The Voices

Directed by Marjane Satrapi and written by Michael R. Perry, The Voices is the story of a mentally-ill factory worker who lives with a cat and a dog as the former wants him to kill while the latter is trying to make him feel normal. The film is an offbeat horror-comedy that plays into a man coping with his illness just as he is trying to maintain a normal life. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Gemma Arterton, Anna Kendrick, Ella Smith, and Jacki Weaver. The Voices is a chilling yet offbeat film from Marjane Satrapi.

The film revolves around a young man who lives in an apartment above a bowling alley as he falls for a British co-worker at a factory where he asks her out on a date only for things to go wrong due to conversations he has with his dog and cat. It’s a film that is really the exploration of a man who is mentally ill as he’s haunted by childhood memories where he tries to live a normal life in working at a factory in creating bathtubs while he would have frequent visits to a shrink who is making sure he’s taking his medication. Michael R. Perry’s screenplay is straightforward in its narrative as it play into the world that Jerry Hickfang (Ryan Reynolds) lives in as he shares an apartment with his dog Bosco and cat Mr. Whiskers as the former supports Jerry’s desire to fit in and be normal but the latter wants Jerry to kill.

When Jerry befriends the British co-worker Fiona (Gemma Arterton) and sets up a date, he thinks things are going to go well but Fiona unfortunately stood him up to go drinking and do karaoke with other co-workers though she didn’t mean to cancel the date as they later meet as she asks for a ride home where things go wrong. Due to the medication he’s given by his psychiatrist in Dr. Warren (Jacki Weaver), it’s meant to draw out the voices in his head but it would unfortunately have him face reality as well as the memories he had about his childhood. When he doesn’t take his medication, he would have conversations with Bosco and Mr. Whiskers while he sees things that don’t play into the grim ideas of reality even though it would re-emerge every once in a while just as he would befriend another co-worker in Lisa (Anna Kendrick).

Marjane Satrapi’s direction is filled with a lot of quirks but also some striking visuals in the way she portrays small-town American life. Shot largely on location near Berlin, Germany, Satrapi uses the small town locations and woods to play into a world that is sort of isolated from everything else where there is a lot happening but there are also places that have been abandoned such as the bowling alley that Jerry lives above. While Satrapi would use wide shots of the locations including parts of Jerry’s apartment, she does create some unique compositions that play into this element of surrealism with the usage of close-ups and medium shots. Notably in these scenes where Bosco and Mr. Whiskers would talk to Jerry and converse with him as well as a few individuals he would meet and would have these strange conversations with. There is an element of black comedy into what is happening as Satrapi’s scenes showed what Jerry sees in his apartment when he’s not his medications while everyone else would see something very different and disturbing.

Satrapi also play into the film’s flashback scenes to get an understanding of Jerry’s troubled past during its second act where Jerry takes Lisa to his old family home where he plans to do something but bad memories would prevent it. It’s a key moment in the film that would play into Jerry’s mental illness as it is clear he’s getting worse as the ideas of reality and fantasy become blurry as he couldn’t handle the former and what he will face. Even as suspicion would occur over what he does when he’s not at work though it is clear that he’s a man in need of help where Satrapi does emphasize on Jerry’s mental illness as he is someone who unfortunately does bad things even though he doesn’t mean to. Overall, Satrapi crafts a weird yet exhilarating film about a mentally-ill young man who is urged by his cat to kill people.

Cinematographer Maxime Alexandre does brilliant work with the film’s cinematography in creating a usage of heightened colors and lighting for some of the interiors in Jerry’s home to express his idea of fantasy while using more dreary colors to play into the reality that he doesn’t want to face as it would include in some of the film’s exterior shots. Editor Stephanie Roche does excellent work with the editing as it is straightforward with some rhythmic cuts towards some of the film’s suspense and humor. Production designer Udo Kramer, with set decorator Karin Betzler and art director Stefan Hauck, does amazing work with the look of the factory that Jerry works as well as his home in how it looks from his view and how it looks from the view of everyone else. Costume designer Bettina Helmi does fantastic work with the costumes with the look of the factory jumpsuits as well as the clothes that the women wear.

Prosthetic makeup designers Tamar Aviv and Jorn Seifert do superb work with the look of some of the makeup effects that is needed for some of the film’s dark violent moments. Special effects supervisor Uli Nefzer, along with visual effects supervisors Manfred Buttner, Antoine Marbach, and Damien Stumpf, does terrific work with the movements of the animals talking as well as some fantasy scenes from the view of Jerry. Sound designer Christian Conrad does incredible work with the sound as it help play into the atmosphere of the locations as well as some of the sound collages into the things that Jerry hears. The film’s music by Olivier Bernet is wonderful for its music score that feature a few ambient pieces for the playful moments along with orchestral pieces for the suspenseful moments while music supervisor Robin Urdang provide a playful soundtrack of music from Olivier Bernet with Jean Francois Gregoire and the O-Jays.

The casting by Venus Kanani and Mary Vernieu is marvelous as it include some notable small roles from Stephanie Vogt as a news reporter, Valerie Koch as Jerry’s mother in the flashbacks, Paul Brightwell as Jerry’s cruel stepfather in the flashbacks, Gulliver McGrath as the young Jerry, Stanley Townshend as the local sheriff, Paul Chahidi as Jerry’s supervisor, Sam Spruell and Adi Shankar as a couple of co-workers who helped organize a company party, and Ella Smith in a terrific role as Alison as a factory numbers worker who becomes suspicious about Jerry’s behavior and the disappearances in the town. Jacki Weaver is excellent as Dr. Warren as Jerry’s psychiatrist who is trying to understand what he’s feeling while knowing that he’s not been taking his medication prompting her to be concerned about his well-being and his treatment for his illness.

Gemma Arterton is brilliant as Fiona as a British office worker at the factory who befriends Jerry though she didn’t mean to stand him up on their date where she is someone that is flawed although is still a decent person. Anna Kendrick is amazing as Lisa as an office worker in the factory who later goes out with Jerry as she would discover aspects of Jerry’s past but also a disturbing discovery. Finally, there’s Ryan Reynolds in a phenomenal performance as Jerry Hickfang as a well-meaning but troubled factory worker who is mentally-ill as he hears voices where he tries to fit in but finds himself in places that makes him unhinged as Reynolds sells that air of innocence and anguish while he also does the voices of Bosco in an old-man accent and Mr. Whiskers in Scottish accent as they are hilarious in what they say.

