Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
Directed by Edgar Wright
Length: 112 minutes
Rated PG-13 for stylized violence, sexual content, language, and drug references





Before going through the usual dialogue of why I love or dislike a movie, let me just begin to list the ways in which I love Scott Pilgrim: Michael Cera, Jason Schwartzman, Edgar Wright, "Under My Thumb" by The Rolling Stones (my all-time favorite Stones song), the soundtrack, the idea, the awesome blend of Japanese anime style manga with American humor, Ramona Flowers, gay roommate Wallace, vegan police, and the list goes on and on...

Now for the more traditional approach. Edgar Wright has built a huge cult following after his instant classics Spaced: The Series, Shaun of the Dead, and Hot Fuzz. In his latest efforts, Wright decides to adapt the Bryan Lee O'Malley graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, in which the titular character must defeat the seven evil exes of Ramona Flowers, the girl of his dreams. This mash-up of Japanese anime style action and storytelling from the perspective of the hipster social scene is pure genius and translates well to the screen. And let us not forget the incredible casting job.

Perhaps the poster child of an actor capable of balancing mainstream success with indie cred, Michael Cera (Youth in Revolt, Arrested Development) as Scott Pilgrim is the perfect choice. Not only a native of the film's locale in Toronto, Cera posses that effeminate yet "cute" quality that makes you want to cheer for him. Equally awesome are Mary Elizabeth Winstead (The Thing, Live Free or Die Hard),as my future wife and Scott's love interest Ramona Flowers, and Ellen Wong (Unnatural History) as Knives Chau, Scott's scorned ex-girlfriend. Both capture the essence of their characters and really add an extra dimension to the film. Of course, I would be a terrible fanboy if I didn't mention Jason Schwartzman (Bored to Death, The Fantastic Mr. Fox) in his role as Gideon, the leader of the League of Seven Evil Exes. One of my favorite actors, Schwartzman continues his reign as the ultimate "funny even when I'm not being funny" actor - just see his incredible work in Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited, and even here - he's that perfect arrogant yet mysteriously appealing cool guy. While I would love to talk about each of the seven evil exes, I'll leave it to these parting thoughts: Anne Hog and vegan police = pure gold. Bonus points for those who get the Anne Hog reference.

The over-the-top style of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is well done, successfully mixing the gaming community and their nostalgic cliches with the noisy fury of the hipster indie scene and the over-exaggerated style of anime manga. Coupled with a raucous sonic boom of a soundtrack as well as enjoyable kung-fu esq battles, the film contains most every element needed for a geek to feel right at home.

While this review is a complete and total mess, it's simply because, like the film, one cannot help but constantly jump from thought to thought in attempt to retrace the spectacle just witnessed. By commercial measures, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World will be deemed a complete failure due to its poor box office performance; but it would be unfortunate if the bottom line dictates the fate of similar films. A gust of fresh air breathed into the stale movie scene, Edgar Wright's latest film is a complete fun-fest and certainly should be enjoyed. While most people will not care for this highly stylized and frantically paced film, it is a shame that most people will pass on seeing Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. I certainly feel the film deserves a trip to the theater, but I acknowledge the film isn't for everyone. So at least send the film industry a message and rent this original and refreshing film so we fans can see more good movies.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
I had a lot of favorite quotes, but I'll just say anything involving the vegan police rocked my world.