Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Directed by Edgar Wright

Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin

Variety called this movie “An example of attention-deficit filmmaking at both its finest and its most frustrating”. Director Edgar Wright took on the graphic novel series of the same name for this 2010 film. Wright has directed some fantastic comedies including Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead. This movie stars the nerd icon Michael Cera, star of such movies as Juno, Paper Heart, and Superbad. He’s joined on-screen by Mary Elizabeth Winstead who starred in Final Destination 3 and Live Free or Die Hard. Also featured is Kieran Culkin, younger brother of Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin. He was also in the first two Home Alone films in addition to roles in other films including Igby Goes Down and Cider House Rules.

Scott Pilgrim (Cera) is in love with Ramona Flowers (Winstead). They’ve just met and now he’s faced with a major problem. She likes him, but her seven evil exes want him dead. Now, while trying to be part of a successful band, he’s faced with epic battles against the powerful exes. In the surreal world he’s living in these exes all have unique powers that require all the nerd skills Pilgrim can muster. While he tries to understand Ramona he’s got to be ready for anything if he wants to win her heart.

Wow, what a tribute to nerds of the nineties. This story is the obvious product of a graphic novel with its over-the-top visuals and sound effects. Each of the seven exes is odd and dangerous in their own way. The film is visually impressive, with great special effects and what seems like a constant salute to comic book heroes of old.

The acting in the film is a different story. Cera isn’t exactly the action type. He doesn’t seem to get into the role enough to make it exciting. In the guy and girl scenes Cera is the master of awkward silences and saying the wrong thing. Unfortunately the awkwardness and shyness wear off quickly and leave the film feeling a bit flat.

The rest of the cast is good in their roles but the movie and story don’t offer much in terms of opportunities to impress.

For a child of the eighties and nineties this was a fun movie. Despite it’s shortcomings the movie was fun to watch, with little tributes to video games reminded me of the past. There is enough action and comedy in the film to make this worth checking out. I give this one 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 112 minutes