I just got back from seeing the movie. I did not think there would be a showing near me, but it turned out there was one, though farther than my usual theater, but only about a 20-minute drive from home.
In over 20 years, today was the first time I actually saw Fukuda and the Japanese voice actors of Kira, Lacus, and Shinn, and not just in picture, but in video form, speaking. That was really nice and an unexpected bonus.
Today was also the first time I actually got to be around people who seem to be fans of Gundam/mecha/anime. I actually got to talk to one person in the theater while also overhearing other discussions around me, especially after the movie. That was neat.
I really enjoyed the movie so much that I think I will try to go again tomorrow for the dub version, as tonight was the sub version. I heard there are new English voice actors. It's been so long since I've watched SEED in English, but let's see if I will also enjoy this one.
Spoiler for The movie itself:
Oh, I've missed this so much. The movie really captured everything about that I've enjoyed about the SEED franchise, from the characters, the music, the comedy, the combat, and yes, I even enjoyed the mild fan service.
Speaking of characters, I did not expect Kira to have a meltdown like that. I get what Fukuda was talking about that they wanted to have a scene where they slapped Kira, but I would've preferred it if they had done it differently. I personally don't think that scene was needed, but it's fine if they want to have it to be more aligned with some other Gundam protagonists.
And as for Lacus, wow, I think she really was prepared to let that guy have his way with her. Good thing he had a change of mind, but had he tried to go through with it, I would've hoped for Lacus to put up more of a fight.