| 'SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD' - review |
| Written by Sarah Mudgway, Shahlin Graves, Sian Rafferty & Sacha Young |
| Wednesday, 18 August 2010 10:49 |
 THE CERA ADDICT... [ S. M. ] 'SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD' was always going to be a film I would watch, due to a friendly crush I may or may not hold for Michael Cera, as well as my love for director Edgar Wright's previous films 'Hot Fuzz' and 'Shaun Of The Dead'. But despite the odds being stacked heavily in it's favour, I couldn't shake the concern that the comic book stylings and graphics may end up going over the top. Oh, how I was wrong! The film is clever and quirky in its comic book structure and the novelty graphics were a source of laughter, rather than annoyance. The casting was near perfect - Cera played his role as greatly as you would expect, however much humour came from the supporting cast, such as Alison Pill who plays Kim Pine, Pilgrim's ex-girlfriend and drummer for their band. If I had to critique one aspect of the film, it would be the lack of explanation of how Pilgrim attained super-powers himself, with the audience just having to accept that what kills his opponents somehow does not bruise, let alone kill him. That being said, a film like Scott Pilgrim isn't supposed to be a reflection of reality, rather an outlet for escapism and a chance to spend almost two hours of your life being thoroughly entertained with plenty of laugh out loud moments along the way - and that is exactly what you get.  THE BAND GEEK... [ S. G. ] I'm sorry 'Inception' - I really did like you, especially that Joseph Gordon-Levitt - but 'SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD' takes the cake. There's absolutely nothing that I do not like about this film, from the fleeting appearance that the drummer in one of my favourite bands makes, to the oddly endearing duck-like gawk of one Michael Cera. <inhale> If the fact that Brendan Canning and Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene wrote all of the songs for Pilgrim's rival-band Crash And The Boys doesn't move you into joyous raptures, you can also take your pick of Beck's composed songs for Scott's band Sex Bob-omb, the influence of Metric and Emily Haines on the portrayal of Clash At Demonhead, 'The Legend Of Zelda' theme-song used in a dream sequence, Tennessee Thomas of The Like playing drummer Lynette Guycott, former tween-starlet Brie Larson all grown-up as Envy Adams, former Phantom Planet drummer (now of Coconut Records) Jason Schwartzman perfectly despicable as evil-ex mastermind Gideon Gordon Graves - and non-music related, but Anna Kendrick is awesome as usual, playing Scott's sister Stacey. <exhale> I love this film. Please go watch it, so that you can be as happy I now am.  THE CRITIC... [ S. R. ] Unless you live under a rock, or in the fifties, or in an Amish compound, it’s totally impossible to avoid the hype which is 'SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD'. The weapon we have against this raging foe is the power to lower our expectations and quite frankly, this is an incredibly hard thing to do when you are faced with people screaming at you from all sides: "It’s got comic book effects!" / "Broken Social Scene did some of the music!" / "MIIIIIICHAELLLLL CEEEEERRRRRAAAAAAHHHH." It’s pretty tough trying to maintain neutrality when the picture in your head is so incredibly awesome. Well here’s the low-down from possibly the most cynical-non-expectant viewer: Michael Cera is every other character he has ever played... with a room reverberating roundhouse punch. There is gooey cheek-pinching romance and enough nerdy dry wit to fill your parent’s basement where your band practices. Damn it people, it delivers.   THE WILD CARD... [ S. Y. ] Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is the most comically satisfying movie of 2010. Caring about your hair turns out to be an interesting paradox, believe me! Obey no-one, but listen to your typical, gay flat mate - in the end he'll surprise you with his wisdom. T-shirts are cool, especially 'Sharpie' ones! Tactics can only get you so far, sometime it comes down to core strength. Pennies may fall from the sky. If you shall ever be so lucky. Immerse yourself in a dream, maybe it will turn into reality. 'Lesbians' is not the correct word. Gluten free or other meticulous diets may or may not help you in the battlefield. Rebellious hair-colours make you look 'bad-ass'. Industry talk will only get you so far... Make way, for 'SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD' day!  |
