Scott Pilgrim vs. The World [Blu-ray]

Loved it, but a few scenes didn't age well

I don't give very many five star reviews, but after careful thought, I couldn't give this film anything but. It set out to do something and achieved what it wanted to, 100%.I had been reading O'Malley's books for years, but when I heard Scott Pilgrim was being made into a movie, I just rolled my eyes. As a friend in the comics business once told me, "They're going to screw your book. Just decide how much you want to be paid to get screwed." Now, this isn't as true as it used to be--a new generation of directors who understand comics are finally producing good work, like Watchmen--but it's still the way to bet. Which I why I was surprised when I heard from Bryan that he was pretty excited about it. Still....I was aware the film was being made but was too nervous to keep track of it. Even after it came out I dragged my feet about seeing it, then finally went near the end of the run.And I LOVED it!Not only is it the best possible adaptation of the book, it is pure 100% fun. I was talking to a comic book artist I know and raving about it. He's a HUGE Scott Pilgrim fan and loved it. Then he said: "Too bad it bombed, huh?" I was truly shocked--I had no idea. I couldn't believe how anyone couldn't like the movie. It's imaginative, original, well-written, well-acted, and awesomely, perfectly over-the-top.And now that I have the BR and have rewatched it twice (plus 3x with all the commentaries) I am still agog that it wasn't a huge hit. (Michael Cera has glumly said "We got blindsided by eight guys called The Expendables".) I think the problem some people have with it is that they aren't willing to just go with the flow and accept the strange reality the movie takes place in.Edgar put his heart and soul into this movie and it shows on every frame. I don't know how many times I'd have to watch it to catch all the references and inside jokes, and the backgrounds are so fill of tidbits I've had to step through some scenes almost frame-by-frame in a probably futile attempt to catch them all. The details are amazing, from the note-perfect Bollywood style of the fight with Patel (eg, the demon sisters all have big racks, and if you've ever watched a Bollywood film...) to the promo posters for the bands and the way the lyrics of the music often intercut and play off the script.The actors committed to this film above and beyond the call of duty. Let's face it, training Michael Cera to do long choreographed fight shots and look good doing it must have taken a hell of a lot of work on his part and the part of the fight choreographers. Cera commented that the thing he looked forward to most at the end of filming was "never doing another pushup again in my life." But like them or not, he did them anyway during the filming.And of course for several of the actors, they had to go from wondering what side of their musical instrument was up to playing live and recording the soundtrack. Only Cera and Larson had previous experience, and neither of them professionally. (Larson has a lovely voice!)Cera's acting does the job it needs to. He's pretty Scott Pilgrim-like. (I howled with laughter at his delivery of the line "But it's haaaard!") Culkin steals the movie, as others have noted here. Most of the other parts don't call for ACTING! as much as in most movies, but again, most of the actors do their work. The exception is the clumsy and leaden performance by Anna Kendrick as Stacey Pilgrim. My god, she's awful. But I need to give a special shout-out to Alison Pill who IS Kim Pine. It was almost creepy. Oh yeah, and Jason Schwatzman is brilliant as Gideon. A complete a-hole, just as he should be.I doubt anyone who has read this far (if anyone ever does) is not already a fan of the movie. But talk a few people into watching it with you, or lend out the disk. I think this movie will be a (semi) cult classic, and hopefully after a few years it will at least make its money back. It's just too cruel that Scott Pilgrim vs the World should be a Bob-omb.Scott Pilgrim FTW!

Cult classic for a reason, even if it smooches a ton of books together and leaves out some bits it's a great movie alone. One of my favorite Michael Cera roles. The movie also has a kick ass soundtrack. There's a who's who of supporting actors who would go on to be good actors later. You can, I have with friends, named Super Hero roles they'd all end of playing while watching. Edgar Wright has mastered editing and transition scenes. You feel like you're watching a comic book come to life (much like Ang Lee's Hulk). Highly recommend.

