Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World is the latest energetic effort from director Edgar Wright (the witty Brit behind the masterful zombie homage Shaun of the Dead and the side splittingly hilarious actioner send up Hot Fuzz). Based on Brian Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel, Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World features the hilariously offbeat Michael Cera as Scott–a young musician with a crush. The crush in question is lovely Ramona Flowers (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead). After asking Ramona out, Scott is surprised to find her receptive to the idea, but shortly after engaging in a courtship, he realizes that to win the heart of his lady fair, he must first defeat her seven evil ex’s. What follows, is a fantastical romantic/adventure inspired by old school video game culture, laced with themes of young adult awkwardness and the angst so prevalent in the works of John Hughes.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World is a really busy movie. It’s very stylized and dizzying in presentation. The first thirty five minutes of the film reminded me of the first act of Moulin Rouge. Not in terms of tone, but in terms of overall style. Lots of flash, high energy sight gags, and quick cutting. So much so in fact, that it was a little off-putting. As was the case with Moulin Rouge however, I really began to warm up to the film as it progressed and there’s no denying that Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is very well crafted. It might be indulgent but its indulgent in more of a Tarantino way than, say, Michael Bay.
As is typical in an Edgar Wright film, you’ll see winks at the likes of pretty much everything that’s inspired Wright through the years. A lot of the gags here play as inside jokes, but if you’re in on them (or even half of them), you’re going to have the time of your life. Personally, I prefer Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz but perhaps that’s because I’m more knowledgeable when it comes to zombie films and action movies than video games, but I still had a fun time with Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World. And perhaps what was most striking to me about this flick was that beneath all the flashy bravado there really is something heartfelt and sincere. Its almost like an amped up, hyper kinetic version of 500 Days of Summer, only sweet instead of bittersweet. Whether or not Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World emerges as a break out hit remains to be seen. I don’t know that it necessarily has the crossover appeal factor. Still, this is one creative movie and I’m greatly looking forward to experiencing it again.
— Adam Mast, Zboneman.com
Grade: B
The Details:-
Directed By: Edgar Wright
Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jason Schwartzman, Kieran Culkin
Released By: Universal Pictures
Released In: 2010
Rated: PG-13
Reviewed By: Adam Mast
Check out our full Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World preview page.
Watch the trailer below…
