Let me start things off on an honest note: this is going to be a biased review.
"Why?" you ask. Well because I love the Scott Pilgrim series. So the very fact that it has been adapted into a film makes me giddy (not many things make me giddy).
For those of you unfamiliar with Scott Pilgrim it is a series of Graphic Novels by writer/artist Bryan Lee O'Malley, consisting of six volumes.
The series depicts the life of a Canadian slacker by the name of Scott Pilgrim. At the start of the first volume he's 23, in a band, and dating a 17 year old high-school student, named Knives Chau. From there a long series of bizarre events (6 volumes worth) transpire involving the girl of his dreams, a mysterious American named Ramona Flowers, and her 7 evil exes.
It may sound a little confusing but in the context of the books it makes perfect sense.
This is essentially the very same plot that the film follows. It stays quite faithful to the series while making some smart alterations that work for the 112 minute running time.
The film is directed by Edgar Wright of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz fame. It stars Michael Cera (Superbad, Juno) as the title role of Scott Pilgrim, as well as Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Death Proof), Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore, Funny People), Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air), Kieran Culkin (Igby Goes Down) and many others.
Let me start off by saying that this large ensemble cast is one of the film's greatest strengths. There is such great chemistry between all of the characters that it makes watching the film a genuine treat. You really feel like you've stumbled upon this close knit group of friends and are experiencing the events alongside them.
I found this incredibly refreshing, especially in a time where most movies constantly remind the viewer that they are just watching a film and nothing more.
The film is set in Toronto which immediately sets it apart from most of the commercial films we are used to. Toronto provides a backdrop that is just as interesting as the events that are taking place, while remaining modest and realistic.
Several landmarks are featured in the movie such as Casa Loma, Toronto's famous castle. This is the setting of a movie set within the film which features an exciting fight between Scott and one of Ramona's evil exes. It is one of the more humorous scenes in the film.
Which brings me to my next point: the humor in this film is top notch. I attribute this to Edgar Wright's British sense of humor where timing is everything. There are so many jokes jam-packed into this movie that I missed several because I was still laughing at the previous gag (this makes repeat viewings all the more fun).
Whether it's making fun of each other, or just situational comedy, the cast succeeds in keeping the audience entertained and laughing.
Michael Cera shines as Scott Pilgrim when there is comedy involved. His timing is perfect and it's hilarious to watch how naive and absurd of a character Scott is. Many people were concerned that Cera would apply his usual shtick to the role. But you can rest assured that his signature awkwardness is no where to be found. Scott is a confident character, while remaining oblivious to his surroundings and Cera plays him perfectly.
He even manages to look like an authentic rocker (Cera actually plays guitar) during his scenes with his band, SEX BOB-OMB.
The music in this film is one of the best aspects. It fits perfectly with the action on screen and has quickly become on of my favorite film soundtracks.
The tracks that Edgar Wright has chosen compliment each scene. They reflect the emotions on screen as well as giving them added depth. Some even serve as homages to the graphic novel like the song "Scott Pilgrim" by Plumtree which plays early on in the film. It's the song that inspired Bryan Lee O'Malley to name his own character Scott Pilgrim.
Even more brilliant is the score composed by Nigel Godrich. He beautifully personifies the characters with each track. They are layered with so much personality and emotion that it really pays off in the quieter scenes. Though that doesn't mean that when the action starts his score is gets overlooked, in fact it's quite the opposite. His music adds energy and excitement to the fight scenes.
The third kind of music is that preformed by the bands in the film, of which there are several. First is Sex Bob-Omb, who's songs were written by Beck. He does a great job making the tracks sound realistic in a grungy, garage band sort of way. The film's other featured band is THE CLASH AT DEMONHEAD whose music is written by the Canadian group Metric. Their song "Black Sheep" is sure to stay in your head after the movie has finished.
Also the sound effects taken from The Legend of Zelda and Mario are absolutely mind blowing.
If none of this has convinced you to go out and see the movie than you should see it purely for it's visuals. I assure you that you've never witnessed anything like this.
It takes panels straight from the graphic novel and amplifies them ten-fold. Sound effects pop out behind the characters, whether it's "bang", "smak", or "thonk".
Thunderbolts spring from guitars as they are being played, the words "ding dong" appear on screen as a character presses a door bell.
It's truly an amazing spectacle combined with Edgar Wright's signature quick cuts. He crafts inventive transitions that perfectly match the graphic aesthetic. I couldn't think of a better fit for a director.
It might seem like I have only good things to say but there are several faults within the film.
The pacing of the film is a little off. It starts slow but once it gets to the 3rd evil ex everything goes by really quickly. Before you know it the credits are rolling.
My main problem with the film though is that it's lacking in heart. Scott and Ramona's relationship seems flat and their love doesn't seem real. They don't spend enough time alone together to really develop their relationship. This is the main thing that didn't translate from the Graphic Novels. It's what keeps it from being one of my favorite movies of all time.
But don't get me wrong, I love this movie. It's easily one of the best I have seen this year and is something that you should really just go out and experience....like now. Support innovation and creativity and see Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World!
