Review of Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale

I've watched the SAO series back when I had only just begun watching anime. Since then, my taste in anime has matured a lot. For that reason I cannot compare my enjoyment from back then and the one I got from watching this movie. I can't compare the plot or characters, as the eyes that once saw Sword Art Online are now long gone. I loved it back then, and watching this movie makes me feel like I was right to enjoy it. Makes me doubt all the hate it was given. However, now I see that the plot is pretty bad. It feels likean excuse for the action to happen. If you think too hard about it, much won't make sense, but that's fine. It entertains. It doesn't waste much time either. The focus is clear: Action. Maybe for that reason that it doesn't fall apart.

Strangely enough, watching this movie wasn't nostalgic at all. It felt new. Perhaps, as it was mentioned by others, I felt that way because they really did something different. And I believe that thing is focusing on the action.

The character drama is still there, but it doesn't feel forced, just out of place. Like it was borrowed from another story. It is not necessarily bad, it just doesn't evoke any strong emotions.

What matters the most is done right. The visuals are beautiful and the action scenes are stunning. I saw a little bit of the Fate series in it, but hey, the producers are the same, and it works, right? So it's all good.

For those that liked the rare development in the romance area that the original series presented us, rejoice! It is here to bless us with its grace. I love it when the characters actually get into a relationship before the series end! We get to enjoy that beautiful feeling with them. I hope it will catch on, because I get real frustrated of all these romance-bait-harem anime.

The idol girl (Yuna), with her songs in the battles was pretty dope and well placed. A good excuse for a good fighting soundtrack.

All in all, it is SAO. It isn't a masterpiece, but you'd be dreaming to hope for one. It's fun and entertaining. It has some AMV worthy battles and cute little moments between Asuna and Kirito.
It's pretty good.