Recommended
Naruto fans, rejoice. What Gekijouban Naruto Shippuuden offers is a healthy dose of your favorite Naruto recipe. Of course, that also means it's nothing new or groundbreaking. Simply put, if you like Naruto, then you'll probably like the movie. If you're not particularly fond of the show, then don't expect too much. Story: 5 The plot behind the movie is one that is highly unoriginal and rather rushed. The story lacks much depth, and consists of the usual, ultimate evil threatens the world, Naruto & co. get assigned to bodyguard work, they face other ninjas, almost face defeat, but then Narutoalways comes through and saves the day. Or does he? The very beginning of the film gives a preview (I don't consider this a SPOILER since it happens within the first two minutes of the movie) of Naruto's death, and subsequent funeral. Ooh, suspense, suspense! Anyway, if this isn't enough to keep Naruto fans hooked, then the high number of action scenes will. In fact, the action scenes are the only redeeming quality to the movie, as the story suffers from almost no development at all. It's your basic high action, little story formula that's perfect for satisfying the series' generally younger audience.
The Scooby gang is switched up a little for world-saving action. Of course, Team 7 consists of Naruto and Sakura, but this time around, Rock Lee is filling in for Sasuke, and Neji in place of Kakashi, since all of the upper level ninja are tasked with stopping the massive ghost army. This is where the story falls apart. The lame excuse for having just Team 7 guard the most key person to saving the world really makes no sense. Why send all the more experienced ninja to stop this army (they end up doing no damage at all to them anyway), and furthermore, Naruto dispatches them easily enough on his own. Also, is it just Wind Village vs. ultimate evil? You'd think that at least a few other people would care a little. The resolution will most likely have many people shaking their heads in disbelief at the sheer number of deus ex machina that end up saving the world - since there are no rules regarding Shion and the demon, they can just more or less make it up along the way.
That aside, it's a good way to isolate Naruto, Rock Lee, Sakura, and Neji, and focus the action upon them. Their fights with various other ninjas and a few more sentimental moments provide just enough substance to consider this a movie. The ending will also probably have you smiling with it's tongue-in-cheek humor, and the ED song before it is rather enjoyable as well.
Art: 10
As usual, Naruto performs quite well in the art department. Unique characters, flashy jutsu effects, and detailed backgrounds are pleasing to the eye. A few corners are cut in places (most notably the ghost army, although this is understandable), but it's easily overlooked. Action scenes are fluid and well-paced, and fit perfectly into the movie.
Sound: 8
Like it's art, the sound is similarly of great quality. The upbeat music playing during action scenes will have your blood pumping and fit the fights really well. Various sound effects, such as the sounds of kunai or the rush of running water are executed in great fashion. The ending song is pretty catchy as well. Sound is basically what you've come to expect from the series.
Character: 7
What Gekijouban Naruto Shippuuden offers character-wise is really nothing new. Some of your old favorites, plus one or two new heroes and several baddies. Shion possesses just enough development to keep the story going, while most of the baddies, such as the four ninja siblings have no back-story at all, and are just thrown in to give Team 7 a tough fight or two, although they do possess some rather unique abilities with their use of chakra. The movie makes no leaps or bounds in anything new this time around, but it's enough.
Enjoyment: 7
Perhaps it's just me being reminiscent of my younger days of watching InuYasha movies, but Gekijouban Naruto Shippuuden reminded me of them, and it was kind of nice watching something less story-based and just purely action-driven for a change. If you're a fan of action, you'll enjoy it, more or less. Even if you're unfamiliar with the Naruto world, you shouldn't have too much trouble understanding this movie.
Overall: 7
As stated before, Gekijouban Naruto Shippuuden offers nothing new to the Naruto world, and as such, don't go in expecting too much. If you've been watching the Naruto series up until now, then of course watch this movie. Chances are, you'll like it. If you aren't particularly a fan of this anime, then don't expect the movie to change your mind. Overall, the movie is just a concentrated dose of Naruto action geared at younger audiences.
Score: 37/50; C (74%)
