The story starts right after end of second season. (Not exactly. They show Honoka and the second years as a child first) They realize that there will be another concert. To be able to go there, they need to become more popular. They will need to go to the US. The first quarter of the movie take place in New York city. You probably wouldn't know though because they never mention New York. You could tell if you look at the buildings tho. Anyway, the story is quite simple, but it has many good meaning for both Love Live fans and non fans. The theme of Love Live is that it's not always a bad thing to say goodbye. It's about the time you had spent with each other. It is not too philosophical, but it has a strong meaning to it. I think the strongest part of the story is that they take advantage of the characterization and place them in different surroundings. They react to the things that they're not use to seeing. For example, Hanayo have problems with the restaurant because they don't have white rice. Which I can relate to her, since I really love to eat food with white rice. The movie is a huge fan service to the Love Live fans. When I say that, I meant they do many things that Love Livers like to do in the fandom; like ship tease. Some people say this already, but the pacing is the problem. To be honest, I really wanted Love Live to be a season 3 instead of a movie. I like movies and all because of the higher budget, it's very limited since it's an hour and 40 mins long. It can't really tell as much compare to a one cour season. Though it does a good job at maintaining a decent flow to the story despite that. The pacing may feel a bit weird because they go point A to point B fairly quick in the movie. After the concert, there's a section when Honoka was by herself and she meet this woman who look similar to her. Hm, I wonder who is she? After their first meeting, Honoka talk about her problem with her. The older woman question Honoka's deliema and tells her the best option to deal with it. It plays a big role later on in the movie. I think this was done wonderfully. This developed Honoka to be a mature leader and decides what best for muse.
I mention the characters already, but I want to add something. The characters doesn't really go though a huge development compare to Honoka, but that isn't a bad thing. There's no reason for them to change. They are developed enough and the story is about them growing a bond with each other. They are likable and flesh out from second season.
The animation improved a lot. The camera angle and cinematography are lively and appealing as always. They done a lot better at the transition to 2D to CGI. Speaking of CGI, it looks a lot smoother and better. I know some people have problems with CGI, but it's not really bad. If you compare to Idol anime or anime CGI in general, it's not that bad as you are making it to be. The characters design felt strange to me. They look the same, but at the same time, it feels different. I think it's just me, but is Honoka's and Maki hair a bit darker?
The soundtrack as usual is good. The insert songs is really catchy and upbeat. There's not much to talk about it. I would recommend you to listen to the ost and songs when you have the chance, unless you don't like j-pop. Also I want to give props for having real English speakers to voice the people. I think the acting is meh, but I love the effort tho.
Overall, I think Love Live is a great film. I would totally get it when it gets a home release in United States with an English dub. I gave it an 8 if I want to be critical about it. 10 for my enjoyment.
