillin, who is up against one of the others
charges a destructo disk and throws it at Amondo, but he spins in place and deflects it, but is surprised by the
destructive power it showed. Krillin calls him on. Yamcha is up against the slimy creature and uses his energy manipulating
skills to steer an energy blast and scores a hit, but the creature quickly flies from the explosion and the two brawl as
they fly. He quickly overpowers Yamcha and drives him into the ground. Goku makes the save with an energy attack, sending
the creature flying.
One of the other henchmen taunts Goku and fires a blast, but Goku counterattacks with one of his own
that overtakes him and blasts the slimy creature again. Chaozu is evading Raisin, who blasts Chaozu with several energy
waves. But just as it seems hopeless for Chaozu, Gohan arrives on the scene and makes the save. Gohan fires a Masenko at
Raisin as Turles watches from the ship, monitoring his power level and wonders if he is a Saiyan. Raisin comes back with an
energy blast, but Gohan counters and overtakes h! im. Turles then realizes that he's Kakarot's son. Gohan is looking for
Icarus when he bumps into Turles confusing him for Goku. Turles has Gohan in his grasp and taunts Gohan about how Goku is
weak. Gohan tries to attack, but fails. Turles just manhandles him and once again offers for him to join him, but he won't
have any of it. Turles reads a high power level on the scouter that turns out to be Piccolo whom Gohan is excited to see.
Piccolo charges at Turles, but Turles throws Gohan at Piccolo, who catches him which allows Turles to get a hit in from
behind sending Piccolo and Gohan plummeting to the ground. Gohan is pinned down by Turles who still wants him to join him.
Suddenly, Gohan sprouts a new tail which Turles sees as an opportunity to have a little fun. He makes an artificial ball
of energy that simulates moonlight to induce an Oozaru transformation in Gohan. Turles holds him up in the air as Gohan
tries to resist, but fails as he transforms much to Goku's dismay!
As he arrives too late to stop it. But before Goku can
help, two of Turles's henchmen intercept with a big energy wave attack. Oozaru Gohan sees this as Goku flies up and
decided enough is enough and does a double energy blast that disintegrates those two henchmen, killing them. But Goku has
a new problem as Gohan spots him and starts going after him. Goku tries to reason with him, but Gohan has lost all sense
and continues to attack. Goku gets swapped into a tree like a fly. Turles watches from a distance enjoying this. Piccolo
arrives on the scene saying they must cut off Gohan's tail to restore him to normal. But Turles doesn't want any
interference and blasts him which knocks down all three of them including Gohan into a lake underground. Goku emerges
but doesn't see Gohan. That is until he appears behind him and grabs Goku and starts squeezing him like a grape. Turles
continues to enjoy watching Goku get mangled by his own son. But then, Icarus shows up and flies in fron! t of Gohan and
manages to calm him down with his innocence and get Gohan to let Goku go. Turles taunts Goku and Goku calls Turles a bully
saying he and Gohan are not Saiyans, they're Earthlings. Turles calls them weaklings and fires an energy blast at Oozaru
Gohan, sending Icarus flying and Gohan into a rage. Gohan then notices Turles and goes after him. But Turles decides the
fun is over and gets ready to finish him off for good. He fires a circular energy ring, but Goku at the last moment fires
an energy disk (not the destructo disk) at Gohan's tail, cutting it off and causing him to fall into the lake, narrowly
avoiding certain death as the energy ring explodes big time. Gohan is happy to see his dad and loses consciousness.
