cinemovie.tv

Adapted from a graphic novel, SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD centers on Scott Pilgrim, a bass player with the band Sex Bob-Omb played by Superbad's Michael Cera. Scott Pilgrim falls for Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a cool punk rocker-looking woman with seven evil exes who show up to kill his relationship.  Director Edgar Wright, who brought us delightfully funny Sean of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, does not disappoint and delivers an equally, entertaining story that mixes various genres and styles. Given the source material, the film obviously plays up the comic book style but anime, manga, martial arts, and video game influences are thrown in for fun and it works.

While the story may be over the top, Michael Cera and supporting characters ground SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD. Michael Cera pulled off being an action star in this movie.  The dozen of characters coming and going are memorable and well-defined.  Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air, Twilight Saga), Kieran Culkin (Igby Goes Down), Ellen Wong, and Alison Pill stand-out in their roles but Mary Elizabeth Winstead finally shines in a role so different and compelling than any of her previous work.  Superman Returns star Brandon Routh hams it up as a Vegan telepathic bass player. 

The strong story line and memorable characters were enhanced by the visually effects.  The special effects brought to life the fantasy elements of Scott Pilgrim's world including the fight sequences when super powers came into play.  The fight scenes were raw and real, using wire work rather than CGI although CGI definitely came into play spicing up the background elements.

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD definitely entertains on all levels including the music.  The indie music added a rawness to the flick in tune with the melting pot of genres and styles. 

My one complaint about the film was the final fight scene with Jason Schwartzmann.  It went on too long and dragged out for a while and just when you think it's over, another obstacle presents itself but Wright turned it around and killed it (won't say how). That made the last portion forgivable. 

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD is a groundbreaking film that will inspire others to follow 'the anything goes' format.  Kick Ass (Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse) had that same type of non-Hollywood feel.  While very different from Kick Ass, the two films would be a great double feature. As previously mentioned, not all will enjoy the trippy experience of Scott Pilgrim's world but gamers old and new, comic book fans, and anyone up for something different will get a kick from SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD.

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD is now playing in theaters.