Scott Pilgrim vs. the World fully understands what it is as a film and
accepts that, but it doesn't let that keep it from reaching further than any
other film of its kind. Like many films before it that have come to
define what it means to be younger in a given decade, Scott Pilgrim will come
to define the youth experience of the late 90's and 00's.
Scott Pilgrim succeeds as a
film and a work of craftsmanship, while a lesser film would have devolved into
constant sexual innuendo and haphazardly thrown together action
set-pieces, Scott Pilgrim gets it right. With a wonderful story, amazing
visuals, and good acting all around.
The movie follows the story of
Scott Pilgrim, (Michael Cera) a 22 year old who crashes with his friend,
plays in a band called "Sex Bob-omb", and has no job. When he
meets the girl of his dreams (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) in order to date
her, Scott must defeat her Seven Evil Exes in combat.
The casting here is spot on,
sure Michael Cera is type-cast, but this time it feels
like he brings a bit more to the game than his usual mumblely loser shtick, and that extra little bit sells his performance completely. The rest of the cast fills their roles wonderfully providing a depth of character that's required for a picture this big. In particular Kieran Culkin, playing Scott's roommate, steals several of the scenes he's involved in.
The visuals of the film are amazing, blurring the line between reality, video games, and comic books (see image above).
Power bars, extra lives, a score counter, all of the little extras that
run through our minds after spending way too much time playing way too many
video games.
For me, it’s the story and storytelling that really makes this movie what it is. In your mind, picture a movie about a boy chasing a girl, a movie that makes constant references to video games and comic books, what does that movie look like? If I said, “A bunch of fight scenes that do nothing but move the plot along, a weak story with flat barely realized characters, and actors that don’t do anything more than read their lines.” Would that sound about what you pictured? That is exactly the kind of film that Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is not. Every part of the movie is used to further the story as well as the characters and their growth. Even the fight scenes are more than just barren pauses to blow stuff up, they work as wonderful symbolism
on what a man/boy is willing to go through to be with the woman/girl he loves.
Even though Scott Pilgrim vs.
the World may not blow away the box office, in the end it should find a long
glorious life on DVD, because in many ways this is a movie that defines the
experiences of a generation. Plus it’s a
hell of a good movie too. The best
way I can sum up this movie is, if you have ever played a video game, or read a
comic book you will love Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Good: Cast, visuals, storytelling
Bad: Umm, I can’t really think of anything.
4 out of 4 stars
