Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World

Reviewed by my fellow-writer and true FilmNut, Michelle Welker Scott.

Scott Pilgrim is in love. Again. Although he’s already in a relationship and has a long trail of broken-hearted women behind him, he’s pining for someone new: a girl with hair like ‘this’ and whom everyone says is way out of his league. But Scott doesn’t care. In fact, he’s willing to battle his new love’s seven, evil ex-boyfriends in order to win her.

Admittedly, it’s not much of a plot, but it isn’t the story that makes this movie special. It’s everything else. From the eye-popping special effects that turn the movie into a kind of a comic book to the wonderfully overblown fight scenes to the general, overall goofiness, Scott Pilgrim versus the World is a genuinely fun flick.

Some of the best elements come from the supporting cast. Sweet and sassy Ellen Wong, who plays Scott’s high school girlfriend Knives Chau, is full of boundless energy. With her large eyes and hilariously over-animated expressions, Wong could have leapt from the storyboard of an anime cartoon. Wong makes a great contrast to Kieran Culkin (McCauley’s younger brother), Scott Pilgrim’s jaded roommate who offers up scene after scene of deadpan one-liners. 

The only weak link in the movie is Scott himself who is played by Michael Cera. Audiences have seen Cera in so many roles as the adorable, bumbling misfit that it is almost impossible to envision him as the hard fighting, heart breaking Pilgrim. Although it’s nice to see Cera try something different, he can’t really carry the lead.

But everything else about the movie is dazzling. Even those who don’t understand the subtle jokes relating to video games and anime comics, will enjoy the punchy dialog and furious action sequences. Scott Pilgrim Versus the World is a sweet ending to the summer movie season.

Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist

I wouldn't have gone to see this film were it not for a family member in "the industry" here in LA who knows the director.

Am I glad I went?

Sort of ... a cute story, in a loosey goosey fashion - mostly formulaic - slob-guy and bitch-girl finally get what's coming to them ... and nice-girl, nice-guy find true love.

Michael Cera (Nick) is terrific. Linking this with his role in "Juno," he's carving out a great personna - a gentle-souled young man who's a real catch, but otherwise easily overlooked, if not ridiculed by "the cool people."

Kat Dennings (Nora) does a fine job - a bright, talented, young lady who stands above the crap of her crowd, secretely in love with Nick because she's listened to his CD compilations intended for Tris (Alexis Dziena) who promptly throws them away, and cheats on Nick when they're going together.

Nick's friends are the band with whom he plays, three gay guys who see to it that Nick and Nora finally get together - they're cute and bring it off well. Does a film like this help or hinder the gay community? I don't know. I thought it was well-done, but featured, I suppose, what some would consider "typical" images of the gay guy. If there are any gays or lesbians reading this review, please leave a comment about this.

Music plays a minor role here - the band, and much of the story revolves around trying to find "Fluffy," an alternative rock group who leaves clues around town where they'll be playing. The club scenes were shot on location in East Village, lower east side - had a good and realistic feel.

As I write this review, I find myself recalling the excellent teen documentary: "American Teen" from Paramount Vantage.

Clearly a teen-film, "Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist," but I wonder if it'll have legs. Is it the kind of movie kids will tell their friends about? Will anyone see it twice?

The film moved along slowly for the first half - audience reaction was tepid, but everything picked up in the second half, and when Nick turns on the windshield wiper and spritzer to remove bitch-girl's lipstick, the audience really laughs - one of the few good-laugh parts.

At the end, a good many in the audience clapped.

I tried to put myself back in time - late high school, early college ... how that young mind thinks and what it's seeking. Did a film like this capture where kids are today? Perhaps so.

Perpetual questions associated with a film like this: 1) is irresponsible sexuality encouraged? 2) And what about under-age drinking?

The "drunk" (played creatively by Ari Graynor) makes a complete idiot of herself - with one incredibly gross scene involving puke, a cell phone and her gum. The overly-sexualized Tris is just that - empty and gross.

Again, if someone reading this review can post a comment, I'd like to hear.

Directed by Peter Sollett, a young director building a fine career.

Is it worth seeing? For someone who seriously sees movies, who appreciates the effort, the craft, young actors, directors, yes.

Otherwise, wait for it on Netflix.

Juno

Brilliant.

A jewel of a film ... one of the tightest scripts I've ever heard, delivered by right-on actors, each perfectly cast for their role.

Tender, entertaining, a message without sledgehammer.

Lots of genuine belly-laughs for me. I found myself getting into these fascinating characters: a bright 16-year old with the philosophical maturity of someone many years her age, her quite "boyfriend" - the father of her child - her father, at once tough and so profoundly loving, her stop-mother, her high school friends, the potentially adoptive parents, and a host of lesser characters who enrich the story at every point.

It reminds me a bit of "Lars and the Real Girl" - there is no greater love than that of a community standing by someone, and it takes a community to give full expression to the power of love.

Intended or not, the film offers thoughtful sex education and a fascinating "anti-abortion" message - I use quotes because abortion isn't condemned as some hideous affront to God and humanity, but as a choice to be made, and when given the opportunity, she chooses to go through the pregnancy and give the child up for adoption.

In one of the most tender moments I've ever seen, her father sits by her bedside, stroking her head after the delivery and says, "Someday, you'll be here on your own right."

Hats of to this father! And to everyone else in this fine film for making the best of it.

As John Wooden said, "Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out."