Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010) Movie Review

Director: Edgar Wright
Writers: Edgar Wright, Michael Bacall

Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jason Schwartzman

It has been a long time since a really good movie has been inspired by video games. I actually can’t think of another movie that succeeds in paying homage to video games. This movie does it in an amazing way.

The most impressive thing about this movie is that it knows its audience so absurdly well. It makes some obscure references and the style is so gloriously reminiscent of nerd culture. This audience can relate the awkward main character so well. The movie just seems like Scott Pilgrim’s power trip when he realises he can beat the sense out of people.

Whoever edited this movie must have had a great time doing it. Onomatopoeias fly about the screen like a comic book. The fight scenes (which are brilliantly defined) are greatly exciting and each of them differ from each other. All the antagonists are memorable and funny. When would you ever forget the vegan with super-powers? The movie also constantly mentions the final ‘boss’ of the movie. You don’t go far without someone mentioning Gideon. You cannot wait for the fight between Scott and Gideon (and that doesn’t disappoint).

The movie uses one of my favourite aspects of having eyes, colour. The movie is so amazing to look at all times. Even during the moments when no action is taking place. Just some weird looking band playing a song is made endlessly exciting.

For a movie with an amazing amount of great characters, the band of protagonists is remarkably bland. Perhaps this was to emphasise the outlandish…ness of the enemies Scott is going to face. The entire band is the most forgettable part of the entire movie. The only other bad thing a kind see with this movie is the scene where the obscenities are robotically censored. It seemed unnecessary and just wasn’t that funny.

It’s the movie that knows its audience like its best friend. The comic book style is incredible to look at and the characters are amazing to see propel the plot. Come characters are rather bland but the bombastic characters more than make up for it. If you like video games or just enjoying things, watch this movie.

Recommendation Status: Unmissable

Please feel free to leave a comment on either the movie or the review. Say if you liked or disliked the movie. I'm interested to find out what you think!

Hot Fuzz (2007) Movie Review

Director: Edgar Wright
Writers: Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent 

In my experience, The World's End is the best of the cornetto trilogy. This seems to be a rather controversial view. Most people have the odd idea that this movie is in fact superior. Those people are wrong.

That being said, Hot Fuzz is by no means a bad movie. It's actually excellent. A lot of the dialogue is snappy and funny. The story is one of the most intriguing I have seen in a long time. Over my time on Earth, I have realised that this is one of the most heavily referenced things of all time. Countless times I have heard people say, "oh like in Hot Fuzz". The movie is also incredibly directed. The movie could even be said to be stylised with how some of the transitions are shot.

The big problem I have with this movie is that it claims to be a comedy but unveils itself as primarily an action movie. Everything says to you it should be a comedy. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's presence says comedy. However every time I watch or even think about the movie, I remember the action scenes and the crazy plot. I never find myself remembering the jokes because a lot of them that memorable. Other than that... no complaints.

Hot Fuzz is a fast-paced and gory movie that often makes you laugh but is far more memorable for its plot and bloody injuries. It is certainly a fun watch especially if you want to understand everyone's constant references to it.

Recommendation Status: Worth a watch.

Please feel free to leave a comment on either the movie or the review. Say if you liked or disliked the movie. I'm interested to find out what you think!

Shaun of the Dead (2004) Movie Review

Director: Edgar Wright
Writers: Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright (ha pun)
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield

Shaun of the Dead is one of those seldom seen horror movies that I can watch. Just because it is a comedy as well. The entire package is decently enjoyable.

Firstly, the writers of this movie, I don’t think, get nearly enough credit for this movie. While the third act is comparatively underwhelming… the dialogue is hilarious and the first act of the movie is more suspenseful than the Golden Gate Bridge. Speaking of suspense, the movie is directing incredibly well. It’s the type of movie that a video game developer would make. It has sequences of daily routine that tells you what is normal and later it really clicks in your mind when it works. Also, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are rather exceptional in the movie (as of 2014, probably not their best though.)

The reason why this is not my favourite movie in the Cornetto Trilogy is the ending. Some people complain that the ending of The World’s End is over the top. In my opinion, over the top is far better than stupidly boring.  The whole beginning of the movie is entirely intentional and subtle enough for you to feel good about noticing little things in the story. The ending can just be summarised by saying, ‘they’re in a building, zombies get shot’. Any other details are pointless and forgettable. More than this, if anyone claims that this is a horror movie, DO NOT BELIEVE THEM. Aside from the occasional jump scare there is nothing too frightening about the movie. (Personally though, I prefer comedies anyway so I am not so upset.)

Shaun of the Dead begins a as a fun and almost immaculate movie. The dialogue is funny and the writing makes you feel smart. Unfortunately, the ending and the horror aspects of the movie are just utterly underwhelming and left a bad taste in my mouth.

Recommendation Status: Probably worth a watch.

Please feel free to leave a comment on either the movie or the review. Say if you liked or disliked the movie. I'm interested to find out what you think!

The Adventures of Tintin (2011) Movie Review

Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer: Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish
Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig
Story: Intrepid reporter Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock's ancestor.

Honestly… this is my new favourite movie. There was not a point throughout the entire runtime of this movie when there was not a goofy smile slapped right across my face.

For me, this is a rather difficult movie to review I simply think it is the best thing to have existed in recent memory. The first thing that strikes you when watching the movie is the art style. I can see how this style could possibly turn some people off. These people are probably just too obsessed with the style of Pixar to appreciate this utter CGI masterpiece. I’m almost ashamed to say that I thought a live-action section was about to start halfway through the movie.

With any adventure movie, the most important thing is the story and Tintin brings a fun and original story to the somewhat sparse adventure genre table. I couldn’t help but feel that the writer of this movie played through Uncharted 3 before writing this. The similarities are pretty striking. For instance, there is a rusty old boat bit, there is a bit on a plane and there is a bit in a Middle Eastern country. I was captivated the whole time. This is one of the strongest aspects of the movie. A lot of movies I want to hate because of things that happen early in the film. I am totally on board with this movie throughout.

The soundtrack also stands out. The magical music man John Williams lends his genius to this movie and it is a treat. It enhances the tension and pacing of the movie to cosmic levels and the action sequences really jump out with this great score behind them.

I cannot recommend it more. If you want to watch one of the most enjoyable experiences of the 21^st century then you certainly cannot miss TInitn. I give it a 10/10