This movie will instantly level up your life.
Released: 2010
Genre(s): Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Graphic novel adaptations tend to be gritty, fierce, and giant showcases of Hollywood special effects-driven masculinity. And that's fine - we, as a society, totally dig seeing people getting all punchy, kicky, and shooty on each other onscreen. But normally the best parts of graphic novels are the character interactions - the tiny, quirky, incredibly-human exchanges people have with each other - and oftentimes these are completely neglected during the transition to film. So, when a movie like "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" is created in a world almost solely comprised of guts and glory, it's bound to turn a lot of heads. My head included.
Those familiar with the Scott Pilgrim series of graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley were doubtful that this flick would be able to convey the same type of dreamy, carefree, semi-melancholy flavor fans know and love the original books for, but as someone who's read these literary treats, I have to say that the writers and director got the recipe pretty much perfect. Blending indie romantic comedy-style sensibilities with O'Malley's signature video game/martial arts movie-inspired mayhem, plus tossing in a dash of young adult angst for good measure, makes for one hell of a trip.
"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" crashes around the screen like a go-kart equipped with a Hemi, ricocheting back and forth between the young adult love story and balls-to-the-wall action so rapidly that the two merge into a surprisingly compatible combination. It's simultaneously witty, side-splittingly funny, engaging, uplifting, exciting, groan-inducingly corny, romantic, bizarre, and thought-provoking. All of its insane effects aside, there's something in this film that unquestioningly resonates with all of us who've been through it, are going through it, or are preparing to go through it: the message of "Wow, young adult life really is super-confusing and difficult. What do I do?" It's done slightly tongue-in-cheek, but is nevertheless genuine enough to not feel completely cheeseball. I always find myself a little bit more pensive (and a lot more amused) after watching Scott undergo his epic journey of love, fame, and pop-culture references.
For readers of the graphic novels who are still skeptical, trust me when I say that this flick is packed to the gills with fan service, whether it be direct quotes and situations from the books, or subtle nods to O'Malley's wickedly-clever social commentaries. It's not the type of movie that will appeal to everyone - if you hate indie comedies, martial arts romps, video games, or comic book culture, you're probably going to find something you hate in "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World." But for those who want a taste of something different - something with an unbelievable amount of heart and surprising amount of relatability - that boldly makes unconventional attempts to stay fresh and funny, this is definitely worth trying out.
Rating (out of 5): 4.5
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