The Voices is a sensational film from Marjane Satrapi that features an incredible performance from Ryan Reynolds. Along with its offbeat premise, study of mental illness and childhood trauma, gorgeous visuals, and a top-notch ensemble cast. It’s a film that explores a man dealing with his illness as well as the need to connect where he ends up doing some bad things and try to cope with it. In the end, The Voices is a remarkable film from Marjane Satrapi.

Marjane Satrapi Films: Persepolis - Chicken with Plums - (Gang of the Jotas) – (Radioactive (2019 film))

© thevoid99 2018

Pitch Perfect 2

Directed by Elizabeth Banks and written by Kay Cannon, Pitch Perfect 2 is the sequel to the 2012 film where a group of female a capella singers try to enter a global a capella competition in the hopes to save their sorority following a national scandal. The film is another tale about a group of young women who find themselves in a new world as some try to cope with life after college along with the fact they’re being scrutinized over something that was an accident. Starring Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Alexis Knapp, Hana Mae Lee, Skylar Astin, Ester Dean, Anna Camp, Adam Devine, Ben Platt, John Michael Higgins, Katey Sagal, Flula Borg, Brigitte Hjort Sorenson, and Elizabeth Banks. Pitch Perfect 2 is a delightful and witty comedy from Elizabeth Banks.

Set three years after the events of the first films, the Barden Bellas become a national treasure in the world of a capella singing until a concert in front of the American president becomes a scandal where the group is faced with suspension and not being able to perform or bring in new members. This sets the course for what happens in this film where they find a loophole that would allow them to compete in a global a capella singing competition though their chances of winning is very long. Along the way, the group takes in a new member whose mother was a Bella while the group’s co-leader in Becca (Anna Kendrick) becomes an intern for an egocentric music producer. It’s a film that isn’t just about these ladies wanting to redeem themselves but also face with the prospects of growing up and dealing with life after college as it’s something Bella co-leader Chloe (Brittany Snow) isn’t ready to cope with as she had purposely flunked classes to remain a Bella.

Kay Cannon’s script doesn’t just play into the growing conflicts and struggles the group face from within but also in the fact that they’re considered pariahs over the scandal caused by Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) when she accidentally exposes herself in front of President Obama during a birthday concert. Adding to their struggle is the fact that they’re being replaced by a super-German a capella group known as Das Sound Machine who provide a lot of things that overwhelm the Bellas in their attempt to redeem themselves. While Cannon provides some funny one-liners and some structure to the story, the story does feel a bit familiar but it has some unique subplots such as the group taking in freshman Emily Junk (Hailee Steinfeld) who is a legacy as she wants to write songs. Another subplot involves Fat Amy’s own attraction towards former Treblemaker leader Bumper (Adam Devine) who is now the university’s security chief.

Elizabeth Banks’ direction is quite straightforward in terms of the compositions that are created while maintaining that lively sense of humor that made the first film so special in the first place. Though much of what happens is quite conventional, Banks does make sure many of the moments of the film are engaging while having that sense of feeling improvised to make it feel more natural. Banks’ usage of medium shots and close-ups help maintain that sense of intimacy as well as the importance of sisterhood among the young women while using a few wide shots for some of the performances including an attempted comeback performance in the second act where the Bellas try too hard to outdo the Das Sound Machine. Shot largely in Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the film doesn’t just play into something that is vibrant as well as modern while using some of its older streets for the film’s climatic showdown at Copenhagen. Even as Banks knows that the film’s heart is in the music and singing a capella where it manages to do a lot in its performance and a whole lot more. Overall, Banks creates a fun and exhilarating film about a group of young ladies trying to win back their respect in an a capella competition.

Cinematographer Jim Denault does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography with its naturalistic yet colorful look for many of the daytime scenes set at the college campuses to the usage of lights for some of the musical performances and scenes set at night. Editor Craig Alpert does nice work with the editing as a lot of it is straightforward with some stylish usages of jump-cuts and montages for some of the livelier moments of the film including musical performances. Production designer Toby Corbett, with set decorator Monique Champagne and art director Nate Jones, does fantastic work with the look of the Bellas‘ house as well as the studio Becca would intern at along with the retreat camp the girls would go following a humiliating performance. Costume designer Salvador Perez Jr. does wonderful work with the clothes from the casual yet stylish look of the clothes to the array of stylish costumes the Bellas would wear as well as the clothes of Das Sound Machine.

Key hairstylist Meagan Herrera and key makeup artist Judy Yonemoto do terrific work with the look of the characters in the way they would present themselves during a musical performance. Visual effects supervisor Steve Parish does superb work with some of the film‘s visual effects as much of it is set dressing for the scenes set in Copenhagen. Sound editor Erin Oakely and sound designer Jack Whittaker do amazing work with the sound in capturing the naturalistic sound of a capella singing in all of its layers as well as the raucous sounds of the crowds and parties. The film’s music by Mark Mothersbaugh is brilliant for its mixture of electronics, dance and orchestral music as well as providing that same mix for the sound of a capella music while music supervisors Sarah Webster and Angela Leus would create a soundtrack filled with contemporary pop tunes and hip-hop into some of the songs as well as what is playing in the background.

The casting by Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee is incredible as it features appearances from Clay Matthews, David Bakhtiari, Don Barclay, Josh Sitton, and T.J. Lang as real-life players of the Green Bay Packers who do sing a capella, David Cross as a riff-off host, Keegan-Michael Key as a music producer Becca is interning for, Shawn Carter Peterson as the producer’s hipster yet dim-witted nephew, Snoop Dogg as himself, and as members of the Tone Hangers group, Reggie Watts, Joe Lo Truglio, Jason Jones, and John Hodgman. Other notable small roles include Kelly Jakle and Shelley Regner in their respective roles as senior Bellas Jessica and Ashley, Birgitte Hjort Sorensen and Flula Borg as leaders of Das Sound Machine, Ben Platt as Treblemakers co-leader Benji who has a crush on Emily, Skylar Astin as Treblemakers co-leader/Becca’s boyfriend Jesse, Anna Camp as former Bellas leader Aubrey who runs a retreat camp as she would help the team get back up, and Katey Sagal as Emily’s mother Katherine who is considered a legend among the Bellas. Hana Mae Lee is a total delight as the very quiet yet creepy Lilly who is the group’s beat-boxer as she always says some very funny things.

