The son of an angry Saiyan.
After contracting an unknown virus, Earth's mightiest hero Goku falls ill and dies. Unfortunately, this tragedy is only the beginning. Six months later, two powerful beings appear and begin wiping out the human population. The Z-Fighters enter the battle and are killed in the fight, with only Goku's son named Gohan surviving the battle. Thirteen years later, Gohan is now a man and has become a Super Saiyan. Also, an untrained Saiyan named Trunks is determined to assist Gohan in the battle. But, will these two be enough to stop the super powered beings, who are revealed to be androids with unlimited power? -summary
Here we go, the last DBZ film that I would consider to be really good. As a matter of fact, it's my favorite of the 13 movies and I think it's better than the first special. Plus, it doesn't feel like a chore to watch at all. This movie does several things right which sets itself far away from most of the redundant pack. It almost feels like a different animal.
The History of Trunks is normally referenced along side Bardock: The Father of Goku. Besides being a special feature along with the aformentioned movie, the reason for me is the similarities between the two. This movie is just as dark for one thing and it contains character development. The small cast it has to work with are developed really well in a short time. Trunks is a character that is easy to relate to despite coming off a bit too whiny at first; but at least his angst is perfectly understandable because of the miserable state the world is in. Now, unlike the aforementioned movie, this feels a lot more like a real prequel which is canon to the Trunks Saga. Mainly because it provides detailed insight to his past which I feel is better covered here than in the TV series.
The two androids which are male and female, both named #17 and #18 respectively, aren't exactly the cookie cutter characters you will see in many of the franchises movies. Instead of having the personalities of robots, or just being simple minded and one sentenced dimwits you will see in the other movies, they seem to be somewhat human themselves; but they have a thirst for carnage, and hopping into a car and running down people seems to get 17 off.
I have to mention that I'm very impressed with the writing. Among the most annoying elements in this series is characters standing around and making funny constipated looking faces, while also waiting until near death to "reveal their true power". That is not the case here, especially when taking Gohan under consideration. He understands the danger of the androids, and he wastes no time at all going full power with intentions on killing them.
The action scenes at times contains the re-used cels simulating combat thing, and I won't say that the scenes have good choreography, but some of the fights are very cool to watch. So cool, that at least one scene is rehashed for a later movie. Also, the fights aren't very one sided either.
The artwork is pretty good and at times seems better than the TV series. I also like the soundtrack, but I'm also impressed with the use of it as well. The more upbeat songs brings out the best in the action scenes, but I also notice that the music isn't incredibly loud to the point where the writers are trying to cover up the flaws in the action. Certain key moments are better worked out due to the choice of the song and even the lyrics. I think the final song worked well into the drama towards the end. Now remind you, this is a DBZ movie we're talking about here.
The movie does have issues with its story. The most notable for me would be people going to public amusement parks, with the full knowledge of two killer androids completely blowing up cities. I don't know, but if that was me. I would take Master Roshi's idea, which was grab a submarine and hide in the bottom of the ocean.
Even though I like the premise of this particular movie. I just can't shake the possibility of the entire story being borrowed from X-Men: Days of Future Past. Maybe I'm thinking about it too hard. Another problem that I have with the movie is actually the length, which is something you're not going to hear me complain about again. It's no secret that the Z-fighters are killed, any product description will mention it; but it would have been better had the battle been shown in its entirety.
In any case, The History of Trunks is a very solid movie that I recommend to fans of the series. For those whom are new to the series, but haven't made it to the Trunks Saga yet. I recommend watching this first for a better experience.
Highs: Interesting premise, doesn't follow usual DBZ formula, some good fights, hot soundtrack
Lows: Could have used more battles, minor story issues, length