In the land of pixels and make believe...

Rating: 10/10 (11 April 2011)

One day, I saw a headline about the trailer to 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World' being released. When I watched it, I was entranced by it. It was fast, flashy, and funny and when I finally saw the movie, those three words are exactly the way I'd describe the final product.
The film starts with about 15 minutes of quick cuts and snappy dialogue and if it makes you nauseous, shut the film off. But really, that's two of the many things I must praise the film for. Its editing sets the film at a break neck speed and stays that way throughout the film. There's no down time and the director, Edgar Wright, packs every second of it with references so small yet so effective that one must be hyper aware if they want to catch them all. The best part about all of these references is that they all fall into the script flawlessly. They never strain it. The other thing that could turn you away is that most of the characters are very cynical but if you're like me (a somewhat cruel teenager,) you'll find it very funny.
Another thing this movie does brilliantly is how it juggles genres. It has action, comedy, romance, and even a scene that has a musical number and the cast pulls it off perfectly. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is beautiful and tough as the mysterious Ramona Flowers and the evil exes are all delightfully despicable. People have been heaping praise on Ellen Wong with her portrayal of Knives Chau, the insane stalker ex-girlfriend of Scott Pilgrim. For a new comer, she's very good, but I was annoyed by her, maybe because I know all too many people like that in real life. However, that's the idea with the character and she does it very well. Personally, I think the best actress in the film is Alison Pill as the drummer Kim Pine. Really the biggest problem with the cast is Michael Cera. Yes, he's playing only a slightly more animated version of the character he's played in every other movie he's done. While this isn't a huge gripe as it does kind of fit the role, he just doesn't offer much new and it leaves us annoyed.
Okay, I got off topic back there. As I was saying, the movie juggles genres perfectly. If you're a fan of romantic comedies, this film has it. If you like action films, this movie's got it. Hell, if you're a fan of anime, musicals, or flashy effects, this film has it! It's Edgar Wright at his best, as before he's handled three genres at the most. Now he's handling every genre but horror, although if you like his style, there's his past film 'Shaun of the Dead' that covers that. It's just one of those films that anyone can enjoy.
I also suggest the comic series. They expand on the story that the film has. Really, you watch the movie to get the basic idea of the concept of Scott Pilgrim and you read the series to learn more about it. I'm saying you shouldn't watch the film. Quite the opposite, really. One should read the books for the story and watch the movie for the artistry that went into the film making.
In the end, 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World' is a fantastic movie. It has beautiful visuals, a lightning fast pace that you either latch on to and follow for the whole thing or just can't catch up with, and a lot of energy from all who are involved.
And as a side note, for anyone complaining about the ending, GUYS, it's a fairy tale. How else would it end?