Actually, you're probably better off as a film fan to enjoy Evangelion. It's waaay more complex than most anime, although it does incorporate a lot of Akira type weirdness. Although, the weirdness is eva is more like David Lynch - you can make something out of it if you try really hard, but for most you wouldn't bother.
I'm tempted to compare Eva favourably as film, but that's a bit presumtuous. That said, it's more like film than anime. Don't go in just for Giant Robots, or you WILL be disapointed. It's a psychological drama, not a giant robot show.
For what is really about, check my first review. Basically, it's about a boy growing up, and coming to terms with himself, the world, and his own sexuality. And it's about Anno trying to explain his life. And it's a comment on human lonliness.
I would very much reccommend seeing it, although as Spriggan (I think) siad, if you only want to buy a single anime, buy Cowboy Bebop instead.