Ester Dean is excellent as the soulful lesbian Cynthia with top-notch rhyming skills while Alexis Knapp is wonderful as sensual Stacie who often uses her sex appeal to get ahead. Adam DeVine is hilarious as the former Treblemakers leader Bumper as the college’s new security chief that is trying to get himself back into the world of singing. Chrissie Fit is fantastic as the Guatemalan exchange student who joined the Bellas a year after the events of the first films as she provides some very funny comments about everything that is foreign to her. Hailee Steinfeld is amazing as Emily Junk as a freshman who is accepted by the Bellas because of her mother as she copes with her new surroundings as well as wanting to create original songs. Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins are incredible in their respective roles as a capella broadcasters Gail Abernathy-McKadden-Feinberger and John Smith as they provide some funny commentary with the latter being very misogynistic.

Brittany Snow is brilliant as Chloe as a super-senior Bella who is obsessed with trying to win as it is really a cover for the fact that she’s not ready to leave college and the Bellas while being very funny. Rebel Wilson is phenomenal as Fat Amy as the Australian in the group whose accidental actions has given the Bellas a lot of trouble as she tries to set things right while dealing with her own feelings for Bumper. Finally, there’s Anna Kendrick in a remarkable role as Becca as the group’s co-leader who is trying to help the Bellas redeem themselves from scandal but also deal with her own future where she learns what it really takes to become a record producer where she finds inspiration and help from a Bella.

Pitch Perfect 2 is a delightful and entertaining film from Elizabeth Banks. Led by a great cast, some very funny moments, and wonderful musical performances, the film is definitely something that has a lot to offer while providing enough substance and characters for audiences to care about. In the end, Pitch Perfect 2 is a sensational film from Elizabeth Banks.

Pitch Perfect

© thevoid99 2016

Pitch Perfect

Based on the non-fiction novel Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory, Pitch Perfect is the story of a college freshman who joins an all-girl a cappella group to compete against a rival all-male group from the same school for an a cappella singing competition. Directed by Jason Moore and screenplay by Kay Cannon, the film explores the world of singing competitions and the dynamics of a group as a young woman tries to bring something fresh to her team. Starring Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow, Alexis Knapp, Adam DeVine, Ben Platt, John Michael Higgins, and Elizabeth Banks. Pitch Perfect is an exciting and entertaining film about singing and having fun.

The film revolves around an all-female a cappella singing group known as the Bellas where it’s a new season as its leader Aubrey Posen (Anna Camp) is seeking to redeem herself after a humiliating incident she caused at the national collegiate finals. Joining the Bellas is a music-loving freshman named Beca Mitchell (Anna Kendrick) who reluctantly takes part in the group to appease her father (John Benjamin Hickey) as she learns about the world of a cappella singing competition where it’s quite brutal at times. Notably as the more traditional Aubrey and the rebellious Beca butt heads a bit about what to sing in order to win where the two eventually find a way to beat their rivals in the Treblemakers led by the egotistical Bumper Allen (Adam DeVine).

Kay Cannon’s screenplay doesn’t just explore the politics and the rules of what it takes to be a powerful a cappella singing group but also how fierce the competition can be. Though Beca is an outsider of sorts who listens to all sorts of music and creates her own vocal mixes from her laptop as she aspires to become a DJ. She takes part of the group because of her college professor father who makes a deal with her to take part in something for a year and if it doesn’t work out, he can send her to Los Angeles to become a DJ. Though the Bellas are this very talented singing group that sings mostly pop songs, their act is unfortunately a bit tiresome as they sing to an indifferent audience as its leader Aubrey has a hard time trying to get everyone to stick to the game plan.

Especially as the new version of the Bellas consists of an eccentric group of characters like the comedic Tasmania student Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson), the lesbian Cynthia-Rose Adams (Ester Dean), the very sexual Stacie (Alexis Knapp), and the very quiet yet strange Lily (Hana Mae Lee). While there are elements of the script that is quite formulaic in terms of its plot where it does climax with the Bellas and the Treblemakers facing off again in the finals. The script allows the audience to want to root for the Bellas and the obstacles they face though the Treblemakers are actually a singing group that do have respect for the Bellas despite their leader Bumper who is very full of himself. Particularly as Beca is sort of falling one of the Treblemakers in a freshman named Jesse (Skylar Astin).

Jason Moore’s direction is quite straightforward in terms of compositions and such while he does infuse a lot of energy into the musical performances and rehearsals. Notably the audition sequence where he creates a lot of moments to reveal many new characters as they’re singing Kelly Clarkson’s Since You’ve Been Gone in a very creative montage. The direction also gets the chance to let scenes play out while reveling into the characters as Moore gives them the time to develop in terms of the drama and comedy that’s happening. In the musical performances, Moore keeps things simple and natural to create something that is happening while using some of the performances to help tell the story including the tension between Aubrey and Beca. The comedy also has a sense of looseness where it has moments of improvisation but also doesn’t deter from the story. Overall, Moore creates a very funny and engaging film about singing and being part of a group.

Cinematographer Julio Macat does excellent work with the cinematography to give the film a very naturalistic look for many of its daytime exterior scenes while using more stylish lighting schemes for the concert scenes. Editor Zach Chemberlene does amazing work with the editing in creating montages and rhythmic cuts to play out some of the training sessions and auditions. Production designer Barry Robison, with set decorator David Hack and art director Jeremy Woolsey, does nice work with the set pieces from the stages where the singers perform to the look of the college campuses.

Costume designer Salvador Perez Jr. does terrific work with the costumes from the more casual look of the Treblemakers to the more refined look of the Bellas in their stage performances. Sound editors Sean McCormack and Erin Oakley do brilliant work with the sound editing to capture the intimacy of the singing as well as some of the comedic moments in the film. The film’s music by Christoph Beck and Mark Kilian is quite good as it‘s mostly alternative-rock based while music supervisors Sarah Webster and Angela Leus do fantastic work with the film’s soundtrack as it consists a wide range of music styles from pop, hip-hop, R&B, and rock while many of the actors in the film do their actual singing which helps elevate the music as a major highlight of the film.

The casting by Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee is marvelous for the ensemble that is assembled as it features some appearances from Christopher Mintz-Plasse as an audition launcher, Donald Faison, Har Mar Superstar, and Joe Lo Truglio as a singing group, Freddie Stroma as a college radio deejay whom Beca and Jesse intern for, Jinhee Joung as Beca’s very chilly roommate, and John Benjamin Hickey as Beca’s college professor father who insists that Beca takes part in a group just so she can have a good college experience. John Michael Higgins and Elizabeth Banks are excellent as singing competition commentators John Smith and Gail Abernathy-McKadden, respectively, as both of them bring some very funny comments to the singing. Utkarsh Ambudkar and Ben Platt are terrific as the Treblemakers vocalist/beat boxer Donald and Jesse’s nerdy/illusionist roommate Benji as the latter is a big fan of the Treblemakers.

