It's essentially meant to be a recap movie and generally speaking* those don't improve upon the original source material, outside of cutting down on some filler and adding a new scene or two. The second movie does have more new content but I believe the overall structure remains roughly equivalent too, give or take. Still, it's not something designed to be standalone in either case.
In addition, the reviewer isn't much of a fan of the series either, by his own admission, so at least he's consistent.
*The original Mobile Suit Gundam movie trilogy would be an exception, rather than the rule, plus those are longer than most.