With Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Edgar Wright has now been crowned the undisputed King of the action/comedy. The film is an innovative and kinetic visual feast on the level with such films as Speed Racer and Kill Bill Vol 1. Not only that, it also tells a funny and impactful story of 20 something romance.

I haven’t read the comics upon which the film was based, and I have to admit to not really understanding what the movie was trying to achieve in it’s onslaught of advertising. So the action transpires like a video game? What’s the reason? So there’s heavy dose of sight gags, yet the film doesn’t quite fit the tone of a straight up comedy. One particularly bad TV spot stated something like, “in a musical, characters break into song when they feel the need. In Scott Pilgrim’s world they break into fights.” Even that simple explanation doesn’t even begin to grasp the concept, but all I can say is that the movie will make complete sense to anyone who’s owned an NES (Nintendo Entertainment System).

The story concerns the budding relationship between the affable loser Scott Pilgrim and the enigmatic apple of his eye Romona Flowers. The catch of course is that in order to date Romona he must first defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends in mortal combat (A metaphor for the emotional baggage of the past in a new relationships). Over the course of the film Scott moves from one uniquely awesome battle to another, each one giving us a little more insight into the characters. I was genuinely surprised at the depth of the film’s storyline. It manages to have a lot to say about the people we hurt, and the ones who hurt us in the dating game. It even made me reflect upon my own past, which bodes well for the film’s longevity.

An example of the action in the film.

The cast is outstanding and each member brings the right amount of depth and hilarity to their roles. Standouts being Kieran Culkin, Brandon Routh, and Ellen Wong. As for lead Michael Crea, an actor I have learned to loath after a string of duller than dull performances, he may have redeemed himself somewhat. He proves here that he has a growing talent for physical comedy and carries the film quite well.

The movie is so incredibly well made and gorgeous that at the very least it should be an example for cinematography and editing classes for years to come. Bill Pope‘s camerawork pops like an exploding light bulb, and is made even more amazing given the fact that the movie had some 4000 set-ups. Editing is one of Wright’s trademarks as he always endows his films with a rapid fire speed. With Pilgrim it’s a work of sear genius that feels much more refined than previous efforts. The pacing is perfect, the transitions are creative, and old techniques feel fresh again.

Actors Michael Cera, Alison Pill, Stephen Stills, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Johnny Simmons.

With Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Edgar Wright has put himself on the map. It’s a film Wright filled with many references aimed at my generation of video gamers and comic book readers, yet it’s also his most adult work. Don’t let the flying text for or split screens distract you. Anyone can relate to Scott Pilgrim and that is surely it’s greatest feat. So put some quarters in the machine and start playing soon.