Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

“Evangelion 2.0 evolves the original show’s central conceit of being alone together with other people in leaps and bounds. The problem with that is: Neon Genesis Evangelion was never a leaps-and-bounds kind of show.”

Simon Abrams, Slant Magazine · 63

“Viewers who haven’t studied their Neon Genesis DVD box sets in advance will find the plot incomprehensible—Old Testament gibberish mixed with political intrigue at the global defense agency headed by Shinji’s aloof father. But the sentiments are clear: “I guess I want Dad to praise me,” says our wavering hero. And his courtship of Asuka is downright charming.”

Brian Miller, Village Voice · 60

“For the most part, this is the kind of immersive fanboy experience that doesn't suffer wandering attention spans.”

Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times · 50

“Like a surly teen pilot, you, too, might find yourself bored and muttering, “Honestly, maybe the fate of humanity and the world isn’t important to me, either.’’”

Ethan Gilsdorf, Boston Globe · 50

“It's strictly for the fans, who will furiously parse the changes in the narrative (including a new female pilot) and the nonsensical stew of philosophical and religious symbolism.”

Mike Hale, The New York Times · 40