Wow an year pass since the 2.0 movie was released. Got myself a new computer so now it can handle blu-ray quality anime. Funny how even 360 and 720 is now insufficient for my view that only 1080i and up do. so my conclusion?
Mixed
Good Points: Quality, pacing, music is such an "eye-candy", such "fan-service" that I'll be the spoiled brat and take it all in for its awesome makings. Is nice to be reacquainted with everyone's favorite casts.
Bad Points: Maybe is too early to say since there are two movies left but I find the lack of psychological and character development disturbing. I feel like this movie is made only those who knows the series and not for new comers. Meaning we already know Shinji is a whiny, emo, gay boy but here he is a bit "GAR". I know Rebuild is a re-interpretation who the character are but I felt they are down-played. I feel now Asuka and Rei are playing more of a "moe" role than before and Shinji is just an answer to everyone's complaint. Misato and Kaji roles are now diminished. I mean what the hell Kaji is there anyway anymore?
I usually hope that re-interpretation add something to this series, not subtract it. I know Evangelion is a cash-cow but watching this move appear such a visual evidence. I mean look at Mari Illustrious Makinami. She is playing the megu-archtype for fanservice.
My conclusion: I earlier compare Fullmetal Alchemist anime series to its Brotherhood counterpart to be more of a "human condition" focus while Brotherhood is more action-pack. What happened here is also similar but rather inferior to my comparison. So friend watch it for the service, not for the reason why we love Evangelion so much: their characters are so f*cked up.