Graphic novel adaptations, especially superhero films like Ironman and The Dark Knight, rarely acknowledge the format from which they are derived. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, however, playfully incorporates its comic book and gamer roots into a fun, fast-paced and visually elaborate film that lets everyone in on the joke.
Michael Cera is yet again typecast in the role of the insecure, awkward kid who finagles his way to manhood by the end of the film. In Scott Pilgrim, however, he does more than just finagle. Scott has to fight his way through the seven evil exes of his new girlfriend, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). He enlists the help of his bass-playing skills, the vegan police (who knew?) and the power of love to conquer his various adversaries. All the while, Ramona remains a distant femme fatale, but by the film’s resolution she melts through her icy facade into sweet, likeable character.
The narrative is enhanced by frenetic graphics overlays and seamless edits that carry the audience through the confusion that is Scott’s life. Taking cues from American Splendor and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the visuals unify the film in a way that mitigates the line between the plausible and the fantastic, grounding the story in the personal narratives while at the same time heightening the playful gamer motif. Even at its most heart-wrenching moments, Scott Pilgrim doesn’t relinquish its levity— for instance, showing the rhythmic “thonks” as Scott bangs his head against a pole.
Overall, this ambitious film succeeds at incorporating a variety of creative exploits. Quirky, fresh and innovative, Scott Pilgrim will “BAM,” “THWACK” and “POW” more than just Ramona’s seven exes.
—Andrew O’Rourke
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