On the Journey Style Rules

Rating: 7/10 (16 August 2010)

In life it is all about the journey. "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" is about the journey, and then some. Director and Writer Edgar Wright creates a visually exciting approximation of life in this slacker gamer world where Michael Cera is avatar Scott Pilgrim. The screenplay by Wright and Michael Bacall is based on the graphic novel by Bryan Lee O'Malley. Being neither familiar with the source material, nor the twenty-something gamer demographic "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" occurs as a familiar Disneyland ride jacked on ecstasy and steroids. Wright creates TV homage from the campy 1960's "Batman" with "Pow!" to the more contemporary "Seinfeld". Wright generates one of the most visually inventive movies—though not along the lines of Chris Nolan's "Inception". However, here style over substance is not necessarily a good thing.
"Scott Pilgrim" is a video game fable with our hero Scott played by Michael Cera at his dweebish best. Scott is the 22 year-old slacker bass player for his band Sex Bo-bomb. He lives with his charming gay roommate Wallace (funny Kieran Culkin). He is rebounding from a break up with his rock siren girlfriend Envy Adams (devilish diva Brie Larson). He is dating 17 year-old high school girl Knives Chau (bubbly Ellen Wong). In the midst of a band competition for a record contract, Scott sees the girl of his dreams in his dreams—Ramona Flowers (fiery and beautiful Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Later Scott sees Ramona at a party, and realizes that she is the One. However, before Scott can date or make out with Ramona he must defeat, as in to the death, her 7 Evil Ex's. Note there is a reason why it is not the 7 Evil Ex-Boyfriends. Do the math. Needless to say, both high jinx and chaos ensue.
Michael Cera is still playing the same freaking character—as he does in all his movies. However, here the good hearted nerd gets to kick ass in martial arts style. The saving grace is Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona. Winstead has a self aware charm, and stunning screen presence. She is going to be a star. Chris Evans as egomaniac action star/ skateboarder Lucas Lee, also an Evil Ex, is hysterical. Jason Schwartzman is funny in small doses, but is light years beyond annoying as record producer Gideon Gordon Graves—also a Ramona Ex.
"Scott Pilgrim" is an eclectic narrative kluge. The fact that 22 year-old Scott is dating 17 year-old minor Knives, even if they aren't having sex, is very creepy. What is creepier, the screenwriters proceed as business as usual here. Perhaps, statutory rape laws are different in Toronto? The kung fu fight choreography is flashy and comical—the intended effect. Being a martial arts snob, I enjoyed the fight choreography of "The Expendables" way more.
"Scott Pilgrim" runs about 20 minutes too long, with about 3 too many Ex's, but fortunately ends right. Beneath all the pop culture glitz and indulgent idiosyncrasy "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" is romantic comedy after all. Romantic comedy is hard to do. I think "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" often loses track of this thread along the journey.