It started out tentatively, then suddenly thrust into the most outrageous slapstick/parody comedy show in the middle. Then, just about time the viewer is starting to tired\ of the gag of the day format, it turned serious drama and tied back to the introduction. Typical Gainax really, you can always expect a complete story (on this topic, Evangelion series did end proper, at the meta level. The extra 'ending' ovas only wrapped it up physically)
Some may find the transitions random, others may find it refreshing. This is a story about a boy growing up, throwing parallel universes, time travels, and plenty of symbolism.
It raises questions rather than giving definitive answers: For example, Does growing up always sacrifices the inner child?
Personal score is 10 however it very much depends on how comfortable the viewer is with the twists and turns. Therefore I think it is a solid 8 for everybody.
If you enjoy comedy, don't mind the randomness and willing to be taken for a ride, at the end of the tunnel there's just enough instrospection to leave a bitter sweet aftertaste.
