I have to admit that I almost didn't watch it because there is still so much bitterness left over from the original series and the 2 films, but boy I'm so glad that I did. It was highly enjoyable. (Rei's role doesn't really change from that of the anime. Though I found her slightly more interesting herer than I did in the series. I have this theory that by condensing the first 6 episodes they cut out a lot of the crap that dragged the series down, and the film is just the better work).