Regardless of how I review the movie, the fact is that it’ll depend on the viewer. I’m also aware of the great variety of reactions out there, some honestly surprised me and some didn’t, but after speaking with several others who also watched the movie, we all agree on one main point: go into the film with an open mind.

After watching the movie the first time I honestly didn’t know what to think - there were several parts that I liked and others that left me disappointed - but after watching it a few more times with various people (7 times total to be exact) I found myself enjoying it more while simultaneously being more critical of its plot and characters. However, let me be clear, I don’t hate the movie. I couldn’t bring myself to hate it even if I tried because it’s still FMA - a new FMA with everything that entails, but FMA nonetheless, so in the end I’m grateful we have it.

Something worthy of note is that Ed, Al, and by default, Winry are all aged up. Ed is 20 and Al is 19, but the brothers still commit human transmutation when they’re 11 and 10 so they’ve already been on their journey for far longer than they were in the manga/anime-verse even though their story is just beginning. In my opinion, it’s very important to keep this small detail in mind while watching, because Ed’s guilt is a big focus throughout the movie.

I’ll finish this off by saying that plot-wise, I wasn’t a big fan of the climax and the subsequent finale even if it had a couple badass moments. Characterization-wise, almost everybody was spot-on for the amount of time they were given. Personally, I would rate it a 6 leaning to a 7 because Al alone left a big impression (he was a fave), but this film is definitely not Hollywood-material so don’t expect it to be.

I hope I haven’t said too much already, and that I was able to answer your question clearly. I honestly wanna hear all of your reactions and thoughts on the movie!! Let us know what you think when you see it!

~inmyspinnychair