Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance (2009)

The second film (of four) in the Rebuild of Evangelion series covers ep 7-19! Quite a task. It has the obligatory combat scenes, Angels attacking the city, giant Eva, big-ass guns and explosions, etc, but more importantly it attempts to make up for the lack of characterisation in the first film and it succeeds. The deep and introspective character studies are handled almost as well as Anno did in the TV series but in a much shorter time.
There's a surprise or two thrown in to keep old fans on the alert.
And the ending… oh my!

4½ fish and wings out of 5

Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone (2007)

A cinematic retelling of the classic NGE TV Series. This first film (of four ) covers ep 1-6. It’s overseen by the same director, so is faithful to his original vision. It wastes no time getting to the action, but consequently drops some of the more interesting characterisation.
On the plus side, Shinji's neuroses are less irritating.
Newcomers may find it all a bit hard to assimilate on first viewing. In truth, even the series didn't make complete sense until the second sitting.
I'm usually averse to remakes but this one put me firmly in my place. It's a resounding success.

4 unfamiliar ceilings out of 5