Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, 2010. Film. Directed by Edgar WRIGHT.
USA: Universal Pictures

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is an action comedy based on the comic book series by Bryan Lee O’Malley. Director Edgar Wright (Shaun of The Dead, Hot Fuzz) brings the books to life to tell the story of 23 year old Scott who falls in love with “American ninja” delivery girl Ramona Flowers. However she comes with baggage in the form of seven evil exes who are each determined to fight Scott in battles to the death. In order to win the love of his dream girl, Scott has to defeat the exes. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is a liberating fantasy combining music, manga and anime whilst creatively integrating comic book and video game culture to create a hugely entertaining film with a powerful impact.

In general I believe that the cast are fantastic. It might be my imagination but the whole cast seem to have similar large, round eyes at that make it easy to picture them as their comic book characters. Michael Cera plays the role of Scott, giving a strong and engaging performance. Mary Elizabeth Winstead gives a great performance as the laid back and mysterious Ramona. The surrounding cast are just as brilliant, particularly Aubrey Plaza who plays Julie Powers and Anna Kendrick who plays Scott’s older sister. Even though neither have a lot of screen time, when they do show up they never fail to make me laugh.

Together, Wright and cinematographer Bill Pope (The Matrix) create a visual wonderland with no boundaries. The comedy isn’t just in the script but in the way it has been filmed. Wright has said in interviews that he staged the film as a musical however replacing the musical numbers with battles. Each fight has its own energy with a very different atmosphere each time that will keep you engaged meaning that even though the battles are frequent, it never feels too repetitive. They are all packed with unleashed imagination and creativity it’s very difficult to get bored of them!

After reading many other reviews and hearing other people’s reactions to the film, it is very clear that not everyone loves the film as much as I do. It seems that teens and younger adults really enjoy it whilst many people over 40 don’t seem too keen so it is definitely aimed at younger, more imaginative minds. Wright has created a film completely different to his popular Hot Fuzz and Shaun of The Dead but without a doubt, I find it just as entertaining. It’s a film buzzing with energy. It’s not an emotional journey with tears and life lessons etc. but it projects the fact that, no matter what your age, there are no limitations to the world inside your head and because of this, it never fails to amaze you.

Recommend to: Anyone with an imaginative mind

                         Fans of the comic books

                         Fans of the cast

                         Anyone looking for a fun, laid back film that doesn’t require too much concentration