Story (34/35) Nice atmosphere, intriguing story, better end than the series.
Characters (33/35) A lot of much needed development for the entire SOS Brigade
Sound (13/15) Great, fit this movie very well.
Animation (14/15) Top notch.
Overall (94/100)
I can't be the only one that was surprised that this amazing movie came from Haruhi Suzumiya. The series isn't bad, but this movie is so much better. The storytelling is a lot more dark and complex than the usual Haruhi series. It starts out only a little more dark (due to it being winter) and the beginning is what you would expect from the usual Haruhi episode, but the rest of the movie is completely different. The atmosphere is totally changed from the show, and it is a welcomed change, as it fits this sci-fi time travel story like a glove. The story can get really complex and confusing, especially if you aren't paying close attention. This was the first and only time this series has ever confused me, and I was glad. I didn't know what was gonna happen next, and kept me at the edge of my seat, something the series could not accomplish in 100 years. (34/35)
You got tons of character development in this: everyone from Kyon, to Koizumi, to God herself all get some important and needed development. The two characters that get the most are easily Kyon and Nagato. This movie explores what Kyon really thinks about the SOS Brigade, now that he is given that chance to go back and be normal again. Sure, most people would kill to be in his position, as they always seem to be having fun, but Kyon never seems to like his life all that much. Nagato is surprisingly human in this movie, and we get to know a lot more about all the mysteries surrounding her. (33/35)
Unsurprisingly the music is great, as is the rest of the movie. It was tweaked to fit the movie's darker atmosphere better and did a pretty good job. (13/15)
The dub is also pretty good, I suggest you try it before trying the sub.
Since we are still talking about Kyoto Ani here, the animation is top notch, an some of their best work to date. Fluid, good looking, pretty much everything you come to expect from a blockbuster movie like this. (14/15)
This was an amazing movie and easily one of my favorites. The only reason it isn't 100% perfect is because the series is not as good and you sort of have to watch the series to appreciate the film. Some characters might get on your nerves, like Mikuru.
