Yes. It's deceptive because they've spent a lot of time on the scenery, action and lighting and coming up with new character designs and color schemes. But it's not an improvement for the main characters, Sakura and Naruto. Only Hinata is the one who reaps the benefits from this movie. It's about her, developing her story and propping up her character.
You know, no wonder Kishimoto looked so unhappy during all the publicity campaigns. For any creator to see his work turned on its head like this, it must be deeply upsetting. Even though he's clearly sexist and made some really stupid and contradictory remarks, never once did I hear or see anything that made me think he was happy with the outcome. Just glad to be done with it.
Of course in the long run, Kishimoto-sensei is the one who allowed this to happen. But I guess deep down, he didn't think it would be this bad, or how angry he would make his fans. Yet he has no one to blame but himself AND Studio Pierrot.
I agree, it sucks though he is so blatantly unhappy he has to keep digging his own grave, thus ruining his rep. Of course, we saw some of his sexist attitude now and then in the manga itself, like what Kurenai's dad said and other stupid kitten even when he showed Naruto's world is one of equality.
Thanks for at least speaking up like this, Tricks :)