Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

One of the funniest movies to hit stores is the action/comedy, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. The film is based on the comic series by Bryan Lee O'Mally and was directed by Hot Fuzz director, Edgar Wright. The film stars the quirky Michael Cera as Scott and his female love interest, Ramona, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. The DVD copy includes four audio commentaries, 21 alternative scenes with commentary, bloopers, a photo gallery, and trivia. The BluRay edition of the movie also includes a six-part mini-features over the movie which include the following: Making of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Music, You Too Can Be Sex Bob-omb, Visual Effects, Sound Work, and Pre-Production. Also includes is alternate footage, blogs by the production staff, trailers and TV ads, a storyboard feature, a DVD and digital copy of the movie, and Scott Pilgrim vs. Animation. 

Set in Toronto, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World tells the story of Scott (Cera) who is the bass player in a band called the Sex Bob-Ombs, along with his friends Stephen Stills (Mark Webber), Kim Pine (Alison Pill), and roadie Young Neil (Johnny Simmons). At the beginning of this story, Scott is dating a young high school girl named Knives Chau (Ellen Wong) even though he is constantly berated by his friends and family for dating a much younger girl. While he is dating Knives, a mysterious girl with bright pink hair appears in a dream named Ramona Flowers (Winstead). Later that day he sees Ramona at the library and is immediately intrigued. He and his band mates decide to go to a party later on that night where Scott meets Ramona. After some intense stalking sequence, she leaves the party and he is smitten.

Ramona however holds a dark secret. In order to date her, Scott must defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends through a series of duels. Scott must also bring himself to dump Knives, be true to his band who is competing for a record label contract in the Battle of the Bands, and fight off his own demon in the form of his own evil ex, Envy Adams (Brie Larson). Scott's ultimate fight occurs with Gideon G-Man (Jason Schwartzman), Ramona's most powerful ex-boyfriend. Eventually Scott must defeat all seven evil ex's before he and Ramona can be together.

The movie itself is filled with an endless amount of references to pop culture references such as the T. V. show Seinfeld and Friends. Scott Pilgrim also pays tribute to video games such as The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Brothers through the many action sequences that emulate the games. Although the plot is original and witty, I find that unless you're into all the current pop culture, you're not going to enjoy it. This movie also tends to target an age audience between 15-25 and centrally deals with the angst of first love.   

Cera, who has been type-casted in the past as a whiny, weak teenager comes of age during the many battle sequences where he often stands up for himself in order to defeat the ex's. A character who was the most impressive and by far the funniest was Stephen (Webber). The theme of homosexuality was crucial within his own character as well as one of Ramona's exs who was a lesbian. 

The cinematography features bright colors and the sounds are often the same ones found in video games. The movie is fueled also by interludes of sci-fi-esque scenes where Scott is dreaming or floating around in space and time. The humor is very geeky and is a delight for those who understand the references found throughout the movie.The movie also features a great soundtrack with all of the Sex Bob-Ombs music by alternative rock group, Beck. Much of the soundtrack itself is a collection of upbeat alternative/indie rock music. One of the best songs comes during a scene where Scott faces his own evil ex with a song by Metric entitled, "Black Sheep". 

Unless you're into the behind-the-scenes features or are some Scott Pilgrim fanatic, I'd just go with the DVD copy of the movie. My favorite feature of the BluRay combo was the opportunity to have a digital copy that I can store on my iPod but luckily iTunes has the digital copy also available for sale. Nevertheless, this movie includes some pretty interesting animation footage that might have you saying, "I wonder how that scene was made..." So if you're the curious film critic, BluRay is the way to go. 

Copies can be picked up at various stores around Laredo including Best Buy, WalMart, and Target.  

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World will not disappoint if you're one who likes to "geek out" during movies. Its references might not be understood by all viewers, but will be surprisingly pleasant to those who do understand the subtle nuances throughout the film. The plot is surprisingly original, the characters are hilarious, and it's visual candy. 

For more information on this movie, visit www.scottpilgrimthemovie.com.

(Christine Rojas may be reached at christine_r7@dusty.tamiu.edu)