Adam DeVine is brilliant as the Treblemakers leader Bumper as a guy who is so full of himself and loves to win while being a jerk to everyone as even his own teammates don’t like him very much. Hana Me Lee is fantastic as the strange yet very quite Lily as she someone who speaks so quietly that she’s barely audible yet is revealed to be a gifted beat-boxer. Ester Dean is wonderful as the soulful lesbian Cynthia-Rose while Alexis Knapp is superb as the very sexual and energetic Stacie. Brittany Snow is amazing as the very kind Bella vocalist Chloe who tries to get Aubrey to do something new while convincing Beca to join the Bellas. Rebel Wilson is very funny as the comedic Fat Amy as someone who is a very talented vocalist who brings excitement to the Bellas. Skylar Astin is stellar as Jesse as a talented singer who befriends Beca as he tries to show her films as well as being the guy in the Treblemakers that can ground them.

Anna Camp is a delight as the Bellas’ leader Aubrey as a woman trying to redeem herself following an embarrassing incident as she wants to win but is unable to take risks that would help her group. Finally, there’s Anna Kendrick in a remarkable performance as Beca as an aspiring musician/DJ who reluctantly takes part in the Bellas due to her singing ability as she also wants to do something that can help them as a group.

Pitch Perfect is an extraordinary film from Jason Moore that features a wonderful leading performance from Anna Kendrick. Along with a great supporting cast as well as an amazing soundtrack. It’s a film that plays into the love of music as well as being part of a group that allows someone to have fun as it is also quite funny. In the end, Pitch Perfect is a superb film from Jason Moore.

Pitch Perfect 2

© thevoid99 2013

Up in the Air

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 12/25/09 w/ Additional Edits.

Based on the novel by Walter Kirn, Up in the Air tells the story of a corporate downsizer whose job is to fly around the world to fire people from their jobs while hoping to reach his goal of a large frequent flyer numbers. During his journey, the man accompanies a young woman doing the same but with new technology while he falls for a traveling woman who also shares his philosophies about traveling. Directed by Jason Reitman with an adapted screenplay by Reitman and Sheldon Turner. The film is an exploration of a man's empty life and the world he surrounds himself in during a tumultuous time where the recession is hitting hard in the world. Starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Danny McBride, Melanie Lynskey, Amy Morton, Sam Elliot, Zach Galifianakis, and appearances from J.K. Simmons and Jason Bateman. Up in the Air is a witty yet harrowing drama about isolation and the world that revolves around a single man.

Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is a man whose job is to fly from city to city where he tells people that they're fired. The reaction to those who are fired is shocking yet Bingham isn't really concerned with people's feelings as he's just there to do a job. Bingham flies millions of miles throughout the year hoping to reach the goal of 10 million frequent flyer miles to be part of a rare, prestigious club. When he's not flying or working, he lives in an apartment that he is rarely at in Omaha. On his spare time, Bingham also gives seminars on how to live a life without attachments where during those travels, he meets with another traveler named Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga) where the two share an attraction towards each other.

When Bingham is called back to Omaha by his boss Craig Gregory (Jason Bateman), Bingham learns of a new strategy that could impact his job and lifestyle. A new young employee named Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) has just introduced the idea of firing people through the Internet and on video screen. Upon the realization that Natalie has little experience in interacting face-to-face with the people she's to fire, Gregory decides to have Natalie accompany Bingham so she can have experience. Bingham reluctantly takes her in while showing her the ropes on how to travel and how to do things properly. Natalie becomes unaware of the emotional implications of what to do when firing people as she angers a fired employee (J.K. Simmons) where Bingham would calm the man down.

With Bingham's own personal life having little attachment as he learned his younger sister Julie (Melanie Lynskey) is about to get married. He is asked by his sister Kara (Amy Morton) to take pictures with a cardboard picture of Julie and her fiancee Jim (Danny McBride) in various places. Bingham reluctantly does with help from Natalie and during a stop in Miami, he meets up with Alex again as she shares her own philosophies of life to Natalie as they crash a party. With Natalie still trying to get her footing on how to fire people as well as the way Bingham's life works. She and Bingham are suddenly called back to Omaha as Bingham makes some unexpected moves on his own in choosing to go to his sister's wedding. During this visit where Alex accompanies him, Bingham begins to question his own life along with his growing attraction to Alex.

The film is about a traveling man traveling all across the country doing his own thing without any kinds of attachment to anyone or anything. Yet, he would end up meeting people that would change all of these philosophies that he lives by while pondering about his own lifestyle. The film itself is an existential drama with dabbles of humor. Yet, it all centers around the character of Ryan Bingham. A man who loves his job, loves to fly, loves to live in nice hotels, and have all of the benefits. Yet, he would often be attached to a woman in Alex, who does the same as they're attracted to each other. When he takes Natalie on board as his new protegee, Bingham is suddenly faced with questions from Natalie about his lifestyle and his goals. Bingham avoids them only to realize that Natalie might have a point near the end of the film.

The screenplay that Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner is wonderfully structured from the first act of Bingham's world and the introduction of Natalie where he bring her on his travels. The second being his increased attraction to Alex and guiding Natalie into this cruel world of firing people. All of this would lead to a dramatic third act that would impact not just Bingham's own development and feelings about the world. It would also impact about the people around him where there is a harsh revelation about Alex along with Natalie's own feelings about the world. Along the way in the journey, there's moments where all three characters would learn about themselves and have fun as the lesson in life is there's no life without interaction or attachments.

The script Reitman and Turner creates definitely raises questions about existentialism and the way the world works. Even as it is told at the right place and right time when America as of late 2009 is still going through a horrible recession where people are losing their jobs. The reactions of the people who are fired are told realistically of what they could be going through or what they went through. While to Bingham, it may not affect him very much but to someone as young as Natalie. It's a cruel reminder of the way the world is as her idea to fire people through the computer without human interaction would change her in such a way. Notably in a tragic moment in the third act that would impact not just Natalie but also Bingham in relation to what Natalie is feeling.

The screenplay definitely features some amazing writing in its dialogue and moments of humor. Yet, it's Reitman's direction of the film itself that is truly stunning. From the opening credit sequence of ariel shots of various cities and landscapes to his engaging compositions of everything he's shooting at the airport, hotels, and various cities. It's as if Reitman is taking the audience onto a journey from city to city where as troubled as it is. America is still a beautiful and interesting place from the ariel shots of the cities at night to the airports they're at. Yet, Reitman's direction is filled with close-ups and zooms to emphasize what is happening to the characters. Even as they're facing the emotional upheaval of what they're doing or going through. Even if it's a funny moment where something isn't meant to be funny but can come across as something that is quite hilarious.

