*Potential Spoilers Ahead*

Though Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is slated for release on August 13, I attended an early screening on August 3. Besides getting to watch the movie early, one of the perks of a special screening is that you’re guaranteed to be in a room full of like-minded fans. From the early applause as the room darkened, to the resounding laughter and cheering at key moments, the atmosphere was electric. Though a large portion of seats were reserved for the press, it was clear that the majority of the audience was comprised of Scott Pilgrim aficionados, general comic book fans and garden variety nerds. Eagle-eyed movie goers would also have spotted our very own Kenickie Street, Bella Fox, Loretta Jean, Valiant Hart and Marie Lamballe in attendance. Also present was Space’s Ajay Fry and Natasha Eloi, and Electric Playground’s Shaun Hatton.

Scott Pilgrim vs the World wins no awards when it comes to basic plot -- we’ve all seen the classic coming-of-age story -- but at least it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Though Scott Pilgrim never breaks the fourth wall, there are endless self-referential nods that acknowledge that yes, this is a story we’ve all heard before... but never with this many special effects and action sounds!

If magic realism were a contemporary invention, I believe it would look like Scott Pilgrim. Reality blurs spectacularly (Seamlessly? What fun is that?) with video game as the eponymous hero meets the literal girl of his dreams and battles her seven evil exes to win her hand. That much is evident from the trailer, and though there really is little doubt that Scott will win the day, the action sequences are no less entertaining. Scott Pilgrim combines classic 8-bit games with parodies of kung fu for over the top, ridiculously amusing fight scenes. Violence, however, is not always the answer, as Scott discovers the secrets to defeating ex after ex. Look carefully and you’ll spot the countdown as Scott encounters each scenario. The audacity of the violence is tempered by the lack of any real injury or blood -- the defeat of each ex is only logical in the game world. At no point does anyone question the behavior either; in fact, observers are more likely to simply shrug it off and go for a burger.

The movie makes great use of foreshadowing; sequences that are amusing in their own right end up paralleled later on. In spite of this, there is still room for surprises, as not everything ends the way you expect. The cyclical nature of relationships is reiterated, but Scott Pilgrim thankfully avoids the ultimate “boy chases girl” movie cliche. Given Michael Cera’s history with the awkward teen movie genre, he makes the ultimate Scott Pilgrim, both quintessential and ironic. He convincingly delivers painfully awkward dialogue and though his gradually acquired self-awareness is corny, it fits within this constructed world. The movie has all of the classic elements (the band, the battle, the girl), but still manages to include unexpected relationships and situations that turn the genre on its head.

If the game references aren’t enough, comic book lovers will appreciate the supporting roles of various superheroes: an even more egotistical, block-headed Human Torch (Chris Evans) as Lucas Lee; a bleach-blonde Superman (Brandon Routh) as Todd; a blue collar Punisher (Thomas Jane) as a secret society rule enforcer, joined by Boondock Saints 2’s Romeo (Clifton Collins Jr). OK, that last one isn’t a superhero, but you get the idea.

Should you watch this movie? Do you need to read the comics first? I’ll freely admit that I have not read the comics, but this movie should be enjoyable to anyone that has fond memories of 80s/90s video and arcade games. The references add an extra layer of amusement, but the action alone should suffice for those unfamiliar with the specifics. It’s an energetic boy-meets-girl/battle-of-the-bands story that rejoices in its derivative nature and it’s just plain fun.