Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

Based on the comic book series by Bryan Lee O'Malley and taking its name from the second in the six book series, Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World is about a Canadian Slacker, Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera).  Directed by Edgar Wright, the plot revolves around Scott having to defeat the seven evil exes of his new American girlfriend Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).  Kieran Culkin is Scott's sarcastic gay roommate who steals every scene he is in.  Lesser knowns Ellen Wong, Alison Pill, Mark Webber, Johnny Simmons, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, make up most of the other main characters.  Chris Evans Brandon Routh, and Jason Schwartzman also star. Clifton Collins, Jr. has a cameo as a member of the Vegan Police and Bill Hader narrates.

The whole movie plays out like a video game, using logic that only exists in such instances and includes dozens of different video game references throughout.  Not the least of which is the fact that enemies burst into piles of coins when defeated.  All of the characters seem to accept the bizarre as ordinary despite the fact that their world seems pretty realistic otherwise.  Things like pulling swords from one's chest and Vegans having super powers are just accepted without a second thought.

I have never seen a movie display such symptoms of ADD as Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World.  There is always something happening and it's usually happening quickly.  Scenes flash from one to another before the previous two are even properly digested.  Stats about characters and various jokes flash onto the screen for a second or two before we move on.  It is a flashy film often distracted by itself.  Having never read the comics I cannot comment on the accuracy of the movie, but if you are interested, there is a list of changes made to the movie here.

Michael Cera has never been a favorite of mine, but when playing a character that's supposed to be a huge loser anyway, it works.  Sadly he can't ever shake off the loser persona though, so even when you should like him by the end, he still comes off as a jerk covered in a wet blanket.  Nearly every other character in the movie is more likable than he is.

I can't think of another movie that this can be compared to, and I doubt we will ever see another that comes close to the explosive display of something that this is.  I can't imagine most people over the age of thirty will enjoy this movie in the least bit.  If there is a geek inside of you or you just really like video game references, there is a lot here to keep you entertained and on your toes if you can keep up and accept the fact that it doesn't really makes sense much of the time.  Regardless, it does what it does extremely well and is unique to boot.

**** (4/5 stars)