The sarcastic humor that Reitman creates works in its sense of rhythm that keeps the film going. The dramatic staging that Reitman does is superb as he knows where to distance himself from he and the actors as they're performing. Yet, some of those dramatic moments and compositions do create moments that are stunning. Notably in the world of Ryan Bingham as he faces the idea of isolation and trying to find some meaning in his life. The result of these intimate moments, light comical moments, and intense, heavy sequences and compositions show that Jason Reitman is becoming a director that will engage the audiences with themes and ideas as he is really just getting started.

Cinematographer Eric Steelberg does brilliant work with the film's photography from darkly-lit but colorful interior nighttime scenes at the bar where Alex and Ryan meets to the bright colors in the interiors of the airports that Ryan frequents in. Even in some shots where things are a little grey in the exterior scenes as Steelberg's work is phenomenal. Editor Dana E. Glauberman is excellent in its rhythmic pacing, straight-cuts and transitions while moving the film quite leisurely for the most part. Even in scenes where it's funny or for dramatic effect.

Production designer Steve Saklad with set decorator Linda Lee Sutton and art director Andrew Max Cahn do great work in the art direction of the film. From the look of the party that Ryan, Alex, and Natalie crash to the hotel rooms, and even Ryan's own apartment home which looks somewhat empty all have something to say in Ryan's life. The costume design of Danny Glicker is really good from the suits that Ryan wears along with the business-woman clothes that Alex and Natalie wears where Alex has a sexier look with Natalie a more uptight look to emphasize their characters. Sound editors Barney Cabral, Perry Robertson, and Scott Sanders do fine work in the film's sound from the way airplanes sound in and out, the intimate sounds of the conferences that Ryan speaks in, and the atmosphere of Natalie talking through people in the computer in their termination as it's done quite superbly.

The music score by Rolfe Kent is lightly playful and subtle to emphasize on Ryan's continuing journey in life and the people he encounters. Yet, the soundtrack compiled by Randall Poster and Rick Clark is wonderful with songs by Sharon King and the Dap-Kings, Graham Nash, Elliot Smith, Charles Atlas, and Crosby, Stills, & Nash in playing up to the journey of Ryan Bingham.

The casting by Mindy Marin is superb with some cameo appearances from Young MC at the party Ryan, Alex, and Natalie crash in along with J.K. Simmons and Zach Galifianakis as terminated employees. Simmons as a hardened, bitter man who plays it quite straight while Galifianakis does a great job in playing up for laughs in his own fantasies about being fired. Sam Elliot also makes a funny cameo appearance as an airline pilot who sits with Ryan. Danny McBride is very good in a very understated yet restrained role as Ryan's soon-to-be brother-in-law while Melanie Lynskey is wonderful as Ryan's younger sister. Amy Morton is fine in a small but memorable role as Ryan's older sister who is not happy about his lifestyle choice while Jason Bateman is great as Ryan's smarmy boss.

Anna Kendrick is superb in a real breakthrough role as Natalie Keener. Already known for a fantastic role in Rocket Science and more recently, in the Twilight film series, Kendrick delivers in being a great foil of sorts for George Clooney while going head-to-head about the way things are. Kendrick is also funny and dramatic as she not only steals a few scenes from Clooney but makes her character to be very memorable and realistic about how young people are trying to figure out the world. Vera Farmiga is excellent as Alex, a sexy woman who likes to travel and do all sorts of fun things with Ryan Bingham. Yet, there's also someone who has seen a lot in life in a character like Alex as she helps not only guide Natalie through the world of adulthood but also help Ryan find a world other than traveling that would later be part of a very dramatic set-up. Farmiga's performance is definitely phenomenal as she definitely can go toe-to-toe with someone as big as George Clooney.

George Clooney, himself, delivers in what is definitely his best dramatic role yet. While Clooney is a movie star who can deliver the goods in a performance. He's also an actor that will provide the right notes in a performance. Maybe not in the style of a method actor like Sean Penn or as grandiose as Daniel Day-Lewis. Yet, Clooney's performance as Ryan Bingham is very realistic in its development of a man in an existential journey where he not only tries to fight in saving a lifestyle that he only knows. He would end going into a realization that living life without attachments aren't really worth living. It's a remarkable performance from Clooney who not only can dominate a scene but is willing to share it with other actors, notably Farmiga and Kendrick. What Clooney creates is a role that is shows his range as an actor while giving it a personality that only Clooney can create.

Up in the Air is an amazing film from Jason Reitman and company with great performances from George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick. Audiences who want to see witty films that is entertaining and smart will definitely enjoy this. Though at times, the tone is bleak, it's a film that really tells a story that is relevant and what is happening while telling stories about the way life works. For fans of Jason Reitman, this film will truly show a massive stepping stone into his career as it is clear that he will become a director to watch in the years to come. In the end, Up in the Air is a remarkable achievement from Jason Reitman while giving its star George Clooney one of his best roles yet.

Jason Reitman Films: Thank You for Smoking - Juno - Young Adult - Labor Day - (Men, Women, & Children) - Tully - The Front Runner - Ghostbusters: Afterlife - The Auteurs #30: Jason Reitman

© thevoid99 2011

50/50

Directed by Jonathan Levine and written by Will Reiser, 50/50 is about a young man who learns he has a cancer as he tries to come to terms with it. With a best friend and a young psychiatrist trying to help him, he also tries to deal with various other individuals who are going through other sorts of illnesses. The film is based on Reiser’s own experience with cancer as he also puts a new spin into the cancer drama by injecting humor into the story. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Philip Baker Hall, Matt Frewer, and Anjelica Huston. 50/50 is an extraordinary yet heartfelt film from Jonathan Levine.

After learning he has a rare cancer in his back, Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) realizes that his whole life is about to change as he tells his friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) and his girlfriend Rachel (Bryce Dallas Howard) about it. After telling his mother (Anjelica Huston) about the cancer and what he has to, she is overwhelmed as she is also trying to take care of his father (Serge Houde) who is currently suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Taking various chemotherapy treatments and meeting fellow cancer patients in Mitch (Matt Frewer) and Alan (Philip Baker Hall), Adam also takes in some therapy sessions with a young therapist named Katherine (Anna Kendrick). With Kyle helping him out by trying to get books and such, Adam notices that Rachel has been distant leading to some troubling issues with the two.

