My niece Kaylynn summed up this movie well: "It was really dumb. But in a good way." It's true. I don't know how much I can analyze this movie. Let me try.
First of all, if you grew up in the era of the original Nintendo Entertainment System, and many of your fondest memories from childhood involve huddled around a tv spending your weekend day and night trying to make that one infuriating jump or beat that one impossible boss, you really will enjoy this movie. It's a movie based on a comic inspired by video games. It's pretty much the greatest combination ever. For example: when Scott cuts enemies down, they explode into coins, a la games like River City Ransom (FYI, check out Mega 64's take on that game on IGN). Video game movies have a hard time adopting the source material because of silly things like enemies exploding into change, but Scott Pilgrim offers an elegant solution to the quandary. Things like this... this movie doesn't take itself too seriously and it is wonderful for it. It's a good thing it's not animated too: it wouldn't be as fun to watch. The jokes are funny because it's live action. If it were a cartoon, it would be cliche. Interesting, no?
I should talk about Edgar Wright. He's done some amazing films (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz), but this movie is completely different. It's rumored that Wright has plans for an Ant Man movie, and after seeing Scott Pilgrim I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. This is Zen Master Steve saying "we'll see." Anyway, Scott Pilgrim is a complete change of pace. It wastes no time in getting silly, while the other two gradually built the silliness until... well, it was ridiculous. Wright makes good movies. And they're funny. Good for him.
Also, Michael Cera. Normally, he's George Michael Bluth (Superbad, Juno, one of his personalities in Youth in Revolt), but he's stretching himself a little more here. He does a good job. All the actors do. Ramona's great. Knives is funny. No one drops the ball here. It's solid all around.
Heart. This movie has loads of it. It's like a date movie for grown-up nerds. There's more of us out there than we think -- despite the film's weak box office opening. Despite how silly the movie is, you genuinely care about the characters. Anyone who has had a hard break up, rebounded with someone else, found the girl of your dreams... basically, everyone should find something to relate to in this movie. Anyone who has gone through puberty, anyway.
Plus, Scott's plight is really clever. If you wanted, you could look at the movie existentially and say Scott is facing Ramona's exes in her head, because she's trying to decide how he measures up. That's how you get the creepy guy from seventh grade and the vegan with super powers. "He's a vegan, which means he's just better than you." See? Basically, the movie just makes literal what Ramona is thinking and what Scott is facing. You get the idea.
Plus, I think it's kind of cool Scott faces Superman (Brandon Routh) and Captain America (Chris Evans) within an hour.
Is it a good movie? Yeah, but it's silly and dumb-but-in-a-good-way. Is it fun? Oh man. I think you'd be hard-pressed to have more fun in a movie theater this summer. With your clothes on, at least. Plus, it's set in Canada! Who doesn't love Canada? Really! Canada's awesome. Look at all the cool things Canada has given us: The Weakerthans (amazing), The Arrogant Worms (hilarious), William Shatner (awesome), Rachel McAdams (gorgeous), socialized health care (debatable)... the list goes on. Plus, in all seriousness, we're really lucky to have such a friendly northern neighbor. Can you imagine if we hated Canada and were constantly warring with them? Yeah, it's silly to think about only because there's no way! We're so lucky.
Ok back to the movie. If you grew up on video games, see it. If you're a nerd, see it. If you're on a date, see it. If you're a fan of the source material, it's probably worth checking out (I am as unfamiliar with the comics as I possibly could be). If you're a fan of Edgar Wright (or anyone else involved, for that matter) see it. If you're a testosterone junkie and want to see nothing but muscular men blowing up stuff, see the Expendables. Everyone else: see Scott Pilgrim. At very least rent it. Trust me on this: it doesn't suck. 3.5/5 Good, 6/5 Fun.
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