At an amusement park, all seems well until the tree of might's roots continue to spread and destroy the park. Entire
cities black out from the destruction caused by the tree. The Earth is starting to wither away. Turles offers Goku a
chance to join him, but Goku refuses. All of Turles's henchmen show up (guess those two I thought Goku killed weren't
killed after all...yet) and attack Goku, who holds his own. Turles is watching, but Piccolo steps in and extends his
arms at Turles, but he blocks it. Piccolo lands and fires his Special Beam Cannon at Turles, point blank. But much to his
horror, it had virtually no effect on him as Turles envelops Piccolo in an energy wave. Goku continues to defend and kicks
it into high gear with the Kaioken and knocks them all out. Piccolo drops to the ground, also out cold. It's down to Turles
and Goku as Turles taunts him some more with Goku saying how much Turles will pay for messing with Gohan. But Turles simply
points out that as they speak, the Earth continues to fade away as the tree sucks the life out of it. The two don't waste
anymore time and commence battle. Goku increases his power level much to Turles's surprise and realizes he may be harder to
fight than he thought. Turles flies by the tree, snatching one of the nearly matured fruits from it and stops in his tracks
with great confidence. Turles takes a bite out of it and almost instantly, he bulks up big time and sends Goku crashing
into the tree and knocks him down into the ground while firing energy blasts.
After a brief moment of waiting and talking
to himself, Turles sees that Goku isn't out of this yet and warns him to stay down. But Goku won't give up and does a
Kaioken x10 and charges at Turles, but Turles is still too fast for him and knocks Goku into the tree again and pummels
him big time. Turles wants him to beg for forgiveness, but Goku won't have any of it and Turles blasts him in the back
several times, really taking a lot out of him. ! Turles takes off to continue his plans. Goku is down and seemingly out,
but he starts hearing the voices of his friends in his head pleading for him to get up and not give up. But Goku seems
sure of himself that he can't go on. That is, until Gohan also offers his support and that motivates Goku enough to try
getting up. Turles flies up along the tree and stops and sees the rest of the Z gang floating there, wanting to attack.
But Turles knows he's too strong for them and Piccolo realizes this. Goku manages to get up and wants to draw strength
from the planet and tries to form a spirit bomb. The Z gang does their best to keep Turles distracted. But Turles proves
too powerful for them as their efforts are futile against him. Soon, they are all down again as Goku completes the spirit
bomb and lobs it at Turles, but it's not strong enough as Turles fires an energy blast that overpowers the bomb, sending
Goku flying to the ground. There's just not enough energy left on the planet for him to use. Things truly seem to be
over for them as the Earth is pretty much wasted.
As Goku lays there, he hears King Kai's voice in his head reminding him
that there is still an abundance of energy in the fruit itself. Goku then sees a mysterious yellow point of light forming
and reaches out to it. It's then discovered that the tree itself is giving off this energy and Goku continues to gather it
to regain his strength. Turles downs another piece of fruit and sees the energy being given off by the fruit and turns to
see Goku standing again, much to his surprise. Goku says he is one with nature and that he won't let Turles take this
planet's life for his own greed. But Turles remains confident that he can't be beat, that is until Goku tells him that he
forgot one detail. The Earth may have energy that he could steal, but he forgot one thing. It also has energy to give.
Turles has had enough and fires an energy blast, but Goku throws another spirit bomb that engulfs ! Turles in a blinding
light that sends up crashing through the tree and eventually disintegrating. The entire tree lights up in a brilliant
display of pure energy that surrounds the Earth. The tree disappears, dispersing all the energy it collected back into
the Earth. Animals start to recover as do Goku's friends. The energy falls to the Earth in the form of a gold colored
snow. King Kai celebrates Goku's victory. Goku is back up. Icarus wakes up Gohan, who also recovers. King Kai realizes
what Goku did to free the energy from the tree. He explains the responsibility of believing in one's self and good versus
evil and that wherever evil lurks, good can triumph.
The scene shifts back to the campsite where everyone has gathered. Oolong tries to make friends with Icarus, but Icarus
snaps at him much to Oolongs disgust at the similarity in preference with Piccolo to Gohan. All is well and we end with
Piccolo back at the waterfall, once again meditating looking forward to future battles to come...
Personal
Rating: 4/10
My
Opinion: Ugh, this movie just wasn't good. Half the time, it felt like an infomercial. The
plot was kind of shallow and it just made me want to fall asleep. Probably the only thing good about it was the fight
scenes near the end. I really don't have much else to say about it except it just isn't one of the better DBZ movies I'd
want to see. But don't take my word on it. There are those who think it's great and I say more power to ya! All I can say
is that it's worth watching at least once. But beyond that it quickly loses it's replay value.
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