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Monogatari Series: Second Season is the continuation of the series right after the events of Nisemonogatari. As a watcher of the previous seasons of Monogatari. I am happy to say that SHAFT continues to bring out its beautiful art style which is joined by its use of sound to create a strange but unique story in the anime.

Story: 10/10
The storytelling in the Second Season is slightly different then its previous seasons. As almost each arc is told by one of the supporting characters with the help of Araragi and Shinobu who are the main protagonists. Each specific arc in the series is told at different ... times ranging from summer to winter season in the story. The story itself requires many to watch the previous seasons as the Second Season is fairly complex. The complex story is appealing as it usually surprises me in the ending of the arc. The Story in the Monogatari Series is truly unique as each arc is slowly united into another arc which show the outcome of the consequences that Araragi or another character makes. The pacing in the story is slow likes its previous season. The Season Season does not contain really any fanservice unlike Nisemonogatari except more of an occasional comedy while still maintaining its seriousness in the storytelling. I did not like that the Otorimonogatari arc was pushed aside to be resolved until another arc was finished. The second season was also missing the Hanamonogatari arc. The ending of Season Season however was great as it paves the way for a new season in the future.

Art: 10/10
The series excels very well in its unique art style and visuals. A lot of the visuals and scenery that were hand painted were beautifully incorporated into the anime. The art style is realistic as the illustration utilizes the light and shadows in the background to create a wonderful setting for the story without using too much color. I believe the art style fits the story as fine like its previous seasons. The art style was relatively the same quality as before. Near the end of the season the opening visual of the Koimonogatari arc seemed outdated and old. The backgrounds are definitely memorable as VOfan's illustration is very distinct in his paintings and drawings. The character designs were appealing along with the hair style. Each character looked different and special in their own style.

Sound: 9/10
The characters that were portrayed in the previous season fits the different characters great. I believe the voices actors were chosen to fit their typical role for the voices. The background music is a big key to the art and story of Monogatari. By using the beautiful art style and sound like the previous seasons it allows the series to set up a bright or gloomy setting for the story. The soundtracks enhanced the action scenes for the different arcs. The OST that was used in the anime is intriguing and I would probably listen to it when it gets released. The OP/ED always have been one of the best which changes every time a new arc starts or ends. The Nekomonogatari: Shiro, Otorimonogatari, Onimonogatari and Koimonogatari OP/ED were one the most notable and best in my opinion.

Character: 9/10
Many of the characters in Monogatari were well-rounded having a human flaw and strength. They all bare the traits of human nature. Some of the characters are either clever, manipulative, innocent, wise , selfish and brave in someway. The characters reacted in a realistic way; learning and understanding the problems that pop up in the story. I was not able to relate any of the characters together as they were all special in their own way. Some of the characters did deteriorate to the point where they were willing to risk anything to change the outcome and or hide their true intention. I believe it is fine for the characters to deteriorate as it will be interesting to see how it progress in the future seasons of the Monogatari Series. Shinobu and Kaiki would be the foils for Araragi and Senjougahara in the series as play a strong support role in the last 2 arcs of the season. The main antagonist in the story had a open motivation which to some may seem insane or extreme, however we are told slowly on how the antagonist become this way near the end of the season which is realistic due to natural human behavior of being selfish. We are not really told much in the second season about Ougi Oshino but it seems most likely that the character is the second antagonist in the future. The supporting cast was just fine and perfect without it being overcrowed as Monogatari mostly focuses on the one supporting character for each specific arc. The main character Koyomi Araragi is the most prominent and memorable character just like the in previous seasons.

Enjoyment: 9/10
I believe many people will like this anime as the art and story arc are fascinating. I think non-anime/manga fans may like this anime for its unique style but some individual maybe discouraged due to the slow pacing. I might re-watch the entire series in the future if I read the light novel. I think re-watching the series will help me understand some of the information that I missed the first time. If they had complete Monogatari Series translated or straight from Japan I would definitely buy it because I love the story telling with the occasion comedy and action in Monogatari. The Monogatari Series is pretty memorable as it ended year on a good note.

Overall: 10/10
As you can see, SHAFT continues to bring out a compelling anime series that will satisfy many of its fans with its great story and unique art/sound from the previous season.

Story: 10/10
The story was driven mostly by Shinji Ikari who is the main character in the first Evangelion. Evangelion 2.0 starts right after the events of Evangelion 1.0. The story behind Evangelion is somewhat complex as we see the main character Shinji struggle in making difficult choices which can have dire consequences. The story is unique as it shows the sacrifices humanity makes to prevent total annihilation from the strange alien-like forms called "Angels". I felt the pacing was just about right to represent part of original Neon Genesis Evangelion in 2 hours. Evangelion 2.0 contains some comedy and fanservice at various parts ... of the movie. It is more prevalent between Shinji interactions with the other EVA pilots.
The ending was satisfying but was also little sad as we are left to wonder the fate of Shinji and the other characters in the aftermath.

Art: 10/10
The art in Evangelion 2.0 was spectacular like the previous Evangelion 1.0. The visuals have been fully remade from the original Neon Genesis in 1995-1996 to look more realistic and modern which is a big plus for the movie. The art style fits exactly just like the original TV series which works perfectly for the story. The character designs were appealing especially the EVA pilots. The style and visuals were steady through out the movie. The visuals were fluid as the actions scenes is huge part in EVA 2.0

Sound: 9/10
The sounds were decent in the anime and were portrayed in the anime very well especially the main character Shinji, as he displays different emotions and feeling through out the entire EVA 2.0. The ending song used in the EVA 2.0 was the original song used in the first EVA 1.0. There were no opening songs just like the first movie. The only downside to the sound were the few minutes of English dubs that were used along with Japanese voices in the opening scene which sounded odd and displayed no dialogue or emotion.

Character: 10/10
All the characters shown in the movie displayed some form of ahuman flaw and strength.
Main Character Shinji acts like a normal realistic teenage boy who has to make a difficult decisions while being influenced by all the people around him.
The characters in EVA grew anat a decent pace. Which allowed them to make the choices they made while baring the consequences.
The alien-like creature "Angel" are the antagonist which are the driving force in the story in annihilating humanity. The supporting cast were fine since they all displayed humanities commitment in preventing total extinction from the "Angels". The narrator in EVA 2.0 is the main character Shinji just like in the first movie which we slowly learn the problems that plague him. Shinji is the big character that I will definitely remember as he is the main character and the protagonist of Evangelion.

Enjoyment: 10/10
I think many people will like EVA especially if they saw the original TV series or the first movie. Some however may dislike the Mecha genre or the minor fanservice displayed in this movie. Those who are non-anime or manga watchers may like the film for its story and art. If I had the chance to re-watch in the future, I probably will again as this was a great movie. If I ever see a complete Evangelion Series Blu-Ray set including the new movie 4.0 coming out. I would totally buy it in a heartbeat. This movie was a memorable experience which I will definitely remember.