REVIEW: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (Released in 2010) [10th Anniversary]

DIRECTOR: Edgar Wright

PRODUCERS: Eric Gitter & Nina Park &Marc Platt & Edgar Wright

WRITERS: Michael Bacall & Edgar Wright

PERFORMERS: Michael Cena Mary Elizabeth Winstead Kieran Culkin Chris Evans Anna Kendrick

Brie Larson Alison Phil Aubrey Plaza Brandon Routh Jason Schwartzman Johnny Simmons

Ellen Wong Mae Whitman

When I first saw this film, the only thing I expected was that this was going to be another teen adolescent driven film about how one person makes a change in his or her life and changes those around him. Little did I know what kind of a surprise I was in for. Not only was it the opposite, it was also a complete turnaround of what to anticipate in something never seen nor heard of before. This wasn't just about a kid against several opponents of the past, it was about overcoming the odds and being in control of your own destiny.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World tells the story of a insecure musician (MICHAEL CENA) who meets a girl (MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD), falls in love with her and ends up battling her seven past crushes. The performance of Cena as the main character is the real highlight of the film. Not only does he play this character so well, he plays it like you were watching a John Hughes teen film. Even though this is not one of his, you're immediately reminded of that period where you felt for or related to that person the story revolves around. While Cena's character is not necessarily someone you'd want to be, he's someone you want to see rise both as a music star and a person. Throughout the film you see him do just that as he prepares for a music competition with his band that are more concerned about their status as a group than their personal lives. In any group that's always been the case, but not with this one especially in Cena's Scott Pilgrim. He's socially inept, totally awkward and unsure of himself in almost every aspect of his life, but then he comes across the new girl in town and it's not about the band anymore, it's about his journey towards fighting for that something or someone you've been searching you're whole life. As far as supporting performances I really have to tip my hat to Kieran Culkin who plays his roommate that happens to be gay, but mainly because he is the voice of encouragement to Pilgrim. Whenever Pilgrim gets knocked down or disheartened, there Culkin is to help him up. With the right support system and encouragement, you can always rise above your challenges (PHILLIPIANS 4:12-13), something I think we all can relate to... so there's is some logic behind that concept.

What struck me about this was that during the battles, they're portrayed as video game face-offs. Through the magic of special effects and groundbreaking choreography, you see Pilgrim taking on these foes he's never seen nor heard of before with eye candy delight, if not guilty viewing, considering this being your less average film to please or satisfy your viewing pleasure. This is in no means an effects driven film, but rather one that uses them to tell what happens when you're up against your enemy and only one will be on top. With every defeat, came coins for points or extra one life up additions, it was like looking at a video game for real and watching these things unfold right in front of you as your inner nature is unleashed when playing that game. At the same time, the sound effects were also telling you what's happening in Pilgrim's mind and that was also a rare thing to watch because I can't recall the last time I saw a film with that kind of feature. We always wonder what goes through a person's head when they're thinking this or thinking that and this was a major thing to include because at one point we all thought what Scott Pilgrim was thinking or feeling.

Another thing this film touches on is how your past follows you everywhere you go. We're always reminded of how we were or who we were affiliated with before but we can never let it affect our present time. Winstead's character goes through that throughout the whole film and rather than talk about her past, she just prefers to leave it be and not speak of it. Yet through every challenge Pilgrim faces he's constantly asking her of it and the backstory of every ex is told in the style of story-boarding and cartoon clippings, not bad for a decent attempt to keep the sequences short and sweet. It really isn't until the climax of the film that it starts to come full circle that when you make peace with your past mistakes, you can move on to the next level: the present time that will eventually lead to the one level you're constantly preparing yourself for: the future (ISAIAH 43:18-19).

Basically what I got from this film was that your past is not what defines you but if you're unable to face it, that's what will happen. To see this kid face and fight off against the former men of his girlfriend's past is like watching him become a man, as he goes from scared and helpless to the sole protector of his sheep (EPHESIANS 6:10-18). Then it turns out he isn't just fighting for his girlfriend, he's fighting for his dignity, most importantly... his self respect which is a man's most valuable possession. When he man's up in the climax, you get a rush of excitement running through your veins as if you were touched by something beyond explanation or comprehension. Although the film itself is cheesy and not your average teen film, it takes you to a alternate place you don't see every day unless you live in your own imagination. If you're looking for a popcorn flick or a eye candy film to pass the time by, check this out... if you want to see something teen related with arcade battles in them and how to overcome your past to achieve your future. Nonetheless, Happy 10th Anniversary to this one.

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