DocStout's brief thoughts on.... 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World' (2010)

Hello, everyone. Doc here, doing a fill-in guest post for Joel here on “A Momentary Lapse.” I'm taking a break from writing about nerdy, geeky things at my own blog, “What's Next – The Unemployed Geek” to write about a nerdy, geeky movie here.

I wanted to see this movie nearly as soon as I heard about it, even though I was initially unfamiliar with the graphic novel it is based on. Entertainment based on comics and graphic novels has kind of a checkered past. A filmmaker has to balance a lot of elements, as comic fans basically want to see their beloved properties replicated exactly on the screen, the average person watching a movie wants to see something not too far out of their comfort zone, and a filmmaker wants to successfully translate something from one medium to another while putting their own creativity into the project. This delicate juggling act has been attempted many times before, with varying degrees of success.

Successful Adaptation.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World falls cleanly on the side of “pleasing fans of the comic”, which, to declare my own personal bias, is where I like these things to land. The story follows the life of the geeky guy who never really got over his last ex, plays in a band and complicates his life by dating a “fake asian high school girlfriend” until he meets the woman of his dreams (literally.) After awkwardly wooing her (as any character played by Michael Cera tends to do,) he discovers a bit about her past. Namely, she has 7 evil exes, who he'll have to fight to the death in order to be with her.

...not so much.

A lot of people will initially see a few of the stylistic elements in this movie and make up their minds about it really quickly. There are frequently elements on-screen of things normally only seen in comics or video games that are a part of the reality in this world, and people either buy into those things and grin, or think 'that was stupid' and move on. Personally, when I see comic book “action effects” hanging in the air, or 8-bit Nintendo-style RPG graphics appear to illustrate a concept, I think it is awesome. The characters are into the things that make their presence known in this world, and it gives the setting a distinct “feel” to it.

The fight scenes are awesome, and the casting for most of the roles, even the fairly minor characters feels spot-on, with the only minor doubts coming from the casting and performance of the lead. Michael Cera plays Scott Pilgrim like... well, virtually any other Michael Cera role, and we only know that he is a womanizer with awesome talents because the script and dialogue tells us so. His performance isn't distracting enough to diminish the movie, and there are some scenes with him that are pure gold. (I particularly liked a moment when Scott is asked if he can see a future with Ramona, and he asks confusedly and with apt comic timing... “Like... with jetpacks?”)

This is an example of how faithful to the comic certain parts are.

The pacing of the movie itself has some bumps and bruises along the way, but I don't think it really ever slows down enough where I felt bored, even for a moment, or is so fast that I can't believe in the progression of character development (think Dune). This is a film I can (and have) watch(ed) multiple times, and can appreciate some of the clever bits better the second time through.

This is definitely not for everyone, but if you are a fan of anime, comics, 8-bit videogames and are not immediately turned away by “quirky Michael Cera love story,” it is likely the movie for you. My rating puts it at 4 out of 5 stars, only deducting a star for the feeling that the lead could maybe have been better cast.

One last note, thanks to Joel for lending me his soapbox to stand on and yell for a few, and in case you missed it, here is a link here to his guest spot on my own blog, What's Next – The Unemployed Geek.

my very brief thoughts on.... 'Faust: Love of the Damned'

i used to collect comics back in the late 80's and early 90's.... i had come across an ultra-violent comic called 'Grips' by a man named Tim Vigil.... i instantly fell in love.... it was kind of like Wolverine, without the mutation and with a LOT more blood.... soon after, Tim Vigil started a series called 'Faust: Love of the Damned'.... it was very similar to 'Grips', but it dealt with a man who made a deal with (basically) the devil.... to take revenge on those who murdered his significant other.... but the devil can't control him and he soon begins to wreak havoc and eventually confronts the evil 'M' himself.... it was a kick ass story, killer art, and every teenagers dream of a comic.... eventually (after i stopped collecting) i heard that Brian Yuzna, director of 'Re-Animator', was making a film version of the comic.... i was pretty excited, as Brian Yuzna is a fairly violent and disturbing director.... which made perfect sense with 'Faust'.... soon, stills from the movie started appearing and i begin to get a little concerned.... and when i finally saw an actual shot of Mark Frost as 'Faust' i nearly cried.... it was so terrible.... the reviews once it came out were terrible.... and a friend of mine, a mutual lover of Tim Vigil, saw the movie and told me how horrificly bad it was.... therefore i stayed away for a VERY long time.... it was recently released OnDemand from Netflix.... and i took the time to watch it, despite my better judgement.... i had a slight glimmer of hope that maybe it wasn't as bad as i'd heard.... and since my expectations were SO low, i figured that maybe i'd get some enjoyment out of it....

