'Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World' Movie Review

Screenwriter Michael Bacall adapted Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World from the six-volume Scott Pilgrim comic books - a wealth of material, and it's clear that Bacall has struggled to condense it all. There is a lot going on in Scott Pilgrim, and not all of it serves the film well. For example, the Knives Chau character simply isn't necessary and just adds minutes to the running time. And I don't know if this featured in the Scott Pilgrim comics, but I could've done without the Bollywood dance sequence.

But in every other sense, the screenwriter has done an applause-worthy job. Pilgrim could even be forgiven if not all of its jokes hit - Bacall and director Edgar Wright have delivered such a maelstrom of energy that there's never time to be bored - but nearly all do, and they come often.

Michael Cera delivers to his usual standard, ever the loveable loser to laugh at, warm to and sympathise with. An impressive feat to achieve all three, even if his screen persona is becoming repetitive. The rest of the cast are mostly bit-players in the expansive character list, but everyone gets their share of the laughs. Curiously, comic book movie regulars Chris 'Captain America' Evans and Brandon 'Superman' Routh are the hysterical standouts, both nailing the egotistical boorishness of superstars with power.

The only other real constant in the cast alongside Cera is Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Winstead as Ramona Flowers is the epitome of everyday, kooky loveliness and she and Cera have that quiet, easy chemistry it's so hard to get right in the movies. It's a cliché to say so, but their romance really does give the film its heart.

Putting their biggest stamp on the film by far, though, is Wright. His style could be justifiably described as 'wired', delivering the jumble of whip-pans, loud music and hyperactive editing you'll recognise from his previous efforts. The Brit also turns a potentially ridiculous idea into something heartfelt and believable through his ability to keep out-there material wholly down to earth.

Edgar Wright, after giving us Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuss and now Scott Pilgrim, appears to be a master of the high-concept comedy. There are critics who damn the director for his films' apparent coldness (for the record, Pilgrim is his warmest to date), but then name me more than a handful of supposedly great comedies that have any genuine warmth to them anyway. Look at the other releases at your local cinema right now - Adam Sandler 'comedy' Grown-Ups, talking-dog movie Marmaduke, another dire rom-com starring Jennifer Aniston - and just be thankful that we have this man.