Style Over Substance

Rating: 7/10 (26 February 2016)

Scott Pilgrim is good fun from director Edgar Wright. The cinematography and visual effects really capture the video game feel of the movie perfectly. That being said, the intended audience for this film seems a little more limited than Wright's "Cornetto" trilogy - this movie has created a cult following by the younger generation or anybody who loves classic video games, but the focus on Canadian teenagers and the many homages to video games makes this story less relatable than any of the films in the Cornetto trilogy.
Towards the beginning of the story we sympathize with Scott's young girlfriend, Knives, who seems like such a good kid and makes us wonder how Scott can break this girl's hot. Well there's the answer - a mysterious girl Scott's own age with pink hair who he is simply more attracted to and starts stalking (not to an extreme level though). Many references to past girlfriends, however, makes us wonder how Scott is such a stud since he is played by Michael Cera.
The premise is interesting and is obviously video-game-inspired: defeat Ramona's seven evil exes to continue dating her. The way this plot is revealed does not seem forced either, as Scott is unexpectedly attacked by the first ex while he is still juggling Knives and Ramona and has no idea what is going on.
Aside from the great action sequences littered with jokes and references to video games, the overall humor of the film is its greatest highlight. Michael Cera may be quirky and a bit of a geek, but it is in a lovable manner. Scott's roommate is gay, but not just for the sake of being gay - he is able to turn straight guys gay with little explanation, and it is also funny to see Scott and him to share the same bed (mattress) making us question Scott's sexuality.
Even the supporting cast is well cast with big names like Mae Whitman and Chris Evans, who each prove to be great caricatures for Scott/Ramona to fight. Chris Evans' scene may be the best scene of the whole film - he plays his part perfectly and draws big laughs as an overly macho actor.
What this film lacks is great substance. It may be a great romantic comedy for its comedy, but the romance is not well-executed. Not only that, but the film constantly makes the audience question which girl Scott should pursue, Knives or Ramona, and it seems odd that Scott would go to such great lengths to "save" Ramona when Knives seems to be the better person by default. The only gratification that comes from Scott wanting to break up with Knives is the fact that he no longer has a creepy relationship (she is only 17). But in early scenes within the film, no matter how creepy this relationship, it is clear the two were made for each other. Oh well.
Scott Pilgrim vs The World immerses the audience in its great style, but the story is hindered by its lack of substance.
3.0/4.0