Review of "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Written by: Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright
Based on the graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley
Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Mark Webber, Johnny Simmons, Alison Pill, Ellen Wong, and Anna Kendrick
Review by Jennie Brouse

Synopsis: Scott Pilgrim is just an average 22 year old in a band, although at the moment he's living a less than exciting life, and has a 17 year old girlfriend.  That is, until he meets Ramona Flowers, the girl he believes he's been waiting for.  The only problem now is: to be with Ramona, he has to defeat her 7 evil exes.

Review:  Michael Cera, in his usual charming way, really comes alive in this film.  He is generally type-cast as an awkward, nerdy type, which he somewhat is in this film, but at the same time, he's different in this one.  Like he does in Youth in Revolt, Cera gets the opportunity to show off his badass side.  Along with Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead (as Ramona Flowers, the girl Pilgrim pines for) is comedic, but in an understated, subtle way.  Her nonchalant attitude, but awesome personality, pulls Pilgrim in.  Kieran Culkin (as Pilgrim's roommate), Johnny Simmons (as Pilgrim's sort-of-bandmate), Allison Pill (Pilgrim's bandmate), Ellen Wong (Pilgrim's 17 year old girlfriend), Aubrey Plaza (cashier), and Anna Kendrick (Pilgrim's sister) also give good comedic performances.

This movie is also very interesting because of the way it is presented.  Pilgrim's life is shown as if it were a video game, such as when he defeats Ramona's first evil ex, and he breaks up in to tons of gold coins.  Little touches like that, as well as some awesome one-liners ("Back off hasbien!," "I'll leave you alone forever now," and "Bye and stuff") make the movie even more unique and enjoyable to watch.

Overall, this is a really fun movie.  I view it as a refreshing take on a romantic adventure story.  And unlike typical romantic comedies, this one's a little more interesting.  The premise (having to defeat Ramona's seven evil exes) and the originality in the characters gives the tired genre a little pizazz.  Even if one's not into romantic comedies, you may be attracted to this movie for it's comedic appeal, or you may like it just because you like video games.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Next Review: Probably Somewhere (2010)