I had no idea about that change in director and approach. I mean, Chainsaw Man caught my attention, but I agree with you: the pace felt slow, as if everything was too... "artistic" or "serious"? I was a bit caught off guard with the season because, precisely, I felt it lacked that frenetic, crazy spark that the manga gives it. I was thinking: it needs to be more breathless action and fewer long shots.
Now that you say the new director injected that manga rhythm, added a better soundtrack, and tweaked the dialogue, you've sold me! You're absolutely right about the fans: it's the same old story, people clamor for changes, and when they get them, they want the old stuff! If you're saying the recap movies are on Crunchyroll and that they're the opposite of boring... I think I should give them a chance to refresh their memories before the main movie comes out. Thanks for the tip!