Adam also tries to distance his mother, whom he felt has been dealing with a lot, as he befriends Katherine who is just trying to figure things out though she is new to her job. While Kyle also tries to be involved by getting Adam be social, the two do hang out with Adam’s new cancer friends as they all try to cope with their situations. While Adam realizes that he has a 50/50 chance of surviving the cancer and that it might be more complicated, he tries to cope with everything as he seeks help from the people who are closest to him.

Films that often revolve around cancer often can lead to huge sentimental moments as they delve into the kind of films where the audience is in tears. In this film, there’s bit of that as it’s balanced by humor as a lot of is based on screenwriter Will Reiser’s own experience with cancer. Though Adam is only 27-years old, it is proof that cancer is a mysterious disease where things just happen for some reason. Throughout Adam’s journey, there’s moments where he can be relax and just be cool with it. Then, there’s moments of frustration and anger because he can’t control his own situation.

Reiser’s script works in the way Adam is presented as a human being with flaws as he is just trying to deal with the idea that he might die. The people around him such as his best friend Kyle, his girlfriend Rachel, and his mother are all trying to cope with it in some way. Though the character of Rachel is sort of under-written, Kyle and Adam’s mother do get more to do as the former is just a fun-loving guy that is doing all he can to help out his friend though uses his friend’s cancer to simply get laid. Adam’s mother is a woman that is going through a lot with her husband suffering from Alzheimer and learning that her son has cancer is evident that even though she can extremely worried. It’s only because she really cares for her son. Then there’s Katherine who is an outsider as she’s just a young therapist with not many patients as she is just trying to understand what he’s feeling and what she wants to do without doing it the wrong way.

Reiser’s script works to study the situations while providing humor to Adam’s situation without being very silly. The humor is more light-hearted and driven by dialogue so that Adam can at least have some joy around him in his awful situation. It’s a script that is truly engaging without going into the traps that most films relating to cancer or other disease where it often leads to very sentimental, heavy-handed moments.

Jonathan Levine’s direction is quite straightforward for the way he presents the film. Yet, he does put a bit of a stylistic flair for a few scenes such as Adam getting out of his first chemotherapy session stoned out of his mind. Another key stylistic moment that actually works is the way Adam responds to the news where it’s all in the sound design and camera work to emphasize what he could be reacting as it’s shot from the back of his head. The humor and dramatic elements in Levine’s direction is definitely more restrained but he knows when it is time to pull the heavier moments without going overboard. The overall direction is truly spectacular as Levine creates a film that is very real but also done in a humorous, light-hearted tone.

Cinematographer Terry Stacey does a nice job with the film‘s colorful though somewhat de-saturated look for many of the film‘s daytime scenes while emphasizing a more stylish look for some of the film‘s interior and exterior nighttime scenes. Editor Zene Baker does an excellent job with the film‘s editing as it is quite straightforward while there’s a great stylized scene where Adam walks slowly in a stoned frame of mind.

Production designer Annie Spitz, along with set decorator Shane Vieau and art director Ross Dempster, does a very good job with the set pieces created such as Adam‘s home which is filled with lots of things including Rachel‘s paintings. Costume designer Carla Hetland also does a good job with the costumes as the characters dress very casually while Rachel is more stylish to emphasize her arty world. Sound editor Robert Jackson does a great job with the sound work that includes the scene where Adam hears about his cancer which creates an unsettling mood that seems very real to how one reacts to news like this.

The film’s score by Michael Giacchino is more low-key than his previous scores as it delves into an indie-folk style with a few orchestral flourishes that underplays the drama and humor present in the film. The soundtrack, that is assembled by Jim Black and Gabe Hilfer, is brilliant as it features an array of indie music plus some very memorable contributions from acts like the Bee Gees, Radiohead, and Pearl Jam.

The casting by Sandra-Ken Freeman and Francine Maisler is superb as it features some memorable small appearances from Donna Yamamoto and Andrew Airlie as the doctors who help Adam out along with Serge Houde as Adam’s father who is suffering from Alzheimer. Matt Frewer and Philip Baker Hall are excellent in some funny performances as a couple of cancer patients who each provide some insight to Adam in his situation. Bryce Dallas Howard is pretty decent in an underwritten role as Adam’s girlfriend Rachel as someone who cares about him but is more interested in her world rather than take care of Adam. Anjelica Huston is brilliant as Adam’s mother who is trying to deal with all of the illness around her as she brings a bit of humor to her character as she is someone who means well though can be a bit overwhelming in a funny way.

Anna Kendrick is wonderful as Katherine, Adam’s therapist whose inexperience manages to win Adam over as she also tries to deal with her own issues and trying to be the best shrink she can be. Seth Rogen is excellent as Kyle, Adam’s best friend who tries to help him out while trying to cope with Adam’s illness by having him and Adam go out and party. Finally, there’s Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a fantastic performance as Adam. Gordon-Levitt brings a real sense of humanity to a character that is going through this horrific ordeal while trying to make sense of everything. Gordon-Levitt isn’t afraid to make Adam into someone that is flawed but also engaging in the way he handles things as it’s another outstanding performance from the young actor.

50/50 is a smart yet touching comedy-drama from Jonathan Levine that features a captivating performance from Joseph Gordon-Levitt. With a great supporting cast that includes Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, and Anjelica Huston, it’s a film that doesn’t sentimentalize the idea of cancer while bringing some more life and humor into what people go through. It’s also something where the audience can actually be fine with the idea of laughing at these situations while without going into very silly jokes with a lot of comedies. In the end, 50/50 is a marvelous yet winning film from Jonathan Levine.

Jonathan Levine Films: (All the Boys Love Mandy Lane) - (The Wackness) - Warm Bodies - The Night Before (2015 film) - (Snatched) - Long Shot (2019 film)

© thevoid99 2011

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

With the popularity over comics and graphic novels becoming films, it’s no surprise that audiences are seeing a new culture of geeks who are influenced by comics and video games. One such story is in the form of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim series. The graphic novel series tells the story of a young slacker from Toronto who falls in love with an American girl only to learn that in order to go out with her. He must defeat her seven evil-exes. With the sixth and final book Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour finally released on July 20, 2010, O’Malley has also allowed for his series to be adapted by British director Edgar Wright for a film named after the second book called Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

Directed by Edgar Wright with a screenplay written by Wright and Michael Bacall, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World tells the story of a young Toronto slacker who plays in a band has his love life changed by an American girl. Wanting to go out with her, he must defeat her seven evil exes in a video-game style of conflict. Along the way, Pilgrim has to deal with the fact that he’s growing up and how took some of his ex girlfriends for granted as one of them is going after the woman he loves.

