Escape to the Movies: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

[aeric90]

If I am not mistaken, I just saw a post release trailer with review blurbs that quoted "One of the best movies of the year." attributed to Bob Chipman. Awesome.

If so, it's news to me - though I'd be keen to see it if so...

Someone just pointed out that I was mistaken and that I should "...get a bigger #@$%ing television, squinty." The name ended in 'man' but my terrible tv made it hard to make out the rest of the name which was overlayed on graphics. Sorry.

 

[Marmooset]

I have been reading through the comments here and I began to realize that this is a love or hate thing or more accurately a love it or do not get it thing.

You do realize that "love or do not get" is a further polarizing statement (and a rather old one, at that), right?

Love is not a prerequisite of understanding. I understand my job as well as any schmoe in the office. Does that mean I have to love it?

Stick with love or hate.

 

[Crazy_Bird]

You do realize that "love or do not get" is a further polarizing statement (and a rather old one, at that), right?

Scott Pilgrim is intended as a personal story. As such it is possible that some people are touched by the story on a level of understanding because they can identify themselves with the questions at hand and they experienced something similar. Possibly the story reach them on an almost subconscious level.

The middle ground is the thing we really differ. as Bob said some people might be disappointed because they do not get the finer nuances. I suspect that as a generation piece people born before the people displayed in the film/comic have a greater obstacle to appreciate the film as a whole.

Then there is the hate crowd because they don't like Michael Cera or the video game references are too blatant. Fair enough.

So in total we are talking about three fractions rather than two. Yet again there is neither black nor white nor a single shade of grey.

 

[Jumplion]

I never thought I'd hear "Intelligent" in the same sentence as "Romantic Comedy".

Considery me baffled.

Unfortunately I couldn't see it opening night, but I am totally going to see this movie when I can. This just reafirmed my position to see it.

 

[edgeofblade]

This is why video game movies fail miserably: they were made with a genre or particular game in mind. Instead, this is a movie that IS games, through and through, coursing through its veins.

 

[Nerf Ninja]

You do realize that "love or do not get" is a further polarizing statement (and a rather old one, at that), right?

Scott Pilgrim is intended as a personal story. As such it is possible that some people are touched by the story on a level of understanding because they can identify themselves with the questions at hand and they experienced something similar. Possibly the story reach them on an almost subconscious level.

The middle ground is the thing we really differ. as Bob said some people might be disappointed because they do not get the finer nuances. I suspect that as a generation piece people born before the people displayed in the film/comic have a greater obstacle to appreciate the film as a whole.

Then there is the hate crowd because they don't like Michael Cera or the video game references are too blatant. Fair enough.

So in total we are talking about three fractions rather than two. Yet again there is neither black nor white nor a single shade of grey.

Are you genuinely saying that because I think this film will be shit (haven't seen it it's not out yet but I have read the awful books) is because I'm too old?

Too old and too cryptofascist maybe? if you get that reference you're too old too.

 

[Crazy_Bird]

Are you genuinely saying that because I think this film will be shit (haven't seen it it's not out yet but I have read the awful books) is because I'm too old?

The short provocative answer: Yes, being too old might impair the enjoyment of Scott Pilgrim.
Popular and youth culture can be a series of elusive trends and as such their half-life is quite short.

So the big questions can the story reach you on a personal level?
I believe from my personal experience and some comments in this thread that it is less likely though far from impossible that the foundations of relationship in the early adulthood differ and portraying contemporary "mating rites" is what Scott Pilgrim is about.
Since I happen to know people, male and female, who fit some of the archetypes in Scott Pilgrim very well.

So is this unique to a current generation? Not really. It is more about your personal experience that effects your view on the movie and comic books.
Is this unique to the current generation? Nope, but I figure that relationships and the accompanying values have change over the time and as such the contemporary generation is more likely to reflect some of their own behaviour and identify themselves with the character better.

 

[Nerf Ninja]

Are you genuinely saying that because I think this film will be shit (haven't seen it it's not out yet but I have read the awful books) is because I'm too old?

The short provocative answer: Yes, being too old might impair the enjoyment of Scott Pilgrim.
Popular and youth culture can be a series of elusive trends and as such their half-life is quite short.

So the big questions can the story reach you on a personal level?
I believe from my personal experience and some comments in this thread that it is less likely though far from impossible that the foundations of relationship in the early adulthood differ and portraying contemporary "mating rites" is what Scott Pilgrim is about.
Since I happen to know people, male and female, who fit some of the archetypes in Scott Pilgrim very well.

So is this unique to a current generation? Not really. It is more about your personal experience that effects your view on the movie and comic books.
Is this unique to the current generation? Nope, but I figure that relationships and the accompanying values have change over the time and as such the contemporary generation is more likely to reflect some of their own behaviour and identify themselves with the character better.

You're probably right in that I am too old to get this film and I probably don't even WANT to get this film, as after reading the books I found Scott Pilgrims character to be whiney, shallow, delusional and pampered. I honestly can't see his personal journey through the books. Everything is given to him, even his own emotions and motivations are handed to him. He doesn't really need to persevere for anything as it is just given to him.

Quite frankly I'm glad I'm not "in" when it comes to this culture if he's the poster child.

