If you haven’t played a video game in about ten years or haven’t read a modern graphic novel, you may watch Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and wonder “What in the world am I looking at?”
Pilgrim is both a video game and a graphic novel come to life, but unlike some other films based on games or graphic novels, it doesn’t assault the senses. It looks like the real world, but then you’re reminded it’s not when you see the word “Rinnngggg” come out of a phone or you see someone’s wardrobe change in an instant. No one questions when a character suddenly shows a burst of superpowers and flies through the air. It’s not a world of constant lights and beeps and violence – it’s actually quite witty and seems like a lot of fun.
In the story based on the graphic novel, Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) is an underemployed 23 year-old struggling to make it in his band. He lives with his gay roommate who pretty much owns everything in their apartment. He falls for a mysterious bohemian named Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) who has something of a wild past. In fact, she has seven ex-lovers who have joined forces as the “League of Evil Exes”, and if Scott is to ever be happy with Ramona, he must fight and defeat each one of them. It really is like a video game, where our hero has to advance to different levels. Heck, when he wins a battle, his opponents don’t fall to the floor – they vanish into a puff of coins that give Scott “1-Up.”
Gamers and comic book nerds will love it – but you don’t have to be either to appreciate it. If you’ve ever been in a relationship and had to shake the past, you’ll appreciate Scott’s quest. The movie never loses its sense of fun, but by the time it’s over, you’ll realize there’s a lot more going on here than you think. You will advance to the next level.
Michael Cera may forever play the Michael Cera role, which has worked wonders from Arrested Development to Superbad to Juno. Writer/director Edgar Wright has found a way to use the persona in a whole new environment and keep him fresh. Geeks will also likely appreciate the movie’s women, including Winstead, Parks & Recreation’s Aubrey Plaza, Twilight’s Anna Kendrick and newcomer Ellen Wong as “Knives Chau.” They are attractive young ladies who aren’t your standard cut-out starlets. They’re also smart girls – the kind that geeks tend to crush on. Winstead in particular is excellent and will inspire new crushes.
Rochester audiences who travel to the north may appreciate its Toronto setting and may enjoy seeing the CN Tower in the skyline and references to Pizza Pizza and Second Cup coffee. And if you’re a fan of more “traditional” comic book movies, I spotted three cameos by guys who played classic super heroes. I leave it to you to play the game and spot them.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is playing at Loews Webster 12, Tinseltown and Regal Cinemas at Culver Ridge, Eastview, Greece Ridge and Henrietta.
Also in Rochester theatres of interest to sci-fi fans:
Inception
The Last Airbender
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
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