Film review no.37 - Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

 

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World - 2010

Rating - 12


Director - Edgar Wright

Written by - Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall

Based on the graphic novel series by - Bryan Lee O’Malley

Starring - Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Brie Larson

Run time - 112 mins


Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is a 2010 martial arts musical comedy based on the graphic novel series of the same name by Canadian cartoonist Bryan Lee O’Malley. The movie is set in Toronto, Canada and follows the story of Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera), a 22-year-old slacker who lives in a dingy, small house with his “cool, gay roommate” Wallace (Kieran Culkin). Scott is the bassist in the band Sex Bob-Omb, which also features his friends Stephen Stills (Mark Webber) and Kim Pine (Alison Pill). His life changes forever when he meets the literal girl of his dreams, American Amazon delivery girl Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). In order for Scott to date her, he has to defeat the Seven Evil Exes, a league of Ramona’s former flames created by her most recent ex, Gideon Graves (Jason Schwartzman).


The extensive supporting cast in this movie includes Brie Larson, Chris Evans, Ellen Wong, Aubrey Plaza, Anna Kendrick, Mae Whitman and Brandon Routh. The film is co-written and directed by English filmmaker Edgar Wright, who has also made such movies as Shaun of The Dead, Baby Driver, Paul, Ant-Man, Hot Fuzz, and, most recently, Last Night in Soho. Most of the original songs for the movie were written by Beck Hansen, best known under the stage name Beck. In the movie, (mostly) all of the instruments seen to be played are performed by the cast, who were taught it for the movie.


The film received positive reviews on its first release, but regardless, became a box office flop, failing to make back it’s $85 million budget. Despite its outcome in sales, the movie has gained a mass cult following, many praising it’s innovative, unique visual style and its quick witted humour. According to Wikipedia, the film has received 80 award nominations, along with making the shortlist in the Best Visual Effects category at the 83rd Academy Awards.


It's one of those movies that may require several watches to catch all the small details, because there are so many hidden elements and jokes that might go over your head on first screening. The film runs at a fast and non-stop pace, always keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. 


In my opinion, to say the least, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is awesome. The attention to detail always brings me back to point out more things I've missed. The transitions, which are so recognisably Edgar Wright, make the story flow continuously and smoothly. The amazing songs pack a certain punch that keeps the movie lively and exciting. The fantastic ensemble cast, especially Kieran Culkin and Ellen Wong, make this movie exciting and hilarious. The amount of quotable lines… I could go on but I'd be here all day. Basically, I love this movie and it’s definitely worth watching if you want to see some kickass fight scenes, awesome visual effects, and a lot of hilarious gags, all accompanied to a banging soundtrack.


Score - 10/10


Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is available on Netflix until November 21st and is also available to stream on Peacock.

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