This is the question that pretty much sums up the plot of the 2010 anime movie, "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya". Ever since the second season was released, some of it's credibility was gone due to one certain story arc. But now that they've made a movie based on the fourth book, will they learn from their mistakes and make the series even better then it was in 2006, or has Haruhi jumped the shark? Let's find out.
The Story
Now the story is pretty much one we've heard of before. It's basically the tale of "It's a Wonderful Life". However, while it is a take on the timeless tale, it's actually better told than other takes on the film (Shrek 4, Fairly Odd Parents, Rugrats, and It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie). Plus, one thing that feels fresh is that the world changing around Kyon is COMPLETELY unexpected. Which makes his reaction to it more powerful. It also has a few subtle connections to the "Back to the Future" films (Mostly the 2nd one). But much like those films, "The Disappearance" takes a very familar story, and makes it feel brand new again by the way they cleverly tell it. Sure the ending's a little predictable, but the plot twist REALLY makes up for it.
The Animation
This is probably KyoAni at it's all time best. Not only does it resemble the animation of Season 1, but it has SO MUCH detail to it. From patterned scarves, to accessories in lunch boxes. The background of the school and the cities resembles the ones in real life. And some shots of the film has so many frames, that it looks WAY to real to be drawn on paper. It proves that traditional animation can look just as real of computer animation.
The Characters
The one thing that drives this film more than the story is the characters. And the main stars of it are Kyon and Yuki. We see Kyon at his most tragic state. As the unexpected change in the world around him as overwhelmed him to a point of melancholy. Which causes us to see a new side of him, and feel sorry for him, as he lost what he took for granted, and grew accustom to. As for Yuki, we see a new human side to her that's SO adorable, that it makes you want to reach into the screen and give her a hug. Now I won't say that much on her because, it would spoil a bit of the ending. But let's just say that her impact on the film proves that she can be more than just an emotionless girl, or a Rei Ayanami clone. But a more human, believable, and understandable character. The other characters don't do that much (Especially Mikuru) Who only time travels and gives the male fans eye candy. Tsuruya and Kyon's Sister are still their minor selves, but their still a lot of fun to watch. Taniguchi and Kunikida on the other hand, actually play more important parts then the actual show. As for Haruhi and Itsuki, we see more of their deeper parts in the alternate world, and the ending shows Haruhi's more loving and caring side that we all prefer. This film has to have one of the greatest character developments I've seen in all of anime, and they've REALLY done something right.
The Music
This has to have one of the most beautiful film score's I've ever listened to. The music goes through multiple emotions from happy, sad, riveting, excitment, fear, and really gives us warmth into our hearts. As for the song "Tender Oblivion", it is probably one of the best songs that the series has ever given us. Possibly topping "God Knows" and "Bouken Desho Desho".
Conclusion
"The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya" is one of the best anime film based on a tv series ever made, and it's right up their with the Hayao Miyazaki films. Not only does it make the series a million times better then it was before, but it proves that it can still be great, despite it's letdown of a second season. A must watch for any Haruhi fan. As for those who are new to the series, watch the first 2 seasons first, in order to get the characters, and their relationships more. (Though only watch the first and last episode of the Endless Eight arc) Even if your thoughts on the series is neutral, you might like the film more. For being one of my all time favorite films, I give "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya", a solid 5 stars out of 5.
