I think once for the context, but i wouldn't spend money on it
I took your advice on both parts and just finished seeing the film, and it didn't cost me anything.
Okay, so overall I went in with no expectations, and it was okay. Not great, interesting new concepts but over all just an okay fan fic film. The only two things I can't forgive is calling our beloved Kamehameha "air bending", and saying Namekians use Saiyans. Those two are the sins of this film.
For the record I HATE avatar the air bending show so that was just disrespectful on a whole 'nother level. Also he shouldn't have tried to retconned Goku and Piccolo, especially since they learned about Dragon Ball through memes.
Another thing is, they tried to do is, incorporate elements of other fandoms into this. They tried to turn the Dragon Balls into
Palantíri (from LOTR)
No the dragon balls could speak to Goku and no they weren't affected by the sun. But again that's what happens when we learn about DBZ through memes.
Now I will say I can see this film's events taking place in an alternate universe, and there were some interesting aspects, if you think about it.
Grandpa Gohan trying to raise Goku as a normal boy, and forcing him to try and "fit in" with regular humans. Goku being a teenager when he died, Goku knowing more about the Dragon Balls than Bulma. Chi-Chi helping Goku master his key. In fact Chi-Chi was my favorite in this film (did I just type that?!)
Chi-Chi was likeable because she was the opposite of her actual role. She wanted to fight but no one understood (feels like Gohan). I enjoyed Goku actually falling in love with her, I mean say what you will but it was refreshing.
Roshi being killed by Ape Goku instead of Grandpa G, was a unique twist. I will say I like how Goku was portrayed overall, especially after seeing Super and he is portaryed like a special needs kid, it was kinda cool to see him as a teenager learning, and developing like a normal kid.
It had potential, but I think the reason for the hate is because Akira offered to help them with the project and the snubbed him. I mean when Akira says "I'll help ya" you take the damn help.