Writer/Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Bill Hader, Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors have made movies which audiences treasure like Bill Hader. Ever since his rise to recognition in the 1990’s, Hader has made memorable movies. Whether it’s police officers, fearful creatures or gangsters, Hader has portrayed several characters. Arguably, Hader’s finest strength as an actor has often been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has often poured his heart and soul every role. Through ability to create characters that are compelling, Hader has built a legacy that’s lasting. Even when he isn’t the central focus of a movie, Hader has always left a long-lasting impression. An actor with a strong commitment to his craft, Hader has become a beloved icon in entertainment. Throughout his long-lasting career, Hader has made many memorable movies that are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Hader and adore all the films he has created in his career. However, “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” is certainly my favourite. Ever since its release in 2010, Edgar Wright’s movie has stood the test of time as a comic-book classic. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it is one of the best comic-book films ever made. At the centre of it all is a terrific performance from Bill Hader, who embodies the voice of a video-game system that’s in position of power. Ultimately, what makes “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most comic-book films, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. An engaging comic-book classic, there are many reasons why “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” is a film that is worth seeing.
Based on the comic-book, “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” tells the story of a guitarist that seeks to retrieve his girlfriend from the world. Michael Cera portrays Scott Pilgrim, a young heartthrob hero that’s fond of playing video-games. Scott has never had any trouble with finding a girlfriend. Scott’s life changes when he falls deeply in love with Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Ramona is a sweet girl that is easy for her Scott to get along well with. However, Scott’s hopes of romance are destroyed when he discovers Ramona’s cruel ex-boyfriends causing disaster. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Scott begins to wonder whether it’s possible to overcome ex-lovers that cause disaster. Questioning if it’s possible to find love, Scott wonders whether romance is worth pursuing.
Edgar Wright is a newcomer towards themes of comic-books. Before he directed “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World”, Wright had never made a comic-book movie before. It was Wright’s first attempt to capture the struggles faced by comic-book characters facing adversity but he succeeded. Using stunning cinematography, Wright captures a comic-book hero embarking on a journey to find his identity. Wright deftly uses slow-motion to capture a hero embarking on a journey to battle ex lovers which cause a tragedy. For instance, slow motion elevates the boyfriend battle scene. During this memorable scene, Scott battle his girlfriend’s lovers which cause adversities. Through montages, Wright captures hardships that comic-book heroes on tense missions go through. Montages are not easy to use in movies. As Pete Docter’s “Inside Out” suggested, montages enhance animated movies about emotions. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Through breathtaking visuals, Wright captures the tensions that comic-book heroes are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Wright efficiently uses sound-design to demonstrate the lives of comic-book heroes that experience a decline. Throughout the movie, Wright effectively uses sounds to capture a video-game universe that is compelling. For instance, the sound design enhances the final battles scene. During this intense scene, Scott has a final confrontation with his girlfriend’s ex-lovers causing tragedy. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that ex-lovers of girlfriends bear. Through phenomenal production, Wright captures the lives of ex-lovers that experience tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” is a captivating film that is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to convey tensions that ex-lovers of girlfriends endure. Amidst the thrilling action, Wright finds time for strong character development. For instance, silence elevates the farewell scene. During this emotional scene, Scott bids tearful farewell to Ramona causing adversity. Through silence, Wright creates a character that audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Spike Jonze’s “Her” claimed clearly, silence elevates movies about artificial intelligence technology. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Through a strong screenplay, Wright captures the tensions that ex-lovers in romance are facing.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Bill Hader delivers one of his greatest career performances as the Voice. Hader earned appreciation for playing comical characters in comedies. With “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a voice of a commanding operating system, but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. With bold expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and powerful positions of authority of an operating system. It’s an exceptional performance by one of the most commemorated actors working today.
While the film is mainly a stunning showcase for Bill Hader, the supporting cast is superb and worthy of appreciation. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is marvellous, bringing charisma to a woman whose ex-lovers interfere with her life causing tragedy. Michael Cera is marvellous, capturing the charisma of a man enduring a dilemma when he faces ex-lovers causing trauma. Lastly, Chris Evans merits praise. As a jealous ex-boyfriend, he brings emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” will earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing the lives of heroes raging against the world. Unlike most commemorated comic-book movies, it tackles relatable themes everyone would identify with. The film discusses powerful themes including identity, marriage and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the commemorated comic-book to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about trauma which will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” is one of those rare commemorated comic-book movies everyone would definitely adore.
Fans of Bill Hader will definitely appreciate “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating comic-book classic, it honours an actor that has built a legacy which is iconic
Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking comic-book movie about comic-book heroes seeking to defeat ex-lovers of girlfriends that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy portraying compelling characters in movies that are worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 