Review of Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo

Evangelion 3.0 is certainly has fans squarely divided. Some will even go as far to say this is either a love it or hate it film. However, is this film as bad many would tell you? To be honestly that is completely up to you but I will give you my opinions on this whole ordeal. This movie takes place nearly fourteen years after the events of the last film. While the Third Impact was nearly averted it still had some lasting effects on the world. Now it been almost half a decade and the world is still bitter and slowly rebuilding. War is nowbeing waged not only between humanity and the Angels but of Wille and Nerv. Plenty were turned off by the numerous changes from the previous film and by extension the original series. This film really does separate the Rebuild movies apart from the rest of the franchise. However this isn’t necessary something to cheer about. It feels that the time-skip was just there to give the franchise a face-lift as oppose there actually being meaning behind it. Why did they make such a big leap ahead in time? Couldn’t they just have done two or three years? I mean as much I adore everyone’s new looks don’t really see why such a huge time-skip necessary?

This is a surprising dark film and that saying much giving the source material and leaves only a glimmer of hope. This is also not as much action as the last film with the film giving more attention to the plot and characters. Shinji eventually wakes up obviously all lost and confused much to like we the viewers are. He thrown into new world where he is completely unfamiliar with and he doesn’t know who to trust or to turn to. Everyone blames him for the current state on the world and the majority of them are cleaning up after his mess regardless of whether it was intentional or not. Even those who were previously all for him don’t give much more than a glance. That is where Kaowru comes in and become what is essentially his guiding light through it all. One of the film’s few strengths is that it all about Shinji and his plight to the cope with the consequences of his actions. That in life even when you’re doing what you believe is right that it doesn't always guarantee that it will turn out for the best. We really don’t get much development from the rest of the cast and especially many of the new characters. To say that many of the new characters don’t really leave much of an impression is an understatement. I don’t remember or care whatever their names were. Almost forgot to mention Mari who really adds nothing to this film really save for the usual witty banter and of course the fan-service. Which is sad really because we really don’t know much about her.

The Rebuild movies continues to impress with its stunning visuals as you can really feel that effects of the Third Impact and its consequences. All the new character designs really do separate this film from the rest of the franchise but in a good way. I especially love all the new mecha designs present here and to see them in battle was a feast for the eyes. Shiro Sagisu's score proves just how lighting can strike twice. The music really does wonders to a already good film acting as a necessary supplement as it should be. The ending theme especially is quite beautiful and really gives me to the feels. Then again I expected nothing less from Utada Hikaru who became famous for her work the Kingdom Hearts franchise.

This movie gives you plenty of questions and not many answers and by the end you are still in bewilderment. This is glaring problem with the film and is many of the reasons why the movie incites so much anger from people including myself. By the end, none of our questions are answered and the lot of us will be left scratching our heads wondering the heck just happened. Hopefully the people at Studo Khara know what they are doing.

To put it mildly, this film was not quite the masterpiece as the last two films. To many unanswered questions and was quite literally a mess. There were moments where I genuinely enjoyed this film though. I was generally interested in main character’s struggle to right his wrongs and the huge spectacle the movie presents. However, this is sadly one of the movie few strengths. While the last two films try to consolidate the story of the original this films tells an almost entirely new story. Helping this film franchise feel more than just a mere reboot. Overall this is not worst film I've seen but not necessary a great one. It look and sounds great though I'll give it that. Now we have to wait who knows how long until the next film and hopefully it clean the mess that was this film.