Scott Pilgrim Vs The World (2010)

Scott Pilgrim, the third feature from Edgar Wright, and his first away from Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. If you were at all curious who relies more on whom in that relationship, just compare this film with Pegg & Frost's Paul. Both are filled with really geeky references, however, whilst Paul is good fun, it's not what I would call a classic film, though it did very well I believe due to the star power involved. Scott Pilgrim is superb, I fell in love with it at the cinema and I've seen it a few times since then, and it is brilliant, however it underperformed at the box office. So I think it's clear that Edgar Wright reigns in Pegg & Frost from their more indulgent moments, but they add the commercialness.

Scott Pilgrim is the story of well... Scott Pilgrim, who is in a band who 'aren't very good' (yet are actually great) and who is going out with a girl who's quite young and gets teased for it. Then at a party he meets Ramona Flowers and instantly falls for her, making awkward conversation then eventually getting her to agree to a date with him. The two hit it off after a spell and all is well. Except that Scott must then fight Ramona's 7 Evil ex partners in order to be able to go out with her. He's also taking part in a battle of the bands competition which if he wins he will get a record contract and a whole heap of fame.

So when I was writing that down I realised that it sounds a bit shit. It's not. The film is based on a series of comics, and is filled with comic book references; more than that though, and perhaps more significantly, the film is filled with gaming references. Scott is very much a geek, he plays the final fantasy bassline at one point, and goes to the arcade with his girlfriend knives. As such, the people rooting for him, and the main audience for this film are probably geeks too. So you get some lovely touches in the film such as whenever he defeats an evil Ex they disappear, replaced by coins, or the introduction of 1ups and power ups. Again, on paper it doesn't really sound like it works, but it is very well constructed and fits together perfectly.

I think it has been said before, but it bears repeating. Whilst there have been arguably no good films based on games (Super Mario Brothers anyone?) this is a film that is based on not one game, but on the gaming world, and I think it benefits superbly from it, and shows that it is entirely possible to make a film from gaming. The main strength here is the story and the characters. There are many memorable characters to choose from, but I think my favourite is Scott's Gay Roomate (played by one of the Culkin clan) who provides a lot of humour and is both a cliche and a fresh approach all at once. You've also got the slightly bitter ex, the gossipy and disapproving sister and the young kid who wants to be in the band. All are wonderful characters who add extra layers to the film.

The film is a whole bunch of fun, and you don't have to be a geek to enjoy it (though I think you definitely appreciate it more if you are). It's Michael Cera's best performance, and shows the inventive streak from Edgar Wright probably not as well executed since TV's spaced. This is a superb film, and I understand why it perhaps underperformed, it's not for everyone, but if you like it, you'll really like it. A must see in my eyes, and destined to become a cult classic in years to come.