Super Android 13! Underrated Gem or Just...Chrome?

Okay, so I just rewatched "Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13!" and I have... THOUGHTS. I've always had a soft spot for this one. It's not like, a perfect DBZ movie by any means, but it's got a certain charm. The whole vibe is just different. Like, neon signs in the background of fight scenes right out of the gate? It's so goofy that it works. I'm not sure who was in charge of art direction but they need a raise. The android designs are actually pretty cool too, especially Super Android 13's transformation. It's just so over-the-top in that beautiful DBZ way. Now, let's talk about the pacing (my favorite topic!). The movie has its problems, no doubt. The first half feels a little rushed, like they wanted to get straight to the action. Vegeta and Trunks are kinda just there, which is a shame. But once Super Android 13 shows up, things get WAY more interesting. Goku's fight is awesome, of course, but the MVP of that scene has to be Vegeta, who throws the energy at Goku. I think the biggest issue is how quickly some of the androids go down. #14 and #15 are built up as these big threats, and then they're just... gone. It feels like a missed opportunity to have some really great fights, especially with Vegeta and Trunks. But hey, can't have it all, right? Overall it feels very tight. There is minimal "dead space" in the movie and that's always a huge plus in my book. Ultimately, "Super Android 13!" is a fun, if flawed, DBZ movie. It's definitely one of the lesser known films, but it deserves some love. It's not going to blow your mind with its story or character development, but it's a great popcorn flick with some genuinely awesome fight scenes and a killer villain design. I still think it’s a worthwhile watch for any DBZ fan if you can get past some of the early 90s anime aesthetic.