Cinema Post: 'Scott Pilgrim VS The World'

6 Reasons Why You Should See

‘Scott Pilgrim VS The World’

by Derek Boeckelmann

This past week has seen the release of two major studio films: the action-blockbuster, The Expendables and Ryan Murphy’s Julia Roberts-driven dramedy, Eat, Pray, Love. While both these films have received a fair amount of media attention and box office love, another film was released this week to poor box office and nowhere near as much media attention as it deserves: Scott Pilgrim VS The World. To be fair, it was always an unlikely contender in the uber-competitive summer box-office – it targets a very specific audience (no broad appeal) and doesn’t have the advantage of being part of a recognizable franchise (not that this latter reason helped Sex and the City 2 and Iron Man 2 much, earlier this summer). But here’s a list of 6 reasons why we should get behind this dark horse, and give The Expendables and Eat, Pray, Love the flick:

 

1. Its Style

I guarantee you, you have not seen a film that looks like this. It might not be as visually-impressive/mind-blowing as Inception, but what its visuals lack in scope they easily make up with charm. The entire film feels like a feature-length pop art exhibition. Not enough praise can be given for the film’s outstanding art direction and cinematography – both responsible for making the film feel like its graphic novel counterpart.

 

2. The Cast

It may not be jam-packed full of Hollywood A-listers or action stars of yester-years but Pilgrim’s ensemble consists of the perfect blend of recognizable stars (Cera, Schwartzman), stars on the verge of stardom (Kendrick, Winstead), and talented newcomers (Wong). Every single one of these performers are talented, breathing life into the film’s colourful characters (all of whom are memorable long after the film’s end credits). It’s been far too long since we’ve had a such a rich line-up of fully-realized adolescent characters ably portrayed by such talented performers. I’ll happily admit that I saw this movie, not because of an impressive trailer or strong word-of-mouth, but because of its cast. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see both Up In the Air’s Anna Kendrick and the brilliant Brie Larson (TV’s United States of Tara) in the same film – and the fact that it also reunited my favorite Arrested Development couple (yes, I was a George Michael/Ann shipper), certainly didn’t hurt matters.

 

3. It’s A Pop Culture Enthusiast’s Wet Dream

Scott Pilgrim VS The World acts as a perfect ode to popular culture of decades past. Specifically the 90s. One can’t help but be amused by the Ninteno-ized version of the Universal logo or the all-too-short Seinfield spoof.

4. Wallace Wells 

In an ensemble as large and impressive as this, it might seem impossible for one character in particular to stand out. Yet this is exactly what Culkin manages to achieve as Wallace Wells, Scott’s gay roommate. Avoiding the stereotypes that normally plague gay characters (Glee anyone?), Wallace is a refreshing departure – stealing every scene he’s in and delivering more comedy than any other character. I’d be quite happy next summer to pay to see a Wallace-led spin-off…not that this is a likely thing to wish for (financially, Pilgrim’s a flop).

 

5. It’s Both Funny AND Charming

Ok, it might not be the most heartfelt movie of the year or the funniest – but Scott Pilgrim VS The World manages to score a nice balance between the two.  The one-liners are biting and the over-the-top performances (especially by the league of ex’s) are hilarious. Yet the film also boasts plenty of quieter character moments and there are even a few genuinely touching scenes. It’s impossible not to feel for Knives (brought to life by the scene-stealing Ellen Wong) – a bubbly and optimistic teen who’s first love is killed by the arrival of another woman. Unlike so many portrayals of siblings on film, the relationship between Scott and Stacey feels incredibly authentic. Even Ramona, one of the film’s weaker characters, manages to evoke sympathy in her desperate attempts to start over.

 

6. The Soundtrack

For a film about a rock band, one would expect a killer soundtrack. Thankfully, Scott Pilgrim VS The World delivers. Standouts include Broken Social Scene’s dreamy “Anthem For A Seventeen Year Old” and “Sleazy Bed Track” from The Bluetones. Though it’s Metric’s phenomenal “Black Sheep” that’s currently dominating my iPod’s playlists.

 

The film is not without its flaws – it’s far from perfect – but it’s certainly one of the most enjoyable films of the summer and far more deserving of the impressive box office numbers that lesser films, I’m looking at you The Expendables, have managed. Sigh. At least Scott Pilgrim VS The World, destined for cult-hit status in the years to follow, will enjoy a longer shelf-live than its forgettable blockbuster peers.