Its been a long time since I've seen a DB/DBZ Movie, and unlike all the other usual macho good guy vs bad guy films that I've seen in the past of this franchise before. This film takes an interesting alternative within the series and starts to proceed in a different dimension in this movie compared to the other usual movies in the past. It would seem that this movie is actually cannon to the series stated by Akira Toriyama himself as this takes place 3 years after kid buu's defeat and 4 years before Uub's appearance at the world martial arts tournament within the anime. Don't worryNO SPOILERS. Story - 7 If you have seen previous movies of this franchise, you will know that the premise within its own story is usually Basic and doesn't have much depth to them since its main focus is on Mindless and intense fights most of the time. The action scenes in this movie are few and have been tone down to show a lot of the characters from the series present within the film. This movie mainly follows a God that is known for destruction by the name of Birusu / Beerus / Bills? ( hmm however you address his name ), is woken up by his flamboyant assistant and caretaker Wiss after a 39 year slumber. Wiss informs Birusu of Frieza's defeat at the hands of a mysterious Saiyan (Goku) who transformed against him during their epic battle. upon hearing this, Birusu recalls a prophesy 39 years before his sleep, About an Oracle fish that told him about a So called Super Saiyan God that will compete against him in the future. Having witness Goku's Super Saiyan transformation against Frieza, Birusu feels now the time is right to face this saiyan with this SSG power. So him and Wiss decide to find the remaining surviving saiyans after the destruction of planet vegeta in order for birusu to test his God Powers against the one who possess this SSG power which eventually leads them across the galaxy to King Kai's planet where both Goku and Birusu face off for the first time. Ultimately the story starts of really well with its introduction and brings a fresh new look to the progression and feel of the characters from the anime however as soon as it gets to the middle where Birusu and Wiss arrive to earth and enter Bulma's 38th birthday party (Which by the way who even celebrates their 38th birthday anyway? since she is so Loaded.) its during these moments in the film where things for me personally became more tedious and a little too weird and random at times. The movie had some nice comedy and interaction scenes with many of the characters within the set pieces of this film. But during the middle I could see it started to drag on a little and it made the pacing of this film a little awkward to sometimes to keep watching which is understandable since this film has a more of a comedic tone to it, especially about that desert scene which perhaps could of used a different scenario perhaps. I know some people who did not like this scene involving a dispute between Birusu and Buu over a pudding cup (which believe me I've seen worse). but ultimately I found it hilarious XD. This didn't turn me off instead however it kept me hyped for the tension and action that was happening and through the Last quarter of the film we find out the revelation of this Super Saiyan God and after, the incredible main event fight between Birusu and Goku which ends up taking place in many awesome locations from the city, forest, desert, mountains, cliffs, river, from underground labyrinth to the skies above and into the outer atmosphere of space itself (puff) it literally was Outstanding to watch to the end. Art - 9 A really Great plus to this movie was the animation as it looks awesome, which was also one of the reasons it was worth seeing and not only that but this film is also the first anime film to be shown on screen in IMAX. The locations throughout this film looked amazing as well as the action scenes, the CGI looked good within the angles even though its a little tricky to see here and there it still works really well. The character designs were nice apart from a few the super saiyan god form whether you like it or not I felt they could have done a better design (mainly the look of the hair and few other things but thats just my opinion) But also not to mention how Goku gains his SSG powers seems a little off, Also ox king (Seriously what is he wearing?) and I could also say the same about the look of Wiss too. Also I felt Trunks and Goten could of looked a little bit older but that is just only a minor nitpick. But anyway despite those nitpicks I felt that the most unique design was Birusu who has this Egyptian Siamese Cat God look to him almost resembling Anubis the Egyptian god of judgement which brings a lot more of a unique look to his character other than the typical generic steroid looking villains that we are so used to seeing in most Dragon ball movies. Sound - 7 Not much in this music score stood out to me unfortunately. A few tracks suited some good moments and other scenes in the film including the original opening and closing theme performed by FLOW was good, however i found the music score at times to be quite generic especially with Goku turning into a super saiyan god. I didn't mind the heavy metal use in the fight between Goku and Birusu in the forest which was cool but apart from that, the music i felt wasn't really all that special. Characters - 8 The characters are pretty much the same as always, there are a few changes in the behaviour of the characters like Goku, Vegeta, King Kai for reasons mainly due to the story which viewers will find out while watching it and not to mention some old faces that fans of the original dragon ball will remember from the past like Emperor Pilaf, Mai and Shu, But again 1 of the most interesting characters that stood out to me in the film was of course Birusu. Birusu is awesome, he isn't actually that evil as you think he is but he can be obnoxious. He is casual and easy going yet has a playful manner about his personality and a lot of swag which is not something you get in a lot of db/dbz villains he is quick to anger especially over pudding which sounds very silly. But believe me people I have seen MUCH worse. He is not only a powerful fighter, but he is also both quirky and entertaining at the same time which made me like his character a lot. Wiss despite his appearance also seems very calm and casual like Birusu not to mention A little mysterious at the same time. I kind of wish more characters were utilized a little more within the more Enjoyment - 9 The thing is honestly I love how different this film is to a lot of the other films in this franchise, there were interesting moments I enjoyed besides the action, there were some nice comedic moments of nostalgia especially for those who like the Dragon ball series with a few hidden stories closely related to the Dbz series which will keep fans interested. And most of the characters from the Dbz series are in this film too along with some old familiar faces which is Great, they might not get as much screen time in this film but at least they are there in the film regardless. Towards the end of the film it leaves off on a cliff hangar and one that will raise some questions from there on in. Also this film had some decent and memorable moments as well like for example Birusu final attack in outer space in the film which I like to call (Star Blaze of Judgement) which is basically like the sun being thrown at goku's face i have to admit was awesome! also (Bulma getting slapped by Birusu was also 1 of my favorite moments too ) I'm sorry to any bulma fans out there but that had me in stitches XD. Overall - 8 I would like to say personally I didn't feel this was the best DB movie but it is one of my favorites alongside Wrath of the dragon and Broly The Legendary Super Saiyan and a nice addition to the story itself. I know for some fans and others, its a Film where i feel its not going to be for everyone, sure there is some hiccups and plot holes I notice in a few places here and there which I can't deny that. But this did not stop me from enjoying it since it had many parts catered to fans of the series. Note: You should be aware that this is cannon material to the actual series created by Mr.Toriyama himself and for Db/Dbz fans its more than enough reason for this movie to be seen, Whether the creator Akira Toriyama would want to make a series or a set of movies or specials for the franchise only time will tell. But for hardcore fans looking for a Bunch of straight up intense explosive action (Its over 9000!!) well there is action but not as consistent enough to meet everyone's needs like some of the other movies, but despite that as a fan, the film is still worth a watch.