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Scott Pilgrim vs The World

(2010)

Seeing this at the cinema, it all fell a little flat; too linear, repetitive and trying too hard for results based on material of questionable merit. The home viewing experience has improved my view of the film significantly.

Edgar Wright's visual flourish is no less evident (and Bill Pope's cinematography no less stunning), but the highly indulgent nature of the tale seems like a better fit, and the repetitive fight sequences not so all-encompassing.

The through line of humour seemed to work better, and the performances (Kieran Culkin apparently channelling Robert Downey Jr) less at the whim of the visual eye candy. It's in no way a great movie (even if lines like "I was bi-curious" "And I'm bi-furious!" are intentionally shit, they're no less shit for self-consciousness), unless maybe you're a big gamer.

I'm not sure the ending for Scott is deserved (there's an alt ending on the DVD, but I reckon the correct one would have been the comic writer's initial idea that he didn't go through with) but it's so confident in its artificial world and aesthetic that you can't help but be a little impressed.

****

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Now In Full Color, with a Happier Ending

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