i was wrong.
Mark Frost's portrayal of 'Faust' was so over the top and bad that i almost turned it off within the first 15 minutes.... however, i generally will watch any movie to the end.... no matter how terrible.... so i soldiered on.... and it just got worse.... there was nothing good about this movie.... nothing.... the worst part was the costume for 'Faust'.... it was obviously made of latex or rubber (it wiggled when he moved) and made the character look like a bad SyFy original movie villan.... the special effects were sub-par.... the writting sucked.... the ending nearly made me hunt down Tim Vigil just so i could punch him in the testicles.... basically, what i'm saying is, "Don't watch this movie. Under any circumstances.".... i can never unsee what i saw.... i can't wash my brain clean of this giant piece of poo.... 1 out of 5 stars.... and i really wish i could give it negative stars....

that's all i have to say about that.

if you like this movie.... i don't think we can be friends.

my thoughts on.... 'Kick-Ass'

i had THE worst day.... and i was so happy when i came home and found 'Kick-Ass' in my mailbox from Netflix.... i made sure i got it the day it came out, because i wanted to see it since i first heard about it.... and let me just start by saying.... this movie does exactly what the title suggests.... it kicks ass....! it had bloody action, comedy, cool superheros, great storytelling, a good plotline.... everything that a superhero movie should have.... and with the new trend of making these movies for adults, not just for kids.... it brought this to a whole new level.... i thank god often for 'R' rated hero movies.... this wouldn't have been the same if it was PG or PG-13.... not the same at all.... and i was so happy to see my heroine from 'Witchblade' Yancy Butler in a minor role.... it floored me.... but that was just an added bonus.... everyone else in the movie was perfectly cast.... right down to Nicolas Cage.... for once he made sense as an action hero.... which i think is the way he's been trying to go for years now.... but with not much success.... they made the hero's costumes realistic.... something that someone could actually make and wear if they wanted.... granted their are people running around in this world dressed as superheros and doing good deeds (look it up on the net').... but nothing quite like this i think.... or if they are, they're pretty quiet about it....

our hero, Kick-Ass, is just another faceless kid in high school who longs for something more.... he's a comic book loving bit of a geek kind of guy.... who dreams about his fantasy girl.... oogles his hot teacher.... jerks off a lot.... is on the internet constantly and yet it's not enough.... he wonders why no one has ever tried to be a superhero.... so he takes it upon himself to be the first.... granted, he's wearing a wetsuit.... but it looks pretty damn cool.... we see him go through the growing pains of becoming a hero.... and some pretty serious ones at that.... more so than most heros when they're starting out.... soon other heros begin to emerge and we find out that there's a bigger plot behind everything.... involving a major crimelord.... and throughout the entire movie we watch Kick-Ass go from zero to true hero.... and we see the reality of putting yourself in this position.... no candy coating here.... what i really enjoyed about this movie is the wide range of characters.... granted you find several stereotypes portrayed.... but what do you expect from this kind of movie....? and since this is based on a comic book, i think that's why it has such a rich storyline.... i just wonder what they had to leave out to make this fit into it's 2 hour time limit....? and they even left it open for a sequel (which is in the works already).... i loved this movie from start to finish and it ran the full range of emotions.... and never had a dull moment.... it almost makes you want to become a hero yourself.... granted, after seeing what happens to the heros in this movie, i'm not sure it's the wisest move.... you'll find out what i mean.... unless you've already seen it.... i'm just glad that i finally had the chance myself to see it....