I attended a viewing of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World on opening night and right away was saddened that the theater wasn't packed full. I hadn't yet seen whether it was any good or not, but in a Hollywood of the "same-old, same old", I was routing for a movie that has originality written all over it. I should also state that unlike most comic book inspired movies that I've walked into, I had no previous knowledge of anything Scott Pilgrim-related aside from the PSN game that I had just started playing days before.I'll get this out of the way right now too. I'm not a big Michael Cera fan, to the point where I'll avoid movies that he's in just because I'm sick of seeing that same character done over and over again. Despite this, I was still very excited to see Scott Pilgrim. For the first time in a long time, I felt that it was finally a role where Cera could play his usual character and it actually made sense.Inception is being applauded by Hollywood and fans alike because it successfully brought something new and fresh to the table. Scott Pilgrim is no different. Edgar Wright has certainly stepped up his game here. The direction, editing, and overall tone of the movie are absolutely perfect. The visual inspirations and sounds borrowed from video games make this a movie that any gamer should flock to. The relentless pace of the movie and quick (yet brilliant) transitions may feel rushed for some, but to me it felt like a story that hit the ground running and kept the action flowing.There are several times during the movie where the average skeptical viewer may question events as they play out. Why does everyone have all these powers and crazy fighting abilities? What's up with Ramona having snow melting roller skates and jumping through random doors? Why do people burst into coins? All of these questions are fair, but they apply to the real world. The world we see in Scott Pilgrim is one that none of us have seen before, and yet holds some familiar properties. The only way you'll really enjoy this movie is if you stop asking questions and just go with it. They're not creating plot holes by NOT answering these questions, they're simply not willing to slow down the pace to give us answers we don't need.The action is incredibly visceral and satisfying. I don't know if it was just my identification with the plight of Pilgrim, but I felt myself wanting to jump up out of my seat and get involved. Not since seeing the rage of the Hulk unleashed onscreen have I had such a similar reaction to on-screen combat.As far as the characters and performances go, there's a lot to be had here. Ramona Flowers (Winstead) could have been a little warmer, but I could see how damaged she is (sexy too, I'd certainly fight off seven evil exes for her). Knives was as annoying as expected. Unlike some, I at no point found myself rooting for her as she seemed far too young in comparison to everyone else. Anna Kendrick is adorably meddlesome as Scott's sister Stacey and is quickly becoming one of my biggest Hollywood crushes. As far as the evil exes go, Chris Evans and Brandon Routh were by far the stand-outs to me. In a completely unexpected yet pleasant surprise, Kieran Culkin steals just about every scene he's in as Scott's gay roommate Wallace. I came out of this movie a much bigger fan of his and look forward to seeing where his career is headed. And yes, I'll admit it. Michael Cera was great. Now leave me alone. More reviews at: [...]

Toller Film, mit einer lustigen, spannenden, sehr einfallsreichen Story.Der ganze Film erinnert sehr an einen Comic, mit sehr ausgefallenen Charakteren.Einer meiner Lieblingsfilme, hoffe sehr, es gibt mal einen zweiten Film.Der Humor des Films ist einfach nur brillant, und die Musik im Film auch einfach nur sehr gut.Die Schauspieler waren alle perfekt für ihre Rollen gewählt, wer Games/Comics liebt, wird verstehen das der Film auf das eine sehr geniale Anspielung ist, eine Anspielung auf einige Spiele.Genau das liebe ich daran so sehr :DMan hat ein Kult/Nostalgie Feeling, wenn man den Film sieht, und eine echt süße Lovestory.Was begeht das Filmeherz mehr?Ich bin begeistert von Scott Pilgrim vs. the World!

Um filme de culto. Conforme descrito.