 

[ManiacRaccoon]

Great video, thanks for posting this. Had no idea what the plot was to this movie until I saw this and went out and watched it a few days after I saw this review. It was fun.

 

[Rawker]

Wow, am I the only one who thinks this movie is going to suck?

I desperately wanted him to hate it. Frankly, I'm probably still not going to see it, because Bob has been wrong before.

(Daybreakers and Splice came close to what he said, but instead turned to crap. Please don't ask me to explain why. I can, I just don't want to.)

I thought it looked like Shitte too, but people have been saying it's good. I love the comics, but it wasn't all about video game jokes throughout it. And I Bob was right, Micheal Cera plays too nice of a person i suppose to really cover some parts where Scott does some asshole-ish stuff.

 

[Panda Mania]

I liked its flashy visuals and clever jokes. Kinda reminded me of Speed Racer. But I'm going to have to differ with you on the "in-depth relationship study" front, Bob. It made a nice point about hurt dealt and hurt received in relationships, but as for dealing with it and other aspects, it skimmed right on by to the eye-popping fight scenes. too bad. it could've been a leetle more reflective, like ( I hate to say it) Juno.

But it's all great, amusing entertainment in the end. I mean, it's not like anyone was expecting Schindler's List or anything.

 

[Deleted]

Huh, I'm intrigued.

A movie where the main character has to face 7 bosses?

Not just seven bosses. The girl of his dreams' seven evil Ex-BFs.

One's a girl if I remember the comic correctly.

Heh heh awwright.

 

[Dirty-Zombie]

Just saw this movie, and I agree. It's awesome! After seeing this, Toy Story 3 and Inception, I can't help but think that this hasn't been that bad of a year for films.

 

[Hatchet90]

Come on Bob, review Vampires Suck next week! I really want a laugh.

 

[Celtic_Kerr]

Huh, I'm intrigued.

A movie where the main character has to face 7 bosses?

Not just seven bosses. The girl of his dreams' seven evil Ex-BFs.

One's a girl if I remember the comic correctly.

Heh heh awwright.

Again, really don't wanna flame your post, but I've been corrected on this Six or seven times on this thread. PLease check to see if I've been correct and/or admitted I was wrong before correcting me again.

It can get a tad annoying to get e-mail after e-mail on the same thing

 

[Turbo_ski]

"A thoughtful, resonant and mature study of relationships among young adults in the modern era"

You... you can't be serious. Bob, if you (or anyone else here) honestly believes that, then answer me this:

[HEADING=3]As portrayed in the movie, why does Ramona feel ANY attraction Scott whatsoever?[/HEADING]

How can you call this movie a "thoughtful, resonant, and mature study" of young adult relationships when it complete glosses the female perspective? As you pointed out later in the review:

There are plenty of women in real life that date jerks that treat them far worse for reason outside parties could not possibly understand. Considering that Ramona's dating history is a history of poor choices in men, why do people think that there would be no attraction on her part just because scott is a jerk...

 

[ThePurpleStuff]

I have no intention of seeing this movie, maybe I will once it's on DVD and they shove it on demand same day on cable. I no longer enjoy movie theaters, sure, going to the movies is an entirely different experience than say just sitting on my couch at home with my family and watching on the HD TV. But that's exactly why I don't like it anymore, I like staying in my comfy home with my family and watching movies instead of going out and experiencing everything that theaters offer today, which is higher prices and the even more annoying public who will watch anything with no prior taste or intelligence. No offense to anyone who likes that sort of thing, just count me out.

OT: My sister and I have been playing the game released on PSN the past week, it's fun as hell, anyone who hasn't played it yet or seen the movie, I suggest spending your ticket money on the game instead of the movie. It's only $10 so it's already cheaper! Play it with friends or family with couch co-op.

 

[cobra_ky]

"A thoughtful, resonant and mature study of relationships among young adults in the modern era"

You... you can't be serious. Bob, if you (or anyone else here) honestly believes that, then answer me this:

[HEADING=3]As portrayed in the movie, why does Ramona feel ANY attraction Scott whatsoever?[/HEADING]

How can you call this movie a "thoughtful, resonant, and mature study" of young adult relationships when it complete glosses the female perspective? As you pointed out later in the review:

There are plenty of women in real life that date jerks that treat them far worse for reason outside parties could not possibly understand. Considering that Ramona's dating history is a history of poor choices in men, why do people think that there would be no attraction on her part just because scott is a jerk...

That may be true, but it doesn't change the fact that it's completely unaddressed by the movie.

The problem isn't that Scott's a jerk, the problem is she has no idea who Scott is. If Ramona is simply making another "poor choice in men", then fine, but that's hardly thoughtful or mature.

 

[xDarc]

I feel like I'm too old for this movie. I feel a great disconnect with the kids who grew up under the shadow of 9/11, global terrorism and war. It's like they're so... I dunno.

I guess though not young himself, Edgar Wright is still hip with the young people... either that or whoever wrote those books you were talking about.

Oh and that Michael Cera kid is the ultimate 00's boy. It will be interesting to see what roles he gets in say 10 years. I'm liking all the new actors that are replacing my favorite old ones, and the movies in general, less and less.