With an all-star cast led by Michael Cera as Scott Pilgrim. The film also includes Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Ellen Wong, Anna Kendrick, Alison Pill, Mark Webber, Aubrey Plaza, Johnny Simmons, Brandon Routh, Mae Whitman, Brie Larson, Chris Evans, and Jason Schwartzman. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is an enjoyable, off-the-wall film that is truly fantastic.

After meeting a 17-year old Chinese girl named Knives Chau (Ellen Wong), Toronto-based slacker Scott Pilgrim is in a new relationship. While he lives with a gay roommate named Wallace Wells (Kieran Culkin) and plays bass in a band called Sex Bob-omb with former high school girlfriend Kim Pine (Alison Pill) and Stephen Stills (Mark Webber). Scott is still an immature 22-year old with no job as he starts to have weird dreams with this mysterious young woman. After seeing her at the library and later at party, he learns that she is Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Ramona is an American girl who works for Amazon as Scott asks her out during a delivery as sparks flew.

After inviting Ramona to a gig where Knives also attends, Scott finds himself in trouble during a performance where Ramona’s first evil-ex boyfriend Matthew Patel (Satya Bhabha) appears to challenge Scott. After Ramona tells him that he must defeat her seven evil-exes so he can date her, Scott realizes he is up for a challenge as he also makes some bad decisions. After breaking up with Knives, Scott has to deal with Ramona’s other exes including actor Lucas Lee (Chris Evans), musician Todd Ingram (Brandon Routh), a ninja-like girl named Roxy (Mae Whitman), and a couple of Japanese pop twins named Ken and Kyle Katayanagi (Keita and Shota Saito).  Scott also to deal with another ex-girlfriend in Envy Adams (Brie Larson), who is now a pop star playing in a band that Todd is in.

Dealing with exes overwhelm Scott as he also has to deal with how its affecting his relationship with Ramona. When Sex Bob-omb is finally getting noticed, the person taking the band is none other than Ramona’s last ex-boyfriend in Gideon Gordon Graves (Jason Schwartzman). Scott realizes that what he must do to defeat Gideon which includes facing himself as well.

Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel series about Scott Pilgrim tells the story about this young slacker who falls for his dream girl but has to deal with her exes as well as gaining some self-respect. What writers Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright do in adapting the series into a feature film is take that premise of a guy defeating seven exes and bring it to life. Exposing a pop culture world filled with indie music, video games, and all sorts of worlds. The film plays like a video game of sorts starting with the Universal film logo designed like an old 8-bit video game with 8-bit music.

While it’s known that adapting a book or a series of books into films aren’t easy, Bacall and Wright do a great job in not just getting the characterization and the world of Scott Pilgrim. They also bring enough that is told for a feature film, though it was made when the sixth and final book was in the works. While various subplots about Scott Pilgrim’s relationship with Kim Pine as well as more stories about various characters including Julie (Aubrey Plaza) and Scott’s younger sister Stacy (Anna Kendrick) aren’t featured as much. They’re given enough exposure of what is needed to be told for the story of Scott Pilgrim’s journey.

The development of Scott Pilgrim as this young, slacker kid who doesn’t have much clue about love nor has a clue about how his own decisions towards the people he hurt has affected them. When he’s with Ramona, he starts to grow up a bit but still acts as an immature kid though he steps up when he gets into fights. Ramona Flowers is just as complex as this young woman desperate to escape from her past and finds something different in Scott Pilgrim. Yet, she admits to being a bitch while feels bad for putting Scott into this situation. Another major character that gets exposure is Knives Chau, a 17-year old Chinese girl who is introduced to a new world. Yet, when Scott breaks up with her. She takes up stalking to the point that she pretends to date Young Neil (Johnny Simmons) while plotting to destroy Ramona Flowers.

The screenplay succeeds in not just using what is needed to tell the story but also in giving many of the film’s supporting characters to play their role to the story. Particularly in setting up each confrontation that goes on. Within each opponent that Scott faces, the stakes become higher and more intense where there’s a great structure to the story within each confrontation. Even as it plays like a video game where the levels become much tougher and more overwhelming. The script overall is truly amazing as it’s captured with such energy and style from its director Edgar Wright.

Using some of illustration of O’Malley for several scenes as well the use of split screens for comic-book style framing. Wright’s direction is truly stunning in terms of recreating the comic book to life with lively visual effects and video-game style. Wright definitely goes for a pop-art element for film he uses visual effects to display heightened emotions. Even if he’s capturing the energy of the concerts and fight sequences. The staging of scenes has Wright framing things as if they look the same book presented them. Even if it’s an awkward scene where Scott and his friends meet The Clash at Demonhead, the band featuring Envy and Todd.

Wright definitely displays a sense of confidence in his directing where he allows the actors to do their stunt work as well as show their funny sides in the most natural way. The humor isn’t forced or gimmicky as it flows well in the way O’Malley’s books have as it doesn’t take itself too seriously or go for silly gags. The action scenes show Wright taking on different angles for the fights as each one has its own sense of energy. Notably the Scott vs. Todd scene where the two battle each other with their ability to play bass. Another noted factor that works for the film are the title displays for the characters to figure out their personalities or how smart they are. Wright’s direction overall, shows a director finally given the chance to create something that is spectacular and fun without going overboard or make things look cheap.

Cinematographer Bill Pope does excellent with the film’s colorful photography as it’s shot on location in Toronto. Pope’s photography is full of color where the white snow in daytime scenes work with the colors clashing for whatever moment if it’s a funny or a dramatic moment. Pope also succeeds in creating dazzling lights and colors for several scenes including the concert and fight scenes without a lot of flashy, polished photography. There’s a bit of grit to the look as Pope’s work is phenomenal.

Editors Jonathan Amos and Paul Machliss do amazing work with the film’s stylized yet energetic editing. From the use of split-screens and other formats, the editing moves the film in a fast but rhythmic tone for many of the film’s fight and concert scenes. Yet, Amos and Machliss know when to slow down when it’s for something more dramatic while using comedic sequences with great timing.  The editing of the film is definitely masterful for its array of rhythms and stylization. Production designer Marcus Rowland, along with set decorator Odetta Stoddard and art director Nigel Churcher, do fantastic work with the set designs for the clubs and places the characters are in. Even as they recreate places just like the novel did in its illustration as the art direction is truly spellbinding.

