When I sat down in the theater almost exactly 16 (!) years ago to see Scott Pilgrim vs. the World on its opening weekend, I was expecting more of the usual Edgar Wright markers. The first two entries of his beloved Cornetto Trilogy — 2004’s Shaun of the Dead and 2007’s Hot Fuzz — strike the perfect tonal balance of laugh-out-loud goofball gags and sincere homage to some of the director’s favorite genres. But with Scott Pilgrim, Wright flexed a different set of directorial muscles, filling every frame to the brim with filmmaking flourishes. It’s an almost overwhelming experience with joke-a-minute dialogue, comic-book-panel-style visual touches, impressive action choreography and legitimately great musical sequences. (Fun fact: Nashville’s Be Your Own Pet was originally supposed to shepherd the soundtrack, a role that went to Beck following the band’s breakup.) Come for Wright’s leveling up as a director, stay for the ahead-of-its-time cast, which featured breakthrough appearances from Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson and Aubrey Plaza. I’m glad this cult favorite is receiving its (Ramona) flowers.
Midnight at the Belcourt
2102 Belcourt Ave.