i give this a strong 4 out of 5 stars for originality and grit.... it's what 'Spider-Man' could have been if he didn't have super powers and was just Peter Paker in a suit without the special abilities and the movie was 'R' rated.... this one will be added to my DVD collection as soon as money floats into my hands and i can afford it.... between this and 'Watchmen', it's renewed my faith in the genre.... granted i'm leaving the 'Dark Knight' out of the mix here.... and i probably shouldn't.... i think it helped to open a lot of doors for the darker superhero movies.... and i'm sure they're more to come.... as a matter of fact, i know there is.... in summary, if you haven't seen this already.... you're missing out.... it's got something for everyone and i can't say enough good things about it.... i've already got it in the Netflix envelope, but i think i may just hang on to it a bit longer so i can watch it again.... yes, it's that good.... plain and simple, it kicks ass.

if you like this, watch: 'The Dark Knight', 'Watchmen' and 'Punisher: War Zone' (although none of these are funny.)

my brief thoughts on.... 'Tokyo Zombie'

take 'Shaun of the Dead' and mix in Jujitsu and you've got something like 'Tokyo Zombie'.... a Japanese zombie comedy.... the first thing i should mention is that for Netflix OnDemand users, this is dubbed.... so if that annoys you, don't watch and just rent instead.... but i watched it regardless.... and the dubbing was pretty good for once.... the guy playing the Fujio's voice was hilarious.... it fit perfectly.... not too mention, how many Japanese guys do you see with an afro....?!?! there's a lot of your typical Japanese themes in this.... and they all work really well in this movie.... it does borrow a bit from George A. Romero's 'Land of the Dead', but it's all in good fun, right....? i laughed at this and loved every minute of it....

Fujio and Mitsuo are two best friends who work in a fire extenguisher warehouse spending most of their days practicing the art of Jujitsu.... until the zombies begin to attack and they have to use their skills to fight of the oncoming hordes.... this movie takes place over a 5 year stretch and covers a lot of ground.... so the rest of the plot will just have to wait until you see it to find out the rest....the ending was silly and a true Japanese over the top ending.... the characters are very likable and you can't help but root for this underdogs.... the zombies start out a little questionable, but get better later in the movie.... although they do take some liberties with how much ass kicking the zombies can do.... but it's all just one big horror fantasy, so who cares....? it's not as funny as 'Shaun of the Dead', but it's just as fun to watch.... i gave it 3 out of 5 stars.... but a high 3 stars.... it sets out to tell a story in a certain way and it gives you everything that the opening promises.... so if you like zombies and Japanese comedies, this one may just tickle your funny bone.... or at least spank it and fondle it.... (see the movie.)

other movies like this: 'Shaun of the Dead', 'Dance of the Dead' (2008) and 'Stacey'

my thoughts on.... 'Iron Man 2'

this movie is an excercise in excess.... plain and simple.... after the success of the first one, they had to step it up to making it bigger and badder in every way possible.... more big name actors, more bad guys, bigger explosions and lots more Iron Man.... now in some cases that may be a bad thing.... but in the case of 'Iron Man 2' i think it was almost needed.... i mean, the first one was done so well that it would be hard to top without going over the top.... granted the storyline isn't quite as good.... but who cares....? i loved watching War Machine come to life.... i loved to see Mickey Rourke do his thing.... i could have done without the Scarlett Johansson, but i think anything she's done after 'Ghost World' has been mediocre and i don't quite get the whole fascination.... (sorry guys.)....

the plot involves Mickey Rourke's character coming from Russia to get revenge on Tony Stark for his fathers sins.... meanwhile the government wants Iron Man turned over to them for use in the military.... and another weapons manufactorer, played by Sam Rockwell, is out to get the Iron Man suit to mass produce for themselves.... meanwhile Tony Stark is slowly dying.... S.H.I.E.L.D. is trying to recruit people for the Avengers project.... and that's just the broad overview.... there's a lot more of a lot more going on amongst the big bangs and pows....
i personally found this to be a fun romp at the cinema.... something to be seen on the big screen and something for the summertime.... it's not going to win any awards other than for it's special effects.... but you don't go into a super hero movie expecting Shakesspeare.... or at least i don't.... there are rare exceptions, but very rare.... i really enjoyed all aspects of the movie and will be adding it to my DVD shelf right next to the first one.... and will do a double feature at some point.... it's a well put together film with a lot going for it.... i've read negative things about it.... however, i wonder if the critics are just expecting too much from a comic book action movie.... i was impressed and felt like a little kid again enjoying the cool stuff that was going on right before my eyes and i suspended disbelief so i could become that much more involved....

