Review: Scott Pilgrim vs the World

29 December, 2010 William Eguizabal 2 Comments 2 categories

Title: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes

What It Is: Scott Pilgrim (Cera) does not have the best luck with women. His ex-girlfriend Envy left him after her band Clash at Demonhead hit it big. Now Scott is in love with Ramona Flowers (Winstead). The problem is he already has a relationship with a sixteen year old high schooler named Knives Chau. Unfortunately for Scott, that is not his only problem. Ramona has seven evil exes, yes exes, not boyfriends. These exes have formed a pact to stop Scott Pilgrim. They are led by the conniving Gideon Graves (Jason Schwartzman). On top of all these issues, poor Scott and his band Sex Bob-Omb are trying to win a Battle of the Bands.

What We Think: Equipped with an awesome soundtrack complete with songs written by legendary indie songwriter Beck and a stunning visual display unlike any seen in cinema before, you would think all these things would be enough. Thankfully this movie is all killer and no filler. Besides having an amazing soundtrack and effects, this story has a great core about the lengths a man will go to for the love of a woman. He fights break dancing Indian kids, a soy powered vegan, a dashing movie star, and others. While acting is not this comedy’s focal point, Cera does a nice job trying to shed his shy guy persona set from his previous performances. Sadly, I think it is still there, and it will always be. Winstead makes Ramona likable one moment and difficult the next. I think that is the character’s point, so kudos there. For me, Brandon Routh as super vegan bassist Todd Ingram was the best of all the characters. In all honesty, the fact that this film was a bomb disappoints me. It has all the tools to become your new favorite movie if you give it a chance.

Our Grade: A+, This film earns itself a well deserved perfect grade. The cast is great and they really bring the story to life. Wright’s breakneck speed of direction infuses it with energy and Cera’s boyish charm makes Scott’s wandering ways feel less scandalous. Even if you are not a video game fan, you should enjoy this film. If you are one, you will truly be able to appreciate the inside jokes and video game references scattered throughout this intriguing piece of truly original cinema.