All in all, this movie is basically like an extended episode of the anime series (and was apparently originally intended to be just that). It does not outshine the show, but does not sit in its shadow either. It holds its own against any number of the more "exquisite" episodes of the main series. (Biased me: They're all good to begin with, but you get my drift.)
The movie technically/officially takes place between episodes 22 and 23 of the series, but does not affect the events of the main show in any way (or vice versa). For this reason, it is a very versatile entry to the Bebop universe.
The plot is fairly standard for an episode of Bebop and features the crew searching for bounties on Mars. When a truck is detonated in the planet's capital city causing a huge spread of a biochemical weapon, a generous bounty is posted by the world's government for the capture of the unknown terrorists. Obviously in their true typical form, the crew of Bebop doesn't miss a beat in responding to the call. As the crew digs deeper and chases the mysterious terrorists, they discover however all is not as simple as it should be.
The entire voice cast (both Sub and Dub) reunite for the film, as well as the welcomed return of the iconic Yoko Kano and her band The Seatbelts (who composed the music for the original show). On top of these perfect garnishes, due to a higher budget, the animation is also simply a smoother version of the original show's material. What cannot be liked here in the technical department?
As I mentioned earlier about this film's versatility, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie works on multiple levels. If one is trying on Bebop for size due to the amount of praise they have heard about the show, this is a great in-road to go with (this or episode 5 are my recommendations for starters). Or, on an even more general plane of scope, many consider this a great film to give someone a taste of anime in general. I wholeheartedly agree, this movie is that good (and yes, I'm kind of biased as this is my favorite anime of all-time, in general).
Unlike the show, we don't get 26 episodes to watch the characters of the Bebop crew develop and grow as we piece together their backstories/flush out their personalities. However, the movie does a good job masking this, in the sense that it doesn't need to do it. Whether you are unrelated to the show or not, the movie is still enjoyable and intriguing. The characters are their classic dynamic selves (which is what makes the show so special). The plot does lean on complexity, in terms of exposition, for the finer points...but for a first-time watcher it didn't bother me (and on return viewings, I've since figured everything out).
If you like Cowboy Bebop at all, there is no reason you will dislike this movie....none. It flows as well as any given episodes of the show and even has a bit more "grandiosity" to it because of its status as a film. It is definitely an action-filled blast. Whether you missed it during your original watch through the main show, or picked this up where it works in episodic order, you won't be sorry you missed this special outing with the Bebop crew.
