I seem to be using similes a lot when it comes to writing reviews. In this case, the phrase I've had in mind is "It's like Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind for the ADD generation." Scott Pilgrim is a fast-paced romantic comic book sci-fi... thing... filled with silliness and nerdy whimsy.
I realize I'm pretty late jumping onto Scott Pilgrim bandwagon, but even after seeing it, I'm still not sure what to tell people to expect. It's very much unlike anything I've ever seen before. It's cartoony, and quick, and jumpy, and sincere, and heart-warming, and, and, and... Something that you're going to have to see to really get, but I'm still going to try.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned how hard Easy A was trying to be definitive of its generation. By using webcams and referencing Youtube, it believed that throwing out buzzwords semi-convincingly, it could make us believe that it was speaking a language of authenticity. Scott Pilgrim, on the other hand, feels more representative of my people, or at least the people my people wish they were. Steeped in musical insecurity and video game nostalgia, Scott and his friends feel tailor-made for the now-twenty-somethings who grew up with a surprisingly unconflicting appreciation for 8-bit video games and hyper-stylized violence.
Probably the best part of Scott Pilgrim is that it's entirely aware of how bat-poop silly it is without anyone actually putting their tongue against their cheek. Michael Cera and company's faux-earnest make you believe that these people want, just as much as we do, for the experience to keep going. It's not parodic, but it's by no means unaware of just how goofy it is.
So, if you're ever in the mood for a silly, musical-filled, slapstick, arcady, live-action cartoon, then you don't have anywhere further to look than Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. And, if you're not in the mood, watch it anyway, because you will be when it's done.
Rating: 3.75 stars
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