This is a movie adaptation of a series of six graphic novels, which tell one long story.For those who haven't read the books:Scott Pilgrim is a twenty something Toronto resident. Aimless and unemployed member of a garage band he lives with super cool roommate Wallace Wells, and is dating a high school girl called Knives Chau.All of which changes when he meets amazon delivery girl Ramona Flowers. The girl of his dreams. Literally.To romance Ramona and win her he has to dump Knives and deal with the consequences. And battle Ramona's seven evil exes.It's time for Scott to grow up....Added to which, he sees pretty much everything like a video game. There's no explanation for that, so you just have to go with it.Whilst Scott and Ramona aren't especially likeable and are both rather self absorbed to begin with, the former has to grow up and take responsibility over the course of the film, and the latter has to learn how to love again. So if you can get used to that, you won't mind them.But there are a great selection of appealing supporting characters, and a superb ensemble cast to bring them to life.The film begins with the usual universal studios opening done as an eight bit computer would show it and do the music. If that makes you laugh or means anything to you then you'll love it.Getting six books into one film does mean it can feel like a rush through a lot of story at points, but there's so many great visuals and action sequences and some fun characters on display, and thus it's the kind of film you can watch again and again and always spot something new.So it may be an acquired taste. But if it you're kind of thing, or you're a gamer, you should find it very appealing.If you have read the books then you'll find that what starts out as looking as if might be an almost frame for frame translation at first - as it takes a while to get through volume one - then does have to become somewhat edited highlights afterwards. But it gets in as much as it can, so it's a laudable effort.And it's a laudable effort as well in regards to the dvd. This being the kind of two disc special edition I haven't seen in a long time, as it's absolutely packed with extra stuff.Disc one:Four different commentaries, from various members of cast and crew.An outtake reel. Unlike many this one actually has some genuinely funny moments - one take that had to be repeated umpteen times and some out of control props - rather than just people forgetting their lines or goofing around.Lots of galleries of various aspects of the production.Over twenty five minutes worth of deleted scenes, which can be watched all in a row or individually, and with or without a commentary from the director.Disc two;Documentaries:A making of feature that runs for over fifty minutes and can be watched in one go or in sections. Although it's a rather abrupt end to part one if you do the former.A feature on the music the cast play.And the efforts of one to play the guitar.Alternative footage:Some alternative edits of various shots.And some footage of general hi jinks on the set.Music promos:Four of the songs played in the film done as music videos [just montages of clips]Nine short montages of dialogue set to music.Trailers;All the cinema trailersAll the tv ads for the filmAnd trailers for the video game version.Pre production:Pre production footage.Lots of animatics of various scenesRehearsal vids.Props rigs and sets montage.Casting tapes.Hair and makeup test footage.A five minute feature on the sound effects.A short section that animates a bit from the books with the backstory of character Kim Pine.A short section that edits some of the dialogue in various scenes to make it tv friendly.Visual effects:A feature on the visuals.One fight scene with a couple of unfinished visual effects.And a montage of various fight scenes that had to be done with bluescreen work.Most of the sections of extras can be watched all together or individually.The dvd has the following language and subtitle options:Languages: English, english audio description.Subtitles: English, Arabic, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish.

Scott Pilgrim ist ein mustergültiger Slacker. Anfang 20, ohne Job, gammelt er sich Tag für Tag durch sein Leben in Toronto, datet ein Schulmädchen und probt immerzu mit seiner Band Sex Bob-omb für den großen Durchbruch, als plötzlich die geheimnisvolle Schönheit Ramona Flowers in sein Leben platzt. Sie ist buchstäblich das Mädchen seiner Träume, doch bevor er mit ihr zusammen sein kann, muss er sich noch mit ihren sieben teuflischen Ex-Lovern rumschlagen.Ich platze mit meiner Meinung gleich einfach mal so heraus: Edgar Wright ist ein meisterhafter Regisseur, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World ist der Beweis und dieser Text eine Liebeserklärung an sein zweifellos stärkstes Werk. Seine Verfilmung des sechsteiligen Comics von Bryan Lee O'Malley ist ein permanent Popkultur referenzierendes Monster, ein visuell einzigartiges Feuerwerk der Ideen, ein Wanderer zwischen den unterschiedlichsten medialen Kunstformen, dem es mühelos gelingt all seine Einflüsse zu bündeln und ein vollkommen für sich stehendes Gesamtkunstwerk zu erschaffen. Und wie Wright die Geschichte erzählt, wie er die Gedanken – und Gefühlswelt seines Protagonisten direkt und ungefiltert auf die Leinwand überträgt und den Zuschauer daran teilhaben lässt, das zeugt von unglaublich profunder Kenntnis der letzten vierzig Jahre Popkultur – von Pac Man über Mangas bis hin zu zeitgenössischem Indierock – sowie einer schier immensen Lust daran, mit dieser Kenntnis zu spielen und einem unglaublich guten Gespür für Tempo und Timing. Visuell ist das alles unfassbar eindrucksvoll und geradezu überbordend kreativ umgesetzt, wenn sich die verschiedensten Erzählformen munter vermischen, wenn 80er Jahre Videospiel-Ästhetik auf Comicwelten trifft, wenn sich der Film frech und schamlos Dinge erlaubt, vor denen auf Filmhochschulen stets gewarnt wird, dann bricht Scott Pilgrim vs. the World buchstäblich den filmischen Horizont auf. Was mich aber abseits all dieser audiovisuellen Pracht, all der wundervollen Ideen und Einfällen auf der erzählerischen Ebene und all dieser nerdigen Detailverliebtheit noch am allermeisten fasziniert und begeistert, das ist der so schlichte wie zu gleich schöne Kern der Geschichte. Wenn man nämlich all diesen Popkultur-Wahnsinn, die inszenatorischen Tricks und Kniffe und den visuellen Budenzauber einfach mal außen vor lässt und beiseite wischt, dann offenbart sich tief im Innern von Scott Pilgrim vs. the World ein roter Faden, welcher zu keiner Sekunde aus den Augen gelassen wird. Denn letztlich erzählt Edgar Wright mit seinem Film nicht mehr und nicht weniger als die vielleicht älteste Geschichte der Menschheit: Junge trifft Mädchen, Junge verliebt sich in Mädchen. So einfach, so universell. Und bei all dem kreativen Feuerwerk, welches er nahezu permanent entfacht, verliert er nie das Gespür für seine Figuren und drosselt gezielt das erzählerische Tempo um der Romanze zwischen Scott und Ramona genügend Freiraum und Luft zum atmen zu geben. Der Cast erledigt dann den Rest und füllt den Film mit Leben und lässt seine Liebesgeschichte erst richtig glaubwürdig erscheinen. Und auch bis in kleinere Nebenrollen ist der Film wahnsinnig gut besetzt und kann mit Namen wie Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, Jason Schwartman, Brandon Routh oder Kieran Culkin um sich werfen. Sogar Thomas Jane und Clifton Collins, jr. dürfen kurz für einen ausgesprochen witzigen Cameo-Auftritt vorbeischauen. Aber das Herz von Scott Pilgrim vs. the World sind Michael Cera und die wundervolle Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Und seien wir doch mal ehrlich: wie könnte man sich nicht in Ramona Flowers verlieben?Natürlich ist sich Edgar Wright vollkommen im klaren darüber, dass er allein aufgrund der Art und Weise, wie er seine Geschichte erzählt, große Teile des Publikums nicht erreichen wird. Dafür ist vieles an Scott Pilgrim vs. the World einfach zu weit weg vom Mainstream, vieles einfach zu sehr auf bestimmte Nischen der Popkultur fixiert. Das schöne aber ist: es ist ihm egal. Wright zelebriert das alles so voller Enthusiasmus, dass man das Gefühl bekommt, er hätte den Film auch nur für sich allein gemacht. Schon die Cornetto-Trilogie (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End) war sehr gut und zeugte vom scheinbar grenzenlosen Genre-Wissen ihres Regisseurs, aber Scott Pilgrim vs. the World treibt das alles frech wie versiert auf die Spitze und katapultiert den Film damit tief in mein Nerd-Herz. Baby Driver habe ich leider noch nicht sehen können, bin aber sehr, sehr gespannt darauf, was sich Mr. Wright hier wieder alles hat einfallen lassen. Seine Vision von Ant-Man hätte ich übrigens auch nur allzu gern gesehen.