i give this 4 out of 5 stars for the fun factor and kick ass effects.... not too mention i loved almost every actor involved.... Jon Favreau went out of his way to check my list of favorite actors and pick out some of the top ten.... this is the perfect example of what a blockbuster should be.... and i hope that they consider a third film with Favreau at the helm.... he's proven himself yet again as a good director and with the characters and world he's established, i want to go back there again and again.... to hear the mechanics whir in Iron Man's suit to the clang of his fist hitting the metal of other robots.... it's all just a blast and a good way to cleanse your brain every once in awhile from the bad movies, cerebral movies and the movies that you just need to escape from.... i highly recommend this to people who loved the first one and who like a good popcorn action flick.... not too metion it's fairly safe for the kids too.... a little bit of language here and there.... but it's over run by the action going on that you hardly notice it unless you're listening....

i'm looking forward to seeing it again.... if for no other reason than to see War Machine kick some ass.... oh and one final thing.... stay until the end of the credits again.... there's a suprise waiting for you.... and if you're a comic book fan, you'll dig it....

my thoughts on.... 'Watchmen'

i remember when comic book movies were just for kids.... and to find one that appealed to adults or was even close to some of the more adult oriented comics was impossible.... gradually over the years this trend has changed.... i think that the studios understand that you can still have a hit even if it's not just PG-13.... and if it's a bit more graphic than you're average comic book film.... i think it's about damn time.... there are some exceptions to the rule.... but many of them suffer from the Hollywood syndrome.... ie: they sellout the original story to meet some kind of demographic.... or they re-write the ending to make it more happy.... so when i heard that the classic comic book 'Watchmen' was being turned into a film, i was skeptical.... when i heard it was being directed by Zack Snyder i started to have a glimmer of hope.... and when i heard it got an 'R' rating, i was stoked.... i finally had a chance to watch this last night.... and not since the 'Dark Knight' have i been so engrossed in a comic book film.... from the opening credits to the closing song, i was lost in a world not my own.... an alternate reality of 1985.... i was fascinated by a group of characters that aren't always likeable, but you can't take your eyes of them.... it seemed to me that this may be another fine example of pitch perfect film making.... but we'll get to that later....

the storyline is rich and deep and anything i could write here would not do it justice.... it's just something you have to experience..... so instead, i'll give you the broad strokes.... one of the superheros, The Comedian from the group called The Watchmen, is murdered and suddenly there is a concern that someone is out gunning for supers.... meanwhile, all superheros have been banned and although they try to lead normal lives, some of them just have a hard time letting go.... and overshadowing the whole storyline is the fact that the US and Russia are on the brink of nuclear war and everyone is on edge and no on feels truly safe.... and that's just skimming the surface.... there's so much more underneath.... i can't emphasize enough that you need to see the movie to get the whole story.... or at least read the comic.... but if you want the whole shebang, do both.... you won't be sorry.
this film has extremely well developed characters.... an interesting storyline and more than enough action and intrigue to satisfy even the most passive filmgoer.... it's one of those movies that transcends it's genre.... if you took the fact that they were superheros out of the storyline and just told the story without that little factor.... you still have an amazing story that has depth.... the superhero angle just makes it that much more interesting.... i may sound like i'm gushing, but it's not very often that films like this come along.... and when they do, they deserve as much of an audience as they can get.... this is a film that i would recommend to just about anyone over the age of 18.... and even more so if they're film lovers or comic book lovers.... chances are though, if they're in either one of those categories, i'm sure they've already seen it or own it....

so what rating do i give it you might ask....? well, that's where things get strange.... despite all of my high praise and love of this film.... i kept feeling like there was something missing or something that i missed.... it just felt slightly off.... so therefore i give it 4 out of 5 stars.... but before you go off and rail on my judgement hear me out.... i have a deep seated feeling that upon a 2nd or 3rd viewing this will change to 5 out of 5 stars.... there was just so much going on that i think it takes repeated viewings to truly enjoy this in it's entirety.... it's just that simple.... i know that it will end up in my movie collection and be a welcome addition.... i've also planned on going back into my comic book archieves and digging out the original comics so i can remember the joy i felt when i first read it.... but now i can see it through fresh eyes and put voices to the characters.... and i feel it'll be that much more enjoyable to read....

