Gateway Drug

And if you enjoyed the film...

There's plenty more Scott Pilgrim stuff out there for you to enjoy. As I mentioned yesterday the books kind of give an alternative and far more in-depth retelling of the same basic story. I would implore you to pick them up from your nearest book shop, Amazon or fine comic book retailer. There's a section in Book 5 that is omitted from the film that has both great art and acts as a narrative gut punch. Basically (even if you're a comic book virgin) if you liked the film you will LOVE the books.

If you like video games (and if you like Scott Pilgrim there's a decent chance you do) then there's also a game out to coincide with the movie. The graphics remind me of a wonderful time when games characters weren't surly scales or mad professors who shout out you for not losing enough weight / being stupid. Here's a little trailer.

If I owned a games console that wasn't a Nintendo Wii I would totally buy it.

There's also soundtracks, plushes, t-shirts... The whole shebang!

This is the last post of unofficial Scott Pilgrim week here at Steveitude Towers and I hope I've managed to convey just a little of my enthusiasm for the project. I don't like to shill myself for anything I'm not personally involved in but new and original films like this deserve to be seen and if we don't go and support them then I guess I'll just have to see you outside the mass suicide after the first screening of Norbit 2.

Peace,

Steve

The Review

Let it be known, I Lesbianed Scott Pilgrim vs The World. A quirkier, more energetic, more inventive film you will not see this year or pretty much any year. And the thing is as a long time fan of the books it actually managed to really surprise me. Wright and co-writer Bacall only had the first two volumes and a rough outline of the series to go on when they wrote their script and you can really tell as they provide their own spin on the material. It's actually an adaptation rather than a word for word, shot for shot deal (see my minor quibbles with Watchmen). Yes it loses the development of the relationship in place of making it seem a more short term thing and the minor characters don't get so much back story but there was never going to be a way of squeezing six books of stuff into one movie. The minor characters don't even really suffer because of some tremendous casting. The movie Young Neil I thought was especially good and actually had an interesting mini arc as well as some great one liners. Speaking of one liners the film was much funnier than I expected. They're funny graphic novels but here the jokes (physical and non physical) come thick and fast. I don't want to drop any spoilers but the ending with the 'extra boss' is just perfect and I'd like to see O'Malley maybe feature him in a little one shot. Finally, the move from book to screen actually gives us the music and it is as insanely indie and cool as you would expect. Broken Social Scene, Beck, Metric, Frank Black...

All in all it's an absolutely outstanding film and is completely deserving of both your time and money. I'm also delighted to say it was completely sold out so get there early blog fans!
5 STARS!
Now I'm going to sit here and pray for a sequel.

Peace,

Steve

Scott Pilgrim vs The World

It's here. Scott Pilgrim takes on the UK today. Why should you go see it? I spent many words in this month's Gallery telling you why. Here's the intro:

'How many times have you been sitting through some kind of generic rom-com and thought to yourself ‘this could definitely do with some more kick ass action’? If you’re like me then the answer is probably every time. Instead of Hugh Grant getting delightfully befuddled how about Hugh Grant whipping out a delightful samurai sword (No Weddings and Lots of Funerals?). Instead of Kate Hudson trying to annoy Matthew McConaughey into dumping her how about she just kicks him in the face (How to Hurt a Guy in 10 Days?). Instead of whatever happens in 27 Dresses there are just lots of explosions? Allow me to introduce Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The rom-com for the Nintendo generation.'

The film has had hugely positive reviews but relatively poor Box Office in the States. Let's prove we're not like them, the same audience who didn't tune in to Arrested Development. The same audience who continue to fail to watch 30 Rock. Let's show some national pride and get to the local movieplex!

Peace,

Steve

Tomorrow's Excitement - TODAY!

How can you not want to see this?? Expect more pleading, demanding and rhetorical questions over the next couple of days.

Peace,

Steve