Not perfect, but still a win!

Rating: 8/10 (29 August 2010)

When Scott Pilgrim meets Ramona Flowers, he discovers he has to defeat her seven 'evil exes' to win her heart...
Edgar Wright, who made two of the most enjoyable films of the past few years, Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz, here tackles the ever-growing comic book film adaptation. And for the most part he has succeeded.
I will state now I've not read the comic books the film is based on. But taking the film as is, it is very enjoyable. The script is very funny, the supporting cast, lead by Kieran Culkin, Brandon Routh, Chris Evans and others are all very good indeed. But the key to the film working are Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as the leads.
For this film to work you have to care about Scott and Ramona. If you don't then you don't care what happens to them. And while both characters have qualities that could make them unlikeable, thanks to the performances of Cera and Winstead, you do find them appealing, if flawed characters.
But the film itself is not without flaws, and these fall on some decisions by Edgar Wright. While it moves at a quick pace, with some excellent set-pieces, including the fight scenes, it's the use of visual aids on screen that at times is a problem. Because I've not read the comic books, it is possible they work in that format, if used there, but in the film I did find them distracting at times.
But this is a small issue. The film has a great soundtrack, and as stated, is very funny and full of energy, and while not up to the level of Kick-Ass, which I found more enjoyable overall, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is much, much better than Iron Man 2 in this years comic book films.