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"SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD" (2010) (Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead) (PG-13) Alcohol/ Drugs Blood/Gore Disrespectful/ Bad Attitude Frightening/ Tense Scenes Guns/ Weapons Heavy Mild Extreme Minor Heavy Imitative Behavior Jump Scenes Music (Scary/Tense) Music (Inappropriate) Profanity Extreme Mild None None Heavy Sex/ Nudity Smoking Tense Family Scenes Topics To Talk About Violence Heavy None None Moderate Heavy QUICK TAKE: Action-Comedy: A 22-year-old bassist must contend with his new girlfriend's seven evil exes who are determined to stymie the new relationship in a world that mixes rock 'n roll, video games and comic book elements and sensibilities. PLOT: Scott Pilgrim (MICHAEL CERA) is the 22-year-old bassist for Sex Bob-omb, a Toronto-based garage band consisting of Scott's ex-girlfriend, Kim Pine (ALISON PILL), on drums, Stephen Stills (MARK WEBBER) as the lead singer, and Young Neil (JOHNNY SIMMONS) waiting in the wings for his chance to perform with the group. They play hard, heavy and loud rock music, and their latest fervent fan is Knives Chau (ELLEN WONG), a 17-year-old high school student who's also Scott's latest girlfriend. Their age difference doesn't bother either of them, but hasn't gone unnoticed by the band; Scott's gay roommate, Wallace Wells (KIERAN CULKIN); or Scott's sister, Stacey (ANNA KENDRICK). That's especially true since Scott still has issues regarding his break-up with Julie (BRIE LARSON), who now goes by the name Envy and fronts another rock band, albeit one that's far better known than Scott's His and Knives' romance is short-lived, however, when Scott spots and is instantly smitten with Ramona Flowers (MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD), an American who sports vibrantly dyed hair and works delivering packages for an Internet company. While still dating Knives, Scott pursues Ramona, initially unaware of the peril and challenges that come along with her. And those would be her seven evil exes, past lovers who are determined to prevent the new romance from taking root. Among them is Matthew Patel (SATYA BHABHA), the first to battle Scott in an exaggerated blend of archaic video game meets comic book style action violence where those who are defeated blast into an array of coins. There's also famous actor Lucas Lee (CHRIS EVANS); twins Kyle Katayanagi (KEITA SAITOU) and Ken Katayanagi (SHOTA SAITO); punker Roxy (MAE WHITMAN), Envy's band-mate Todd Ingram (BRANDON ROUTH), and record producer Gideon Graves (JASON SCHWARTZMAN). As he deals with all of them, Scott must also contend with trying to win over Ramona and Knives not being happy about that. WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT? It's a good bet many teens might, as will fans of anyone in the cast and/or the graphic novels on which it's based. WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG-13 For stylized violence, sexual content, language and drug references. CAST AS ROLE MODELS: MICHAEL CERA plays a 22-year-old bassist for a Canadian garage band who finds self-confidence and power in the hard, heavy and loud rock music they play. He's just started dating 17-year-old Knives, but then becomes smitten with Ramona and pursues her as well. With the latter, however, he must battle (comic book meets video game style) her seven exes. He uses some profanity. MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD plays an American who delivers packages for an Internet company and gets involved with Scott despite knowing the baggage (in terms of her exes) that she brings along to any relationship. She fools around with him some and drinks a bit. ELLEN WONG plays the 17-year-old high school student who becomes Scott's girlfriend, only to be upset when he dumps her in favor of Ramona. For the rest of the film, she tries to get back with him. ALISON PILL plays the band's drummer and ex-girlfriend of Scott's, a fairly intense young woman. KIERAN CULKIN plays Scott's gay roommate, quick with sarcastic quips and eager to bed various guys. He uses some profanity, drinks, and is drunk in one scene. ANNA KENDRICK plays Scott's younger but seemingly wiser sister. CHRIS EVANS plays one of Ramona's exes, a famous actor who does battle with Scott. BRANDON ROUTH plays another of those exes, but one with paranormal powers that he uses to best Scott. JASON SCHWARTZMAN plays a record executive who's responsible for the curse of the evil exes (as he's also one of them) and has control over Ramona. SATYA BHABHA plays another of the exes and the first to battle Scott with the help of some demonic "hipster chicks." MARK WEBBER plays the band's lead singer. BRIE LARSON plays Scott's ex who now fronts a rival and more popular band. JOHNNY SIMMONS plays a guy who hangs out with the band with hopes of playing with them. MAE WHITMAN plays another of Ramona's exes, a tough lesbian who wants to beat up Scott. CAST, CREW, & TECHNICAL INFO HOW OTHERS RATED THIS MOVIE Curious if this title is entertaining, any good, and/or has any artistic merit? Then read OUR TAKE of this film. (Note: The "Our Take" review of this title examines the film's artistic merits and does not take into account any of the possibly objectionable material listed below). OUR WORD TO PARENTS: Here's a quick look at the content found in this action-comedy that's been rated PG-13. Profanity consists of at least 10 bleeped "f" words and 4 "s" words, while other expletives and colorful phrases are also uttered. Sexually related dialogue is present, as is some fooling around while partially undressed, and implied off-screen gay sex. Violence consists of exaggerated comic book meets video game style violence (including that of the martial arts variety) where characters are struck, bashed, thrown about and such, while others are wounded or killed with swords (although the deaths result in the deceased instantly turning into many coins). Nearly all of that is blood free, but it's possible some of the moments of peril might be unsettling and/or suspenseful for a few viewers. That action and other material might be enticing for some kids to imitate. Drinking occurs in various scenes (with brief intoxication), while there's a brief, drug-related comment. Some crude humor is present, as are bad attitudes. Should you still be concerned about the film's appropriateness for yourself or anyone else in your home, you may want to look more closely at our detailed listings for more specific information regarding the film's content. For those concerned with bright flashes of light on the screen, there's some of that during the opening credits. Later, there's a near (but slow) strobe effect late in the film during a fight scene. For those prone to visually induced motion sickness, there's some camera movement from time to time in the film. ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE People drink at a party, but not Scott, although a guy he knows there says he remembers Scott being drunk in the past. Wallace returns home, asks, "Guess who's drunk?" (referring to himself) and then ends up passing out in bed. We see wine in front of Scott and Ramona. Scott tells Ramona that he feels like he's on drugs when he's with her, but then quickly adds that he doesn't do drugs, unless she does, and if that's the case, so does he. Lucas Lee extends his hand to help up Scott and says they should get a beer, but he punches Scott instead. Various people drink in a club where Ramona and some of the band have beer. Kim and others have drinks. After battling Roxy, Scott orders two gin and tonics. Ramona says she normally doesn't drink, prompting Scott to ask, "Oh, you want one?" (meaning he ordered the two for just himself). Scott asks Ramona if she's slept with everyone in a club, prompting her to tell him he's drunk. In response, he says he's only had one drink, but holds up two fingers. People have drinks in a club. BLOOD/GORE At a party, Scott announces he's going to pee out of boredom, while another guy also says he has to pee. An animated figure in a video game kicks the head off another such character. Scott states he has to pee and then goes into the bathroom. As he does so, we see an onscreen graphic that shows his "pee bar" being depleted as he urinates (which is heard but not seen). After imagining a roulette wheel of response choices regarding Knives, Scott mistakenly bungles his answer: "I gotta pee on her." Scott states he thinks he's going to throw up, but he doesn't. Trying to save face after being punched incredibly high up into the sky, Scott sheepishly asks if he peed his pants would others think it was from rain. About meeting Gideon who wants to sign them, an onscreen title states "pee" and points to the front of Stephen's pants. Copying what might occur in a video game, Scott is rewarded, for something he did, with a flaming sword that starts to emerge from his clothed chest. He pulls it out to use as a weapon, but there's no blood or pain, etc. This happens again a bit later. Gideon has a slightly bloody slice on his cheek during a sword fight, as well as what appears to be blood on a slice across his shirt sleeve. DISRESPECTFUL/BAD ATTITUDE Kim tells Scott, "If your life had a face, I'd punch it." Under a spell - that we later learn was created by Gideon - Ramona's exes separately attack Scott in hopes of defeating/killing him and/or at least breaking up his budding romance with Ramona. Kim refers to Scott as "retarded." Scott receives a threatening email from Matthew. Despite still dating Knives, Scott starts romantically pursuing Ramona. Another girl drummer gives "the finger" to Wallace. About Ramona coming over, Scott tells Wallace he wants him to be gone for the evening, saying, "I don't want you gaying up the place" (not intended as mean as it sounds). Scott dumps Knives when he becomes smitten with Ramona. When Scott returns from being with Ramona, one friend asks, "And you didn't bang her? Are you gay?" Wallace tells Scott to kick Roxy "in the balls" (for being a tough lesbian). Out of anger aimed at Gideon, Scott knocks a soda and the tray it's on from a server's hand in a club. Referring to Knives (who's Asian), Gideon states, "Listen, kung pao chicken." Ramona reveals a chip in the back of her neck that Gideon uses to control her. FRIGHTENING SCENES Scenes listed under "Violence" may be unsettling and/or suspenseful to younger viewers and/or those with low tolerance levels for such material. Various young and provocatively dressed women (Matthew's "demon hipster chicks") show up to help him battle Scott, and they bare sharp, demonic teeth. An evil version of Scott (with glowing red eyes) shows up to battle the real Scott, but nothing ever comes of that. GUNS/WEAPONS Swords: Used to battle and/or defeat others (when killed they turn to coins). See "Violence" for details. Onscreen video game avatars (in ninja form) carrying swords. We see a movie clips featuring Lucas Lee where he's holding a handgun. Kim makes the motion -- with her fingers -- of shooting herself in the head. We see a handgun in a scene being shot for a movie. Two men arrive and zap Todd with green rays, thus removing his psychic powers. Copying what might occur in a video game, Scott is rewarded, for something he did, with a flaming sword that starts to emerge from his clothed chest. He pulls it out to use as a weapon, but there's no blood or pain, etc. This happens again a bit later. IMITATIVE BEHAVIOR Phrases: "Shut the f*ck up" (with the "f" word bleeped out -- other similar phrases occur with the "f" word also bleeped out), "All guilty and sh*t," "Oh sh*t," "We just shot the sh*t," "Did you guys do it?" "We are 'Sex Bob-omb,'" "Sloppy seconds," "You punched me in the boob," "You didn't bang her? Are you gay?" "You cocky c*ck," "Thanks tool," "I was a little bi-curious," "Kick her in the balls," "You slut," "We screwed the pooch," "Is she hot?" "Aren't you pleased as punch?" "Wicked," "Will she geek out on us?" "She has the capacity to geek," "If your life had a face, I'd punch it," "My bitch," "That gossipy bitch," "My cool gay roommate," "A total bitch," "Retarded," "This is gonna suck," "This sucks," "Dude," "I heard she kicks all kinds of ass," "Chicks," "Attack hug," "That was awesome," "Total ass," "Do they rock or suck?" "You're freaking me out," "Who the hell are you?" "Demon hipster chicks," "I don't want you gaying up the place," "I swear to God," "Dorky," "You man the hell up," "Kick your ass," "Bro," "She totally bailed," "What the hell?" "I gotta pee on her," "I think I'm going to throw up," "A total ass," "We're all peaches and gravy," "Lazy ass," "Totally bad ass," "Douche," "Jeez," "What a perfect asshole," "Listen, kung pao chicken," "Suck," "Sucks," "Fat ass" and "A pain in my ass." The fighting, stunts and other action in the film might be enticing for some kids to try to imitate. Scott and his band play their music hard, heavy and loud, and battle others with their music. Ramona changes the dyed color of her hair several times in the film. Scott receives a threatening email from Matthew. Knives suddenly hugs Scott, referring to that as an "attack hug." Another girl drummer gives "the finger" to Wallace. Kim makes the motion -- with her fingers -- of shooting herself in the head. Lucas Lee extends his hand to help up Scott and says they should get a beer, but he punches Scott instead. Lucas Lee is tattooed. Lucas Lee does some wild and fast riding of his skateboard down outdoor stairwell railings, only to hit and explode at the bottom (seen from a long distance). Scott runs and dives through a closed window (breaking the glass, etc.) to try to avoid Knives. Knives dyes part of her hair to look like Ramona. Roxy has black painted stripes under her eyes (like a football player). Out of frustration, Scott slowly bangs his head several times onto a pole. Out of anger aimed at Gideon, Scott knocks a soda and the tray it's on from a server's hand in a club. JUMP SCENES Knives suddenly jumps at a phone booth where Scott is located. Roxy suddenly smashes Scott's head down onto a counter in a bar. MUSIC (SCARY/TENSE) None. MUSIC (INAPPROPRIATE) None that we heard, but some songs had lyrics that we couldn't fully hear and/or understand, thus presenting the possibility of them potentially containing something objectionable. PROFANITY At least 10 bleeped "f" words, 4 "s" words, 4 slang terms for sex ("bang," "do it