Allan Watched "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World"
It takes a little patience and an openness to a quirky, and sometimes confusing, plot, but Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is truly one of the most unique viewing experiences you will ever have.
Just Roll With It
It took me a solid amount of time in the beginning to just relent and give up on trying to make sense of what exactly was happening in front of me, but once I did, I was able to embrace the madness and revel in the colorful explosion of action and adventure in the world of Scott Pilgrim. I think if I watched this film in 2010 when I was 19, I would have loved it. But instead I am a crotchety 27-year-old, and I just liked it a lot.
The one thing I couldn’t shake about the film that was so unique in a myriad of ways, was how reliant they were on cliches and stereotypes, particularly towards the gay, bi, and Asian characters. Maybe in 2010 it wasn’t as jarring, because the world is different than it was almost a decade ago, but I found it to be a little distracting.
Stars Everywhere
There is one thing you cannot deny about Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is how perfectly cast it is. The bit roles that surround Michael Cera (Superbad, Arrested Development) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (10 Clover Lane, Final Destination 3) are full of star power and great performances. When the likes of Chris Evans, Aubrey Plaza, Anna Kendrick, Jason Schwartzman and Brie Larson make up the minor characters in a movie, it is a safe bet it will be memorable. This movie came out before most of them turned into superstars, but their talent and presence is undeniable.
Cera gives a standard Michael Cera-type performance, but he has a sharpness at times during the film that I like a lot. He has a bite to him, and when he was beating some ex-boyfriend butt, I wasn’t surprised he could land a solid dropkick. Winstead gives a pretty level performance, and lands the final sentimental moments very well. Frankly, I don’t think the script gave her much of an opportunity for a dynamic performance.
There is one true gem in this film, and its Kieran Culkin (Igby Goes Down). Every scene he is in is funny, and his energy is needed to foil Cera’s dryness.
A Thrill A Second
The star of this film is the action. It feels like you are watching a real-life video game, and every second of combat is captivating. Although the storyline that connects each battle scene is a little thin, and does not make the most sense (everything with Knives feels very clunky and at times completely unnecessary), I was craving the next battles and was able to sink my teeth into them. Each battle was unique and fun, and even though I didn’t really care who the ex-boyfriends were or knew anything about the guys and gal that Scott Pilgrim was battling, it all felt so fresh.
The story itself is really weak though. They sprinkle in a few lover’s quarrels, and during the fight where Scott asks Ramona if she’d slept with everyone in the bar, I actually caught myself thinking “Oh hey look, plot!”. The band Scott is in is fun and the music is stellar, but the characters themselves don’t add to much to the story, and the “Knives dates Young Neil” felt like an after thought and had no bite to it.
Great Music, But Not Legandary
The music in Scott Pilgrim gets better and better as the film goes on, and it drives a lot of the more powerful plot points. I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting, but I anticipated the music to really blow me away, and it didn’t. It was great, but considering the hype that is associated with the soundtrack, and knowing how masterful writer/director Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, Baby Driver) is with pairing music to action, maybe my expectations were too high. Having an almost fully original rock soundtrack that does rock is an impressive feat, no matter what.
Random Thoughts
“Bread makes you fat” was the funniest line Michael Cera has said in any move ever.
The Seinfeld interlude was ridiculous and I loved every second of it.
This movie has two Avengers, Chris Evans (Captain America) and Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), as well as Superman, Brandon Routh.
The film also has my two favorite Cece love interests from New Girl not named Schmidt, Robby (Nelson Franklin) and Shivrang (Satya Bhabha).
Quick Hits:
How many times have I seen this movie?
First time!
Where was I watching it?
In my office while playing MLB The Show. I’m in the playoffs and it’s a BIG DEAL. I also had a five-hour old iced coffee, per usual.
Did Kellye Watch it? If Yes, did she like it. If no, would she like it?
Kellye did not watch it, and I know without a doubt she would have been annoyed the whole time. Kellye likes structure, which makes this the wrong movie for her. And she hates how much I love Superbad so she probably would’ve spite-hated it just because of Michael Cera.
Favorite fact I learned from Wikipedia
Kevin Smith loved this movie, which is quite an endorsement for a movie based on a comic book, because the dude knows comics.
Favorite part
When Scott and Ramona fight in tandem against Mae Whitman. It was dope.
Least favorite part
Just too many cliches throughout. It really bugged me.
Would I recommend this movie and why?
I would, despite its flaws. It is rare to get to watch something that is completely unique and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It is a fun, fast film.
So What Does Allan Give It?
One Gold Thumbs Up! Overall, a score of 73.