Costume designer Laura Jean Shannon does some nice work with the costumes from the casual clothing that most of the characters wear to the indie-like clothes that Knives Chau were later in the film. Even the look of Envy Adams with her big heels are great as the costumes reflect the personalities of the characters along with the hair and make-up work that bring more of a unique look to the characters Visual effects Frazer Churchill does amazing work with the visual effects of the film that has a comic-book like feel to play to exaggerated emotions and other sound effects sequence. Even for the fight and concert sequences that plays to a heightened level of intensity as it’s truly spectacular. Even as the Shynola visual arts team do some crazy work for the film’s opening credits sequence.

Sound editor Julian Slater and sound designer James Boyle do brilliant work with the film’s sound work. Bringing the use of 8-bit video game sounds for effects reason, the sound has a video game-like feel while there’s texture to the layering of the sound effects during the fight and concert scenes. The mixing is truly astonishing in its presentation while the design for the 8-bit effects adds humor. If there’s a real technical highlight of the film, it’s the sound department.

The film’s music is truly amazing with a dream-like yet frenetic score by renowned producer Nigel Godrich. Godrich, along with contributions by Beck, Dan the Automator, and Osymyso, creates a wide mixture of music from 8-bit style electronic music to frenetic garage rock and other strange pieces. Dan the Automator provides the cheesy electro-pop song for Matthew Patel while Cornelius brings a high-octane electronic piece for Katayanagi twins. The rest of the soundtrack has Beck providing music for the band Sex Bob-omb with his fast-paced, rocking sound.

Other artists in the soundtrack include Beachwood Sparks providing a cover of Sade’s By Your Side for a wonderful love scene between Scott and Ramona. Metric contributes a song as they provide the music for Envy’s band The Clash at Demonhead while others like the Broken Social Scene, Frank Black, the Rolling Stones, Black Lips, Plumtree, and the Broken Social Scene also contribute cuts to what is certainly an amazing array of music.

The casting by Robin D. Cook, Jennifer Euston, and Allison Jones is truly amazing for the people that are cast as the characters all look like the people from the novels. Small roles include Christine Watson as Matthew Patel’s demon hipster chick, Chantelle Chung as Knives’ friend Tamara, Ingrid Haas as a partygoer named Monique, Kerr Hewitt as Stacy’s date Jimmy, Nelson Franklin as Comeau, and Ben Lewis as the Other Scott whom Wallace sleeps with. The film also has some great cameo appearances but none is as exciting or as funny as the two men who play the Vegan Police.

For the roles of the seven evil exes, the casting on that side is truly inspiring as each individual definitely get to stand out on their own. Though they don’t have any dialogue, Keita and Shota Saito as the Katayanagi twins are excellent for the presence they have as they battle Sex Bob-omb in an epic battle that is truly fun to watch. Mae Whitman is very funny as Roxy, another ex with a real grudge for Scott and Ramona as she sports makeup and acts like a ninja as she definitely stands out. Though he was known for playing Superman in the very underrated Superman Returns, Brandon Routh is truly a marvel as the vegan-powered Todd Ingram. Delivering his dialogue with a stylized, deadpan style, Routh adds a lot of humor by doing so little with his role as it is definitely a great performance. Satya Bhabha is excellent as Matthew Patel, the first evil ex who does a bit of dancing while providing some comical moments to his role.

Chris Evans is hilarious as Lucas Lee, an actor with a raspy voice who hires his own stunt doubles to do the fighting while acting all cool. Then there’s Jason Schwartzman as Gideon Graves, the final ex who is the ultimate king of cool while proving to be a slimy son-of-a-bitch as Schwartzman really gets to ham it up a bit. Another notable ex that is superb is Brie Larson as Scott’s ex-girlfriend Envy Adams as a pop star who is trying to make Scott miserable while trying to intimidate Ramona as Larson is truly cool for that role. Other notable small but memorable characters that gets a lot to do is Aubrey Plaza as the bitchy Julie who despises Scott for being a dork while Johnny Simmons is great as Young Neil, the kid who is one of the few fans of Sex Bob-omb as he often spouts some funny words.

Alison Pill is excellent as Kim Pine who often delivers a dead-pan, monotone dialogue for some of her scenes to show her bitterness towards Scott though she heightens it up whenever she screams “We are Sex Bob-omb, 1-2-3-4”. Mark Webber is very good as Stephen Stills, the talent in the band who is often anxious before each gig while hoping to get signed. Anna Kendrick is really good as Scott’s younger but mature sister Stacy who is shocked over what Scott is doing while providing him with some wisdom. Kieran Culkin is a hoot as Wallace Wells, Scott’s cool gay roommate who offers advice while freaking Scott out with his own sexual escapades.

The film’s real discovery goes to Ellen Wong as Knives Chau, the 17-year old Chinese girl who falls for Scott only to get dumped where she unleashes her crazy side. Wong definitely brings a sense of innocence and naivety to the role early in the film as she is introduced to a new world. When she loses Scott, she becomes a stalker while getting ready to go head-to-head with Ramona as Wong hits all the right notes in terms of comedic timing and being a supremely bad ass chick. If Wong is the discovery, Mary Elizabeth Winstead is the film’s breakout performance as Ramona Flowers. Winstead brings a sense of wit and charm to her character while admitting to be flawed as she is also quite secretive. Winstead truly brings Ramona to life with different hair colors and a sexiness that isn’t overt. This is really Winstead’s moment as she and Wong are the highlight of the cast.

Finally, there’s Michael Cera in what is definitely his best work to date. While he’s known as a one-note actor with a very limited range. Cera, definitely steps up a bit in playing a character that’s not entirely likeable but not a total asshole as well. Cera definitely shows the character’s sense of immaturity as well as someone who is willing to fight for what he wants. It’s really a marvelous performance from the young actor, even as he has great rapport with the cast. Though some might feel it’s a variation of the roles he’s played, it’s one that broadens his work as an actor while showing there’s more to him that just being the kid from Arrested Development and Superbad.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is an extraordinary film from Edgar Wright that truly lives up to Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novels as well as bringing it to life in such a grand way. Featuring an amazing cast, a superb soundtrack, amazing visual effects, great humor, and brilliant fight scenes that keeps the film exciting. It’s a film that bends all sorts of genres and puts into one exciting film where the fun doesn’t stop. Fans of the books will be amazed by Wright’s vision while it will also bring in new readers interested in the world of Scott Pilgrim. In the end, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a magnificent film that definitely brings out the fun for a dreary summer year.

Edgar Wright Reviews: (A Fistful of Fingers) - Shaun of the Dead - Hot Fuzz - The World’s End - Baby Driver - The Sparks Brothers - Last Night in Soho

© thevoid99 2010