”Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” reviews seem to agree: the hyper-stylized comic book and video game world is a hoot. Reviews slant within the direction of each critic’s tolerance for the hyperactive, hyper-stylized world fans of fighting games such as “Street Fighter” know well. Those who don’t relate to the augmented reality of “Scott Pilgrim” are typically the very same critics who had difficulty tolerating the ultra-violent comic book film “Kick Ass”. Reviews of “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” have largely been more optimistic, nevertheless.
’Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ reviews trumpet the wild mix
A fantastic mash up of popular sources makes “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” a unique experience. Slacker musician Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) is on the make for a lovely lady. He eventually finds it in Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), but is faced by a septet of trouble. Scott must defeat Ramona’s “seven evil exes” “Street Fighter”-style before he can have the love of the Technicolor-haired young maiden. When this is an overly simplistic plot machine, that’s hardly the point with “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”. It isn’t meant to break new ground in terms of plot. It is a pop culture ride, and we are to ride along.
Review fusion for the Pilgrim in you
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 cash, says Film.com. Betsy Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times calls the one-man-versus-the-horde throw down an “inventive, free-floating ode to nerdville” where star Michael Cera “channels his Cera-ness perfectly, which is tougher than it looks”.
Not the destination, but the journey
”Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” rocks to its own beat. 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 do not feel that’s enough, however. He writes that “the movie just skitters this way and that (and) has a love affair with itself”. But perhaps that ride captures its target audience’s personality all too well. ”All games, no joystick” is the Post’s verdict, yet judging by box office receipts, individuals are lining up to play.
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
