Sunday, August 15, 2010

Movie Review: Scott Pilgrim vs The World


Edgar Wright is a funny man. His works include Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. If any of you are familiar with these films then you know they are very humorous and full of energy. His newest work, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (based on the popular comic) is really no different.

The film stars Michael Cera who plays Scott Pilgrim, a socially awkward 22 year old who has some serious girl troubles. For one thing he has a crazy, 17 year old Asian girl friend. He also has a crazy ex-girlfriend who happens to be a rock star. But those are the least of his problems. Enter Ramona Flowers, the girl from Scott’s dreams. She has the face of an angel, rides roller skates everywhere and her hair even changes colors every week and a half. Scott knows he has to have her. But there is a little something blocking his path. (Seven little somethings actually)

These “somethings” are her seven “Evil ex boyfriends”, all of whom have been hurt by Ramona in the past and want vengeance. Scott soon learns that to win Ramona’s love he must defeat all seven of these evil, evil people. Thus the story of Scott Pilgrim kicks off. I give it points here for its pacing, and its originality. Since the originality speaks for itself, let’s talk about the pacing.

It is my belief that everyone inhaled as much caffeine as they could before making this film. At least that’s what it feels like. But don’t worry, because in this situation this is a very good thing. The film is very quick, witty and fun. It changes its subject of attention very frequently and that’s what makes it funny. The characters are just so lovably random. You will be laughing almost nonstop throughout the film. The good thing about the humor is that it is witty and different each time. They rarely repeat a joke and while a few lines may be too corny to laugh at…the good far outweighs the bad. This film will have you laughing out loud and maybe even have you crying silently. (Yes there are some touching parts. But it’s touching in a good way.)

Michael Cera does an excellent job as Scott Pilgrim. I am the first person to admit that I am not a big fan of this actor, mainly because he plays the same awkward lovable character in every film. He reprises this role yet again, but it works this time. You will laugh more at Cera than you ever thought possible. His witty dialogue and loveable-awkward self are perfect for the role of a boy looking to win a girls love by any means necessary. Other notable performances include Jason Bateman as Gideon, one of the evil ex boyfriends and Kieran Culkin as Scott’s gay roommate. While I only mentioned a few, there are many other notable performances. Each actor lends his or her own personal touch to this imaginative, vibrant and hilarious world.

Like I just mentioned above, the world this film takes place in is very stylish and imaginative. But that is speaking modestly. This is the best and most creative take on a comic book I have ever seen in a film. While Sin City was almost a shot-for-shot remake of the comic, this one does it better than Sin City did. The onomatopoeia come on screen when things happen just like in a comic book, the enemies turn into coins when defeated, and the fight scenes look like something out of Dragon Ball Z. The combat sequences are heavily influenced by Anime. Lets just put it this way: if a comic book and a video game had a baby, and that baby somehow grew into a movie…this would be the film. There are elements from both video games and comic books everywhere. They literally make up the feel and essence of the film. So, if you are a person that is a fan of comic book s and video games you will enjoy taking a trip to the Scott Pilgrim universe. The fight scenes are over the top and crazy and the overall look and feel of the world is happy, energetic and fun.

This is truly the film for the 21st century nerd. If you grew up with comics and video games, you will completely love this film. It is packed full of video game and comic references. It has a very witty and sometimes juvenile sense of humor and it has loveable characters. If you are a person who hasn’t ever picked up a video game or a comic, then this film wont mean as much to you, but you will still enjoy it. If you are a person who loves video games and comics then you will totally love this film. It is designed from the ground up for a longtime gamer and comic fan and it is the most realistic comic to film adaptation of all time.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is a very well done feature that is just a lot of fun.

It looks as though you have won your epic battle vs. the world, Scott. Well done.

5/5 – Must See

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