Massively entertaining.

Rating: 9/10 (13 August 2010)

The fact that Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright has crafted a tremendously stylish flick isn't all that surprising. That he managed to match that style with just as much substance is quite extraordinary though. Scott Pilgrim may be live-action anime complete with hyper-chic, arcade-esquire visuals, but these awesome effects wouldn't carry your interest for two hours if it wasn't for the intelligent and meaningful tale underneath. That a story of how difficult, and rewarding, love can be is packaged in monumentally fun set-pieces and biting humour is exactly the reason why Pilgrim is one of the year's best films to date.
After seeing the trailer I was unsure whether or not I would enjoy the computer game feel of the movie, however, any ambivalence towards the film was dashed immediately once it began. The action – and there is a lot of action – is infused with a unique streak of rambunctiousness that only heightens the experience, most splendidly realised in the clash between Pilgrim and rival bassist Todd Ingram. Furthermore, in Wright's capable hands the subtle tics and icons that are littered throughout the picture stay inventive and amusing, never veering into overbearing or unwelcome territory.
In his first feature film without regular acting duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, Wright has assembled a pitch-perfect cast, starting with his leading man. Not exactly playing against type, but certainly unleashing his action chops more than ever before, Cera proves yet again he's the go-to guy if you're looking for 'geeky-cool'. Pilgrim's effortlessly likable thanks to Cera, he's outrageously funny without ever playing it up and he wears his heart on his sleeve in a manner that doesn't become whiny or annoying. Put quite simply, if he doesn't win over Ramona by the closing credits you'll be as heart-broken as him.
He may be the eponymous hero, but this isn't a one-man show for Cera. The eclectic supporting cast are superb and at times even steal the show. As the hair colour-changing Ramona, Winstead is strangely intriguing and attractive, her enigmatic attitude all the more enticing. Of the numerous splenetic exes, Routh and Evans are the pick of the bunch, the former's vegan guitarist and the latter's egotistical movie star both offering up plenty of laughs. Elsewhere Culkin is hilarious as Scott's gay roommate who'll say what no-one else will, Wong makes for the ideal love-struck high-schooler swooning over Pilgrim and comedienne Plaza provides more of the straight-faced comedy that made her stand out in Funny People.
Massively entertaining, Pilgrim delights with its mixed bag of mesmeric goodies.
4.5 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Ordinary, 3 - Good, 4 - Excellent, 5 - Classic)