Scott Pilgrim vs the World
Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Keiran Culkin, Anna Kendrick, Jason Schwarzman
Director: Edgar Wright
Certificate: 12A
Rating: 5 out of 5
Scott Pilgrim vs The World is one of those films that only comes around once in a while, when a truly different director such as Edgar Wright gets control over such a great source and is allowed to run with it.
Scott Pilgrim vs The World is based on the comic books that centre on, well, a slacker musician called, surprising enough, Scott Pilgrim.
Scott’s still recovering from a bad break up and without any drive in his life apart from playing the bass for small time band Sex Bob-omb. That is until he meets Ramona Flowers, a free spirit delivery girl who is, literally, the girl of his dreams.
The trouble is, if they’re going to date, he may have to do some fighting. Ramona’s exes are out to get Scott, and he’ll have to defeat all seven of them to get Ramona’s heart.
If power ballads have claimed that love is a battlefield, Scott Pilgrim proves it.
What stands out though a million miles in Scott Pilgrim is the incredible visual style. If you didn’t know this was comic, you will after 10 minutes.
Giant words flash across the screens like the pages of the graphic novel, and fact boxes and brilliant split screen editing make this movie jump right off the screen like nothing else out there.
The film’s more than passing love for vintage video games makes Scott Pilgrim even more surreal. Nintendo esque sound effects fill the air, bad guys explode into coins and beat-em-up voice overs ring out. Edger Wright has made a truly visually spectacular film.
Scott Pilgrim is geek-chic to the absolute limit, and absolutely proud of it.
Scott Pilgrim isn’t all style though, it has real substance. This is easily one of the funniest films of the year, with fantastically weird and brilliantly funny dialogue throughout.
The acting’s top class too, with Cera perfecting his indie-style persona. The real fun though comes from the supporting cast. Keiran Culkin shines as Scott’s gay room (and bed) Aubrey Plaza is great as mouthy friend Julie.
All the villains are great, especially ex-Superman Brandon Routh as a moronic rockstar with special vegan powers.
Add in some great pacing and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Scott Pilgrim is a crazy, fast paced ultra stylised and above all hilarious romp that makes it easily on of 2010’s best summer cinema experiences.
It may seem that summer is just filled with comic book movies, but Scott Pilgrim defiantly gets way up on the high score board.
Scott Pilgrim vs The World is out now
FemaleFirst Cameron Smith