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SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD (2010)

I’ll admit. Diving headfirst into the colorful and eccentric world of “Scott Pilgrim” wasn’t exactly an experience I was looking forward to. For starters, I walked in knowing zilch about the source material – penned by Canadian cartoonist Bryan Lee O'Malley – and the mere presence of Michael Cera – who plays the titular character – was off-putting enough. Be that as it may, I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to video games; especially of the old-school Nintendo variety (I practically grew up with their franchises) so once the Mario and Zelda references began popping up left and right, I was sold. Even Cera, who usually grates on my nerves, was fairly tolerable here. Sure, the film may be catered more towards the graphic novel’s fanbase, but it’s also a picturesque ode to the side-scrolling classics of yesteryear.

As I mentioned above, I’m completely unfamiliar with the “Scott Pilgrim” series, but apparently all six of O’Malley’s graphic novels are covered in Edgar Wright’s (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) screen adaptation – however it's not difficult for "Pilgrim" neophytes to follow. It’s the typical “boy meets girl of his dreams” paradigm that we’ve come across in hordes of banal, cliched films over the past several decades, except here “dream girl” has a considerable amount of baggage capable of pulverizing her potential suitors.

The suitor at risk happens to be Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera), a 22-year old slacker and bass-guitarist for a band called Sex-Bob-omb, which consists of old high-school chums Stephen Stills (Mark Webber), Kim Pine (Allison Pill) and substitute bassist Young Neil (Johnny Simmons). In a pretty desperate attempt to cope after getting dumped by his ex-girlfriend (Brie Larson), Pilgrim begins dating 17-year-old Knives Chau (Ellen Wong), but eventually loses interest in the high-schooler soon after meeting the elusive Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Quickly realizing that Flowers is literally the girl of his dreams, Pilgrim decides to break up with Knives; leaving her devastated and vindictive. However, once these two polar opposites are officially an item, a “league” of Ramona’s seven evil exes set out to destroy Scott and reclaim control over his dream girl's love life.

In all honesty, I loved this film. Cera and his charismatic cohorts managed to keep me interested throughout and the nostalgia fuel was refilled frame after frame. You have to respect Wright’s unfettered approach here; the visuals are insane and the lighting-fast editing only adds to the film’s high moments. As far as the acting goes, the battle sequences are where Cera really shines and surprises. Who knew the boy was capable of emoting? You can actually detect a sense of ambition across his face during these scenes. He trades in his bland, formulaic acting style for an unexpectedly expressive display of valor and pluck. Color me impressed.

My only qualm with Scott Pilgrim is its poor portrayal of women. Of course, I realize that Pilgrim’s universe is highly unrealistic, but the message this film seems to relay is that guys can basically cheat on their girlfriends and the cheated party will come out of the ordeal hunky-dory, perfectly amicable and having “never felt better.” That bit just rubbed me the wrong way, but of course, this isn’t the type of film one probes into. Bouncing off that sentiment, Ramona’s character seemed a tad underdeveloped; that is, in terms of further explaining the antecedents behind her – ahem – many relationships. Again, I haven’t read the graphic novels, so all sorts of little and/or significant details could have been scrapped for the sake of time.

All in all, Scott Pilgrim is fluff, but enjoyable fluff. It’s similar to playing Super Mario Bros. on speed with hints of mellow Beck riffs strumming in the background. I wouldn’t call it my favorite of 2010, but it definitely meets the standards of your quintessential popcorn flick.

8.5/10