Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance released in North America

The sequel of new Evangelion series has hit the big screens in theaters across North America since January 2011 presented by Eleven Arts and FUNimation Entertainment.  Luckily, more dates have been announced for this year. 

Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance is the second film of in four part film series, re-imagining the sci-fi animated series blockbuster Neon Genesis, written and directed by Hideaki Anno.

Evangelion first aired on Japanese television in the mid 1990’s. Then, the creator decided to re-cut and re-organize the TV series onto this tetralogy.

It’s been two yeas since I saw the first part in the US, which it premiered at the Japanese Film Festival Los Angeles 2009.

The 2.0 was one of the top 5 highest grossing Japanese films of 2009 with box office in excess of 40 million USD.

The film started out with a bang in a post-Apocalyptic Japan caused by the alien-monsters called “Angels’,” causing the destruction to anything that was in their path.  Fighting the Angels were young teens in plug suits piloting giant combat robots called “Evas,” which of course is humanities last hope. 

Auska made her grand introduction with her red Eva.  With guns blazing, taking care of an Angel with ease, I was in store for an action packed experience.

The battle sequences were beautiful and at times jarring with the often-brutal attacks the Evas would unleash on the Angels.

The lead character, Shinji, continues to seek praise from his father and build any kind relationship with the blue-haired mysterious character, Ayanami Rei. 

I was quite pleased to see how the aspects of animation technology came together putting a great exhibition of this anime film. With a mix of 3D and CGI, it brought an eye-popping dimension to the audience.   

Now before you take the plunge and decide to watch this film.  The storyline contains a lot exposition about a high brand of philosophical talk with physiological metaphors about the affects of life.  The Old Testament is mentioned with defense agencies from around the globe.  You must watch Evangelion 1.0 to comprehend anything that goes on the world of Evangelion!

Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance, No MPAA Rating. Running time 1hr 49min. Now playing throughout the select theaters in the US. Check for the schedule at the official website.