"Scott Pilgrim" is truly an epic, original, and unique movie experience, in other words, it's a MUST SEE!

Rating: 9/10 (16 August 2010)

I have been seeing the trailers, television spots, and internet advertisements for "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" for several months now and I have to admit they have gotten me super excited for the film. I kind of worried, however, if this film would gain an audience. Sure the concept looked original and unique but Michael Cera, who I particularly like, doesn't seem to have the star power yet to headline a big budget film. This didn't matter to me because I knew I would see the flick right away regardless of how it did. So this past weekend, I grabbed the girlfriend and we ventured into the local theater to see just how epic "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" would truly be.
"Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" tells the story of Scott Pilgrim played perfectly by Michael Cera. Scott plays in a rock band and has a high school girlfriend named Knives (Ellen Wong) because he still hasn't gotten over a woman from his past who broke his heart. One day, Scott Pilgrim sees a beautiful woman at a library and lets just say its love at first sight. A few days later, Scott runs into this mystery woman again at a party and learns that her name is Ramona Flowers (the beautiful Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and she is from New York. Scott is now determined to win Ramona's heart, which is easier said than done. He soon finds out that the only way to truly win Ramona is to defeat her seven evil exes. A lot of epic awesomeness ensues...
While I have seen some pretty great flicks this year, "Toy Story 3" and "Inception" probably being the best, "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" hits theaters and pretty much finishes out my top three films of the 2010 list. That's right I am actually going to say that "Scott Pilgrim" was one of the best films of the year. Why you may ask? Well there are several reasons. The first reason is because it's a fun filled ride. This movie hands down is the most fun I had at a movie in years. The next reason is the way it's shot and the overall look and feel of the film. Like "Avatar" it truly was a unique movie experience. The third reason would have to be the fact that the film itself is wildly original and featured a unique story about a clichéd topic. The idea of a guy having to defeat his girlfriend's seven evil exes is original enough but the way Edgar Wright filmed it only makes it more unique and enjoyable.
With that being said, I guess I should talk about Edgar Wright, who to me is a fine director. Sure he isn't that big in the United States with movies like "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz" being cult classics in the states but he really does know how to direct a good film. I always enjoy how he brings the script to life and in this case, I really like how he brought the comic of "Scott Pilgrim" to life. No I never read the comics themselves but heard from fan boys that he literally did a near perfect adaptation of the book to film. I really like the way he shot the film, the weird screen angles, the action sequences, and just about everything was truly unique. It's like the new "Sin City"/ "Matrix" from a visual perspective.
Acting was solid all round. The chemistry between Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Michael Cera was perfect. They both played well with the sweet and touching love story. It felt like a match made in heaven. The supporting performances by Rory Culkin and all of Ramona's evil exes are all note worthy especially Jason Schwartzman, who I always love seeing on the big screen. I really am amazed he isn't a bigger actor at this point. The casting was pretty much dead on with all the characters really playing off one another.
In the end, I really don't have anything negative to say about "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" and that's odd for someone who is usually pretty harsh on films. "Scott Pilgrim" is a movie that dares to be different. It's a fun filled ride that never becomes too silly or too serious. It's a truly unique movie-going experience not only because of the way it's shot but because it mixes a whole bunch of genres together including comedy, drama, action, video games, and music. The script is fresh and original. It features some great one liners as well that will be quoted by several fan boys and fan girls in the months ahead. Great one liners that include, "I am lesbians for you," "Let's both be girls," and "I'm just a little bi-furious!" Don't know what I am talking about, well than you haven't seen the epic awesomeness that is "Scott Pilgrim" and I highly recommend you venture out to your local theater to see it. Its definitely one of the best films of the entire year!
MovieManMenzel's final rating for "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" is a solid 9 out of 10. It's a fun filled movie-going experience unlike any other you have seen.