Comics and video games merge within the pop-culture candy land that is “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”. . The augmented or artificial reality of “Scott Pilgrim” tends to sit well with those critics who found something of value within the ultra-violent comic book film “Kick Ass”. However, fans of both have usually had even more favorable things to say about the Pilgrim.
’Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ reviews trumpet the wild mix
New artistic forms are born from the fusion of a dizzying array of popular influences in “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”. Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera of “Juno,” “Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist” and “Youth in Revolt”) is a young slacker who spends his time playing music in a band and looking for the love of his life. Scott is stuck between the eyes by Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), but can do little about it until he faces seven trials. Scott must defeat Ramona’s “seven evil exes” “Street Fighter”-style before he can have the love of the Technicolor-haired young maiden. It’s a simplistic plot ripped straight from a video game, and “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” pays constant tribute to such games, comics, television shows and other pop-culture artifice in a dizzying fusion. Plot is secondary to the visual style. Critics in favor say we should sit back and enjoy the ride as it washes over.
Review fusion for the Pilgrim in you
The New York Daily News loves the visual flair of “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”. Eric D. Snider of Film.com hails the film’s exuberance and surreal visual style and says the surrealism does not shake the film’s target audience – 20-somethings – from their reality, but salutes it. Michael Cera channels his trademark nerdiness to fine degree within the film, says the L.A. Times, and its entirely appropriate to the film’s series of influences.
Not the destination, but the journey
”Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” rocks through the changes in an eye-and ear-pleasing blowout. As Sharkey puts it, “Though the fun is not so much in who wins or loses the girl — it is the playing that matters”. On the other hand, there’s the New York Post’s view of the film. Scott Pilgrim’s journey lacks direction and loves itself too much, writes the Post’s reviewer. That ride may not be for everyone, but it captures its target audience with panache. ”All games, no joystick” is the Post’s verdict, yet judging by box office receipts, individuals are lining up to play.
Further reading
Films.com
film.com/features/story/review-scott-pilgrim-takes-us/39953185
Los Angeles Times
latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-scott-pilgrim-20100813,0,4279497.story
New York Daily News
nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/2010/08/13/2010-08-13_scott_pilgrim_vs_the_world_review_music_and_videogame_visuals_take_this_tale_for.html
New York Post
nypost.com/p/entertainment/movies/all_games_no_joystick_LiPc4JHjB5HPqyv4vSD4AN
