Viewed in
2010 (2), 2011
Formats
AMC theater, DVD, HDTV
Premise
Based on the graphic novel, Michael Cera stars in the classic tale of boy meets girl, boy fights girl's seven evil exes.
Loved
Energetic, nerdy visuals.
Liked
Comedic performances.
Thoughts
Easily one of the most entertaining films of this year.
I once bagged on Michael Cera for his lack of acting range in Youth in Revolt. While the role was still in his wheelhouse, he was perfect with a charming performance. The rest of the mostly unknown cast was very good as well. Each pushed the comedy momentum throughout the film.
What really stood out was how it embraced the nerd/geek culture, from shoutouts to old school video games (loved the 8-bit rendition of the Universal intro), to comic book "sound effects", to indie band references that probably went over my head. Yet the comedy was well-executed that I'm certain non-hardcore people would be entertained. Overall the comedy was fantastic, with an onslaught of quirky visual gags, absurd dialogue and irreverent moments (not sure how Seinfeld is a nerdy thing). At the risk of overkill, all the jokes and their frequency were pitch-perfect.
Was the plot ludicrous? Yes, but in a good way. It let me not bother with realism and just accept/enjoy the exaggerated energy of the film. Also, it had surprisingly good complications in the relationships department.
If I were to nitpick, my main quibble was that seven enemies was repetitive. I appreciated each level was rather unique, although it had to use some conventional bad guys like the obligatory lesbian. Also, it could have gotten to the main storyline faster. Ellen Wong (Asian pride!) was hilariously fantastic as Cera's first love, and added depth to the later acts, but it did take a while for the "seven evil exes" action that marketing had touted.
Lastly, I wonder if there would be a risk of it being outdated, with its currently-hip dialogue, jokes and t-shirts.
Thanks to its unique visual style and funny acting, Scott Pilgrim vs the World was one of my favorite films of the year.
What I would change
Nothing.