end of review, see this now. do not pass go, do not collect $200.... just go out and rent or buy it and sit down and delve into the world of the Watchmen for almost 3 hours.... it's well worth every minute of your life.... thank you to everyone involved with the making of this movie for bringing something to life that deserved a wider audience.... the end.

if you like this movie, you might want to watch: 'Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter', 'The Dark Knight' and read the comic book series

my thoughts on.... 'Witchblade' (the TV series)

during the summer of 2001.... we had just moved back to Kansas City and i was in the midst of remodling our soon to be house with Amy.... sadly, we were having to live with my parents at the time.... but they had cable, so it made things a bit easier.... and i kept seeing this ad on TNT for 'Witchblade: The Series'.... and it intrigued me.... i'm not sure why.... i was never a fan of the comic and barely knew anything about it.... but the commercials really sold me on the whole idea of the show, the characters and made me drool over the idea of becoming a fan.... and they didn't make me wait long.... soon it was on the air and from the first pilot movie, i was hooked.... it was what i had been longing for in a TV show.... it was cool, sexy, had some pretty sweet fight scenes and a great storyline.... it was my crack.

now before you 'purists' jump all over me about how this was no where near the same quality or storyline as the comic.... i don't care. nothing will ever translate from the page to the screen exactly the way anyone wants it.... it's just not physicially possible.... and i understand this.... all i knew is that i liked the show for what it was and soon became interested in the comics and toys later.... so i guess for all the comic fans, the show did serve a purpose.... it fed the retail sales of the comics.... and built a larger fanbase.... right....?

the story, for those who don't know, revolves around a police officer who finds a bracelet that allows her to weild great power.... primarily in the form of the Witchblade.... now she's not alone in the desire to own this piece of history.... she's constantly pursued by the badguys and has to deal with everyday life and being a cop to boot.... so life isn't easy for Sara.... the backstory on the blade is slowly revealed throughout season one and is played like a violin to the viewer.... it reveals just enough at just the right times to keep you watching.... and the characters she meet are well written and well cast.... they're all perfect fits for the characters they portray.... particularly Ian Nottingham.... granted, he's NOTHING like in the comic.... but i really dig the way they went with him for the television show.... he's a bad ass mo-fo....

so season one ends.... i'm all crazy about the start of season two and can't wait to see where this is all going.... but rumors of Yancy Butler's battle with alcohol addiction starts to impead the shows progress.... and the fate of the show hangs in the balance.... but season 2 starts regardless and this is where the shit hits the fan.... for some reason they basically re-boot the entire series.... and let me tell you.... as much as i love the show and will forever hold it as one of my favortie sci-fi TV shows.... season 2 almost made me quit altogether.... it's not very good.... not very good at all.... it just blows up everything you've grown to love and doesn't seem to care.... it's like if you watched 'I Love Lucy' for a season and then the following season Ricky and Lucy were divorced, Fred and Ethel were dead and Little Ricky was hooked on meth.... it was just that bad.... so i can't forgive them for that.... but i tolerate it, because i love it still.... even if it's the red-headed stepchild of season 1....

the entire series is finally available on DVD now.... and you can rent or buy it just about anywhere.... it's worth it for season 1 alone.... but if you want to submit yourself to the trainwreck of season 2, don't say i didn't warn you....

this is a classic show that lost out on a possible long running series due to some bad timing, bad writing and a bad actress who couldn't stop drinking.... and it's a damn shame.... i gave the series 5 out of 5 stars and proudly own it as part of my DVD collection and watch it often.... i even have a Sara action figure that i cherish along with several comic books.... granted i don't gush too much about TV shows, because frankly there's not that much out there to gush about.... but this is one time i'll let myself off the leash to let rip with a review to show my love.... perhaps i'll get around to 'Six Feet Under' one of these days.... but i don't think you want a 10 page dissertation on that show.... now do ya....? go rent 'Witchblade' and see if you recongnize a certain character from the movie 'Teeth' in a primary role.... have fun....!

if you enjoy this television show, check out: well, there's nothing else like it.... so just enjoy it for what it is.... brillant.