An epic of epic epicness.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

So, the title of this blog actually came of a promo movie poster for the film. I knew the premise of the movie and have seen other films with Michael Cera, so I figured out "why not?"

The first films with Michael Cera to come to mind are: Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist, Juno, and Superbad. The first of the three being the one I enjoy the most.

I have not heard much about the movie prior to watching it. It is adapted from a  comic book or graphic novel about a guy who fights his girlfriends ex-boyfriends, I believed.

My synopsis: Recovering from a break-up, Scott Pilgrim is a mess. While dating a much younger girl, he meets and falls in love with Ramona. Unknowingly, Scott must fight (Mortal Kombat or Streetfighter video-game style) her seven evil exes to win her heart (and the game?).

Highs: Two things that I absolutely enjoyed about the film was the soundtrack and the style of the film. Being part of a band, Sex Bob-omb, Scott rocked it with his friends much like you would expect in an early-90s Seattle instead of the Canadian version. I know the film was adapted from a graphic novel, but I could not help but feel that I was stuck inside of a video game that was a mix of a fighting game and some sort of role-playing game. The graphics and special effects of the movie definitely led you into that feeling. The story-line was definitely linear, but there were plenty of surprises. I won't spoil those for you. The band battles are awesome!

One thing that this movie brought to mind is how Michael Cera is always getting caught up with a partner or girl with baggage. In Juno there is a pregnancy and here it is the Evil Exes. 

Lows: I'm at a loss for this one right now. It has been a few days since I have watched the film. Maybe the lack of a sequel could be a low point?

Final thoughts: Take a look at this one. I was certainly surprised and the geek in me was certainly satisfied!

Not quite the Bomb.

The Hurt Locker (2009)

I have really been wanting to check out this film. I have seen many war films over the years: Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket, Platoon, Jarhead, Green Zone, Black Hawk Down. Those are the first few that come to mind. So, when the film came up on a cable this last weekend, I put it ahead of some football viewing and spent the better part of two hours watching it.

I knew that it had won six Academy Awards, so I was pumped to get this bit of couch time. I'm usually a sucker for the Best Picture Winners. I've enjoyed all of them I have seen since the turn of the Millennium. I admit I have not seen Million Dollar Baby or Slum Dog Millionaire, but I have enjoyed the rest without exception.

My synopsis: While fighting continues in contemporay Iraq, a bomb squad works to eliminate explosive dangers while evaluating their lives at the same time. Some find this their love, while others feel there is more to life.

Highs: The cinematography is well done and there is plenty of action. Some of the bomb scenes are exciting and somewhat intense. Main character is an adrenaline junky.

Lows: There seems to be a lack of a narrative. The characters are not in control of the situation and get moved from place to place almost without cause. I thought the film was going to go someplace with the revelation of a corpse bomb, but that continued to go nowhere. I know the main character's attitude towards the thrills, but the only character arc is in a supporting role of Sanborn where he goes from wanting the thrill to a normal life. I expected more.The suspense was lacking in my opinion. If you want a "bomb" film with some suspense, go check out Blown Away.

Final thoughts: I cannot say this film is a waste of time, but I cannot say it ranks at the top of my list of war films. I think there is so much more that could have been done with it. There are more worthy "true-life" war stories from Iraq or Afghanistan out there. How did it win the Oscar? Were there no other great alternatives? Like I said, the bomb scenes were decent, but...