Australian Penthouse

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Director: Edgar Wright
Stars: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jason Schwartzman, Brie Larson, Kieran Culkin, Ellen Wong, Brandon Routh, Chris Evans

Review: Dave Kozicki

The comic book-to-film adaptation is a fickle mistress. For every The Dark Knight and Sin City that challenges our perceptions and exceeds our expectations, there is a Ghost Rider or X-men Origins: Wolverine to remind us that Hollywood considers the graphic novel and comic book genre to be a box office no-brainer, a target market cash cow, with ad-hoc consideration of the source material.

The  independent film market often fares considerably better, resulting in the exceptional Kick Ass, and Wanted. Now indie comic book hero, Scott Pilgrim, gets the big screen makeover. Much as Matthew Vaughn’s Kick Ass used the graphic novel as a basis—artfully taking the film in an action-packed and “movie friendly” direction so it feels like a companion piece to the source material—so too has director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) taken the whimsical core of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s digest-sized morsels and added kinetic camera work and an impressive grasp of action flick lore in creating Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.

Any doubts are allayed quickly as the film kicks off with an 8-bit pixellated rendition of the Universal studio logo and a fun reworking of the studio’s introductory theme via Super Mario keytones. Pop culture status approved. Rating: Awesome!

Michael Cera (Arrested Development, Superbad) plays 20-something Scott Pilgrim, an “in between jobs”  slacker who has retreated into his shell after a particularly nasty break-up. Distracting himself with his band, Sex Bob-omb, he lives a carefree existence and platonic relationship with his 17-year-old Catholic High School girlfriend, Knives Chau (newcomer Ellen Wong), until a dream encounter with  spunky Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Deathproof) results in instant attraction/near obsession for the newly invigorated Scott.

When the two begin dating it soon becomes apparent that Ramona has major baggage—namely a Legion of Seven Evil Exes who Scott must fight, and defeat, in order to date Ramona.

While the colourful cast of side characters and evil exes do ultimately steal your attention, thanks to Michael Cera’s layered performance, the impressive supporting cast are the icing on the cake as opposed to the main course.  Kieran Culkan (Igby Goes Down) is great as Scott’s sardonic flatmate, Wallace, and Chris Evans (The Losers) shines in his all-too-short stint as heartthrob action hero, Lucas Lee, a hilarious mesh of Wolverine and Vanilla Ice, with a dollop of douchebag.

However, the most rewarding Evil Ex is without doubt Todd Ingram, played by Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, Chuck). After several double takes to confirm that yes, this is really Superman, Routh’s interpretation of vegan-powered, bleach-blond bass player (and evil ex) Todd Ingram is riveting, but just one of the film’s many highlights.

Director Edgar Wright’s eye for action is impressive, with all fight scenes brilliantly choreographed—so much so that you can believe that Michael Cera could kick serious ass. Each battle has its own tone and is rife with heavy-handed but welcome videogame references. The pacing is spot on and entertaining from the moment the film begins until the final credits roll. The only criticism: the brushed-over development of Scott and Ramona’s relationship, with the chemistry between Scott (Cera) and Knives (Wong) both while dating and laying the smack down, offering real electricity.

Those who question Wright’s ability to move beyond the comedies of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, to bring a cult classic to life will enjoy sitting down to a double serving of humble pie, as Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is the most quirky, perfectly paced, action-oriented and entertaining film of the year, so far.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World opens August 12