Comics and video games merge in the pop-culture candy land that is “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”. Reviews slant within the direction of each critic’s tolerance for the hyperactive, hyper-stylized world fans of fighting games for instance “Street Fighter” know well. Scott Pilgrim’s world, in all its hyper-reality, is very comparable to the world of the comic book film “Kick Ass,” which so happened to be a preferred of many critics who enjoy “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”. However, fans of both have usually had even more favorable things to say about the Pilgrim.
’Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ reviews praise the power combo
A fantastic mash up of popular sources makes “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” a unique experience. Young musician and professional slacker Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) is looking for true love. Scott is stuck between the eyes by Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), but can do little over it until he faces seven trials. These trials are Ramona’s “seven evil exes,” who Scott must defeat in kung-fu style before taking the hand of the young lady. When this is an overly simplistic plot machine, that’s hardly the point with “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”. It may not teach you anything, but that’s OK. It is a pop culture ride, and we are to ride along.
A fusion of reviews in the land of nerdville
Joe Neumaier of the New York Daily News sees “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” as a blur of style over substance, nevertheless a romantic coming-of-age story that burns with a satisfying light in bright neon. The surreal mix is on the money, says Film.com. 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.
It’s the playing that matters
Scott Pilgrim rocks on, and “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” reviews usually seem to understand the film. The Times reviewer says who wins doesn’t matter; “it’s the playing that matters”. The New York Post is one of few major reviewers who don’t feel that’s enough, however. He writes that “the movie just skitters this way and that (and) has a love affair with itself”. But maybe that ride captures its target audience’s personality all too well. Smith says that “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” is “all games, no joystick,” yet someplace, quarters are stacking on the machine as viewers line 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