Pour ma part, c'est un film que je n'ai pas pu attendre avant de le voir au cinéma (enfin, vu le peu de cinéma qui ont eu la chance d'avoir une copie, ça n'a pas été évident, surtout en province) car un délai de 4 mois avant une exploitation française (reportée 3 ou 4 fois avant d'avoir une date définitive alors qu'il est sorti début Août 2010 aux US), c'est assez lourd.Pour la petite anecdote, il faut savoir que le film est sorti en bluray et DVD aux US/Canada légèrement avant sa sortie en salles en France (le 1er Décembre 2010). Il faut également savoir que le bluray n'était pas zoné (ou multizone si vous préférez) et qu'il y avait un sous-titre français, voire même un doublage français (doublage pour le Québec, mais à part un seul mot pour les sous-titres et deux ou trois termes parlés, il n'y a rien de choquant ou d'incompréhensible).Quoiqu'il en soit, le film est pour moi une grande réussite de la part d'Edgar Wright, dont je suis assez fan depuis "Shawn of the Dead" et "Hot Fuzz", entre autre (le petit segment "Don't", réalisé pour le projet "Grindhouse" de Quentin Tarantino et Roberto Rodriguez, est également savoureux).C'est assez typique du réalisateur (non je ne suis pas son pote, mais je trouve qu'en regardant ses précédentes réalisations, cinéma ou TV, ce film lui ressemble bien) et je pense que je m'éclate à le regarder autant qu'il s'est éclaté à le réaliser.Cependant, j'ai une dent contre Universal, si ce n'est tout la machoire.On peut difficilement faire pire qu'eux pour détruire un film : communication discrète, bande annonce sortie poussivement, doublage français à la sensation pas très pro, exploitation limitée, ... si Universal ne voulait pas que ce film fonctionne au cinéma, ils ne pouvaient pas faire mieux (ou pire).Je ne comprends pas non plus comment on peut sortir un film dans certains pays étrangers en y traduisant les écritures qui apparaissent régulièrement à l'écran alors qu'en français, on doit se taper une voix-off qui raconte tout ce qui est écrit en anglais. Il m'a été donné de voir le film dans une version russe où chaque écriture, que ce soit la narration ou les petits encarts donnant le nom du personnage leur âge et leur charisme, était traduite en russe. En français, ça n'aurait pas été bien compliqué à faire aussi je pense, enfin je crois.N'en déplaise aux puristes, ici la version originale, avec ou sans les sous-titres français, est de mise car même s'il faut reconnaitre un certain talent aux comédiens français (acteurs de cinéma, de série TV ou de théâtre pour la grande majorité), le doublage français ici tend vraiment à peiner pour faire croire qu'il est bon. Certes, la première impression reste toujours la meilleure (pour ma part, c'était la VO) mais je reste assez bon public et j'apprécie le travail produit pour les doublages français. Mais pour "Scott Pilgrim", il y a manifestement une erreur de casting sur les voix et une certaine justesse quant à certaines répliques. Je suis certain de ne pas savoir faire mieux, ça n'est pas mon métier, mais là encore, ça sent le "baclé" de la part d'Universal qui n'a peut-être pas voulu donner les fonds suffisants pour faire une édition digne de ce nom avec un doublage plus travaillé.C'est franchement dommage car ce film en vaut la peine. Qui sait s'il y aura une édition plus poussée si le film fonctionne mieux en DVD/Bluray ... mais faut pas trop rêver.Je maintiens quand même que ce film est une sorte d'ovni (dans le sens positif) dans le paysage cinématographique récent et j'espère que sa récente sortie française pourra lui donner tout le mérite qui lui est du (d'autant qu'il est pas vendu très cher, que ce soit en bluray ou en DVD).Petit plus pour les amateurs d'anecdotes de clins d'oeil : prévoyez l'achat de "Paul" également (fin Juillet 2011), vous comprendrez après avoir regardé tous les bonus du bluray de "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" ;)