Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Review

[The_Julian]

Edgar Wright clearly has confidence in his latest film project. Enough confidence to offer thousands of Comic-Con attendees the chance to view his movie nearly a month before it releases.  Enough confidence to greet his waiting audience on stage with all the enthusiasm of a Sex Bob-omb roadie. Well, after being lucky enough to be one those thousands of viewers, I can proudly say that I can share in his enthusiasm as I call Scott Pilgrim vs. The World one of the best movies anyone can see this Summer.

Michael Cera stars as Scott Pilgrim, an unlikely romantic and awkwardly charming character bass player in the fledging band, Sex Bob-omb.  If that sounds familiar for Cera, that's because it is. However, he delivers this role with such an uncommon dynamicism and range of emotion for him, that I'm willing to forgive his slightly repetitive character theme.  That, this movie has made me believe he can kick my ass.

Scott is initially dating Knives Chau (Ellen Wong), a seventeen year old high school student.  His feelings are quickly changed as he encounters Ramona, a rollerblading delivery girl for Amazon.ca.  Scott feels an immediate attraction to her, which Ramona acquiesces, but there's a catch to this relationship: In order to date her, Scott will have to fight defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends.

The exes are wonderfully cast as we see Chris Evans, Brandon Routh, Jason Schwartzman (playing Lucas Lee, Todd Ingram, and Gideon Graves, respectively), along with others have a blast with their roles. It's remarkable how much  personality is injected in each of their character's screen time.  Proudly dipping into a realm of video game sensibility, the fights against these exes are set up as boss battles in a video game with music and sound effects from Mario, Zelda, and Sonic the Hedgehog being generously peppered throughout.  You've likely realized that realism isn't factor here, but as you let the movie take you over, even the most over the top elements will come naturally.

Fans of the comic books needn't worry about it's translation to film.  Most of the best lines of dialogue, characters, and concepts from the book have been faithfully brought here. Entire scenes and scenarios are lifted to life from the pages of the book, with the movie even going so far as to insert comic-style onomatopoetic call out with every punch thrown.  There are several changes made, but they are all done with enough respect to series creator Bryan Lee O'Malley's original vision to remain in the spirit of the universe

Wright's clever mastery of edits and transition is deserving of special mention.  Scenes where someone mentions Scott's rapidly growing hair and the next frame showing him wearing a hat or single conversations that seamless take place over many scenes had the audience entranced.  Edgar Wright displays a rare talent for the technique that it only seems like an extension of the world he's created than an overly used gimmick.

The music is also remarkable. New tracks from Beck, Metric, and Broken Social Scene are enough to make this one of the first soundtracks that I look forward to purchasing in years.

There are some minor nit picks, however.  Since the film has two hours to convey a story that the books had 6 graphic novels to cover, some characters are not nearly as fleshed out. Envy and Scott's past relationship is literally left alone for the rest of the movie after evil ex #3 is defeated and Kim, a key subject of the second half of the series, is left to only taking up the role of "Scott's friend." Also, this is a movie that is best suited for people who can embrace the philosophies of MTV and Nintendo; some it's quirk may end up as a turn off for some.

Minor foibles aside, "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" is some of the most fun you will have at the movie theater this Summer. In a genre that seems to have fallen into the unfortunate trend of comfortably passing off anything vulgar or unsavory as comedy, this sharp-witted and hyper-kinetic film is a breath of adrenaline-soaked fresh air.

[SpiderLover]

While I am glad you're excited and I do not remember the source material. This confirms why I wont be seeing it. Micheal Cera, playing the same thing he always plays. Though kick ass review.

[Navarre]

Although I am not interested in seeing the movie, I am pleased to hear that the movie seems to be exactly what it was intended to be for its target audience. I hope other fans of Scott Pilgrim enjoy it as much as you did.

Great review, providing what a good review should. Thanks, Julian.

[The_Julian]

D'aw shucks. Thanks for the kind words guys!

[@lantis]

I just saw it tonight.  I have to disagree with the idea that Michael Cera is playing the same character type.  I had my initial doubts, but Michael Cera sold me on his role as Scott Pilgrim.  Yes he is bumbling, yes he is a little socially awkward, but it is not the same kind of bumbling or awkward.  It is hard to describe accurately, but he bumbles because he is oblivious, rather than his usually nervous bumbling; he is awkward because he is an idiot, not because he is just plain awkward. 

Julian summed it up excellently, the boss battles were executed in a manner true to the comic.  I found every battle to be distinct and have its own memorable moments.  The only criticism I have is the sheer amount of lens flare during the battles.  Other than that the effects added to each battle made me feel like I was watching one kick-ass video game.

When I first saw the previews of Scott Pilgrim vs the World, I didn't find the actress playing Ramona attractive.  After watching this movie I must say Mary Elizabeth Winstead made me fall in love with Ramona.  She brought the character alive and brought a great contrast to Michael Cera's portrayal of Scott Pilgrim.

My only other problem was the lack of development for Kim Pine's story.  It is only mentioned that her and Scott dated, and she is obviously pissed about it.  It never goes beyond that and so the end loses a little of its impact.  Time makes it understandable to leave it out, but it does take a bit away from the movie as a whole.

Julian said it best, the quirk isn't for everyone.  It does what it is trying to do well, and if you liked the humor of the comics you'll enjoy the movie.  Go see it even if you hate Michael Cera, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[dantemarx]

So, i saw it with the girlfriend, and we both had a blast. Really a very good time, especially if you read comics, watch anime, or play video games. More so with all three. Only had read volume one before this, it was no problem for me.

[sab39]

Never read the comic but loved the movie, and couldn't wait to get hold of the DVD. And considering how awesome the movie was as a movie, I'm a little unsure whether I want to look into the comics or not. So many parts of what I liked about the movie were to do with the way it pulled in nostalgic video game motifs, and I can't quite see how that would translate into a comic.

I wonder if someone could do a "review of Scott Pilgrim the comic from the perspective of a fan of the movie...?"

(After watching the movie's "alternate ending" from the DVD, I'm also really confused about how it was "supposed" to end, too, because the alternate ending made more sense than the released one did in a lot of ways. I sort of want someone to make TEAM RAMONA and TEAM KNIVES shirts - but frankly I'm not sure which one I'd wear. I think I'm TEAM KIM which makes no sense given that I don't know anything about her part of the plot...)