For those unfamiliar with the epic awesomeness of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novels, the basic plot of Scott Pilgrim is both devastatingly simple and brilliant. Awkward twentysomething slacker Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) has to fight and defeat the seven evil ex-boyfriends of his mysterious dream girl Ramona Flowers in order to date her. Set in a world fuelled by ninjas and alternative rock, it’s a perfect metaphor for the painful obstacles people readily overcome to be with someone utterly unobtainable and alluring.
Director Edgar Wright is rapidly distinguishing himself as an impressive indie-savant. His unique talents for fusing nerdish pop-culture with intelligent visual comedy are a perfect match for O'Malley's own genius. Wright is completely fluent in the language of cherished video games and old kung fu movies that defines the world of Scott Pilgrim. His flair for rapid fire editing and joyous insanity also made him just about the only person equipped to bring Scott Pilgrim to the big screen.
Michael Cera’s signature brand of post-adolescent awkwardness divides opinion intensely. His nuanced shyness treads a fine line between indie charm and irritation. Cera’s fiercest critics have accused him of being a one note performer overly reliant on geek-chic. Whilst deploying all his typical mannerisms, Scott Pilgrim does also add determined anger to his repertoire of emotions. But if you still really can’t stand Michael Cera, at least you can console yourself with seeing him repeatedly punched in the face and thrown through walls.
The film’s fight sequences are a dizzying explosion of colour and motion, propelled by a blistering paced garage rock soundtrack that sound exactly like a rush of adrenalin in sonic form. Understandable doubts about Cera’s action hero credibility melt away instantly as we witness him efficiently dispatch foes with brutal Kung Fu combos or a flaming Katana sword. The only danger is that the neon blur of computer game graphics might cause a sensory overload for some people. There’s an awful lot of information and imagination thrown at audiences.
The film does differ from the graphic novels, particularly in its later stages. Subplots are sacrificed and simplifications made in the quest for fluid storytelling and a run-time less than two hours. But the movie remains fiercely faithful to the tone and style of the books; preserving practically all of their humour, heart and raw visual charm. The film sets a new standard for seamlessly integrating comic book art and wonders into a credibly mundane real world.
Beyond the debated charisma of Michael Cera, Scott Pilgrim has a likeably magnificent supporting cast. Particular highlights include Brandon Routh’s amusingly vacant vegan rock star and newcomer Ellen Wong as an adorably infatuated high schooler. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is also perfectly aloof as Ramona, the understandable object of our hero’s affection.
If you’re a fan of Wright’s previous films or the original graphic novels, then this will be a satisfying 112minutes of familiar magic. For the uninitiated, this will still likely be an enjoyable ride, unless you have a particularly strong aversion to Michael Cera. Go see Scott Pilgrim vs. The World... the winner is you
No comments:
Post a Comment