Going in to Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew it was based on an acclaimed comic book series, written and directed by a personal favorite, Edgar Wright (whose past works include Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz), and had what appeared to be an astounding cast. However, it wasn’t until the Universal Studios opening appeared on the screen, revamped to match the video game aesthetic prevalent throughout the movie, that I knew I was in for something great.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World follows its 22 year old title character (Michael Cera) as he earns the right to date the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), by fighting and defeating her seven evil exes. Cera plays the perfect Scott Pilgrim, trading in his usual schtick for a more arrogant performance. His motivations and desires are well developed and the journey he takes leaves the audience satisfied. As for the supporting cast, some shine more than others but the interactions that take place are all entertaining while remaining purposeful. Kieran Culkin steals the show as Scott’s gay roommate, Wallace Wells, providing the wittiest dialog that showcases Wright’s talent as a screenwriter (seriously, stop reading this review right now and go watch Spaced: The Complete Series to see Wright’s work at its finest).
Though I had a blast with this movie, it is by no means perfect. The pacing of the storyline is thrown off by the number of exes Scott has to battle, leaving the last thirty minutes crammed and rushed. By the time Scott’s showdown with Ramona’s latest ex, Gideon (Jason Schwartzman), rolled around, I was more than ready for the movie to wrap up. I feel like four exes would have been a happy compromise, providing enough action to still be satisfying yet leaving room for more of those character moments Wright constructs so well.
It’s a crying shame that Scott Pilgrim vs. the World hasn’t had impressive box office returns. Please, I beg you, go give this movie your money. It’s sweet, it’s charming, it’s funny; it’s got something for everyone in its target audience.
Rating: 4/5
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