I have to give this film props for actually getting me excited in the first 20 seconds. Seeing Piccolo get thrashed already gives you a feel for what you're in for. I think I have a soft spot for this film because it has moments that feel more like Dragon Ball than just Z. The small bits of humor such as Gohan's strange psychedelic drug trip and Krillin getting peed on, definitely feel ripped straight out of Dragon Ball. Watching this now is honestly quite refreshing because a couple of the action scenes we see Goku in are very reminiscent of his acrobatic power pole swinging childhood fights. Watching Goku and Piccolo team up against Raditz was amazing and seeing them team up here is just as great. The fact that it wasn't Goku to end up saving the day also makes re-watching this feel like a new experience compared to most DBZ media these days. The most surprising thing is without a doubt seeing Kami actually attempt to do his job as Guardian of Earth. The villain, Garlic Jr, is honestly Emperor Pilaf if he was actually competent and threatening, he even has the same voice. While his transformation may not be seen as that amazing these days I actually liked it, it was like seeing the heroes fight the Hulk. Most DBZ villains tend to go towards the world domination route but Garlic Jr was just trying to avenge his father, small change but I like it. I just wish his fight against Goku and Piccolo was a bit longer kind of felt a bit underwhelming. If I had to say anything bad about it it's that Krillin unfortunately doesn't get to be in on the action, the way Garlic Jr was defeated honestly felt like he was defeated by a Deus Ex Machina, and his henchmen felt incredibly generic. Oh and I give my thanks to this film for pointing out how immensely stupid Goku is for giving his 4 year old son a Dragon Ball therefore making his child the target of every evil schemer out there. Also why the hell did the villains kidnap Gohan when they just needed his damn hat!?

I’m not sure how I feel about Gohan tripping absolute balls but it’s definitely a choice lol. This is my first time watching the Dragon Ball franchise and I’m glad this is the first instance of straight up cosmic insanity. That’s exactly what I signed up for.

I'm wondering if they were right in their fucking "heads" or just did this "movie" without giving a flying fuck cuz how could they do it right after the 11th episode of the anime series when ", Jr." was introduced till the 108th episode?!?!?!?!?

It was too long for a filler, as the norm for those old DBZ movies.