Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alison Pill, Kieran Culkin, Ellen Wong, Brie Larson, Anna Kendrick, Ben Lewis, Aubrey Plaza, Johnny Simmons, Mark Webber, Chris Evans, Brandon Routh, Jason Schwartzman, Thomas Jane (uncredited), Clifton Collins (uncredited)
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Romance
2010

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) meets and immediately falls for Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). However, to date her, he must first defeat her seven evil exs.

Review:

Tim: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is like a breath of fresh air coming out of Hollywood. I believe this is a very underrated, misunderstood movie. Now, I'm not saying the film is great. However, it is unique, stylish, cool, interesting- and borders on greatness. This movie works because it is so unlike everything else being done today. So many Hollywood movies seem short on creativity, when this film has almost too much. I liked this film very much, and am sorry it didn't do better at the box office.

The movie does a very good job of intermixing the video-game-esque fight scenes in with the more dramatic, comedic, and romantic elements. I've heard the film described as a musical, but instead of song numbers, they break into fights. This is a very appropriate description, and a fresh, interesting take. The film occasionally pushes the boundaries a bit too far, jumping around, using split screens, animation, and other techniques. There were a few moments when I wish it had been toned down just a bit. However, looking at the film as a whole, it really is a beautiful mosaic of crazy scenes shocking the senses. This is a film that you'll appreciate more if you give yourself over to it completely. Anything less than full immersion will leave you scratching your head.

The cast was impressive. I love Michael Cera as the titular Scott Pilgrim. This is exactly the right type of role for him, and it was very fun watching him in the fight sequences. This role played to all of his strengths while allowing him room to stretch a bit as well. I really enjoyed him here. I also liked Mary Elizabeth Winstead, but that had some limits. I thought she was good in the role, and I can't imagine anyone else playing Ramona. However, while Winstead was good, I can't think of a single moment where she wowed me with her performance. She was always good, but never actually great. I wish she had given a little more.

The rest of the cast is quite good. I loved Kieran Culkin and think he stole every scene he was in. He made me laugh so many times. Anna Kendrick's presence was welcome, but I wanted more screen time from her. Chris Evans and Brandon Routh made very good evil exs. Jason Schwartzman was an inspired choice to play the final ex. I also have to mention the uncredited roles of Thomas Jane and Clifton Collins. They appeared in a scene that should have been really, really stupid- but they completely sell it with her serious performances. I loved that moment in the film.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is not a perfect movie. I understand how it could turn off moviegoers, and why they didn't all rush out to see it. However, the film is insanely unique, creative, and different. I loved that I was watching something I haven't seen dozens of times before. I thought the movie was entertaining, funny, exciting, and memorable. It could have been more emotional and impactful, but the film achieves what it set out to achieve. I really enjoyed this film, and it's one of the most entertaining I've seen in recent months.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, Superbad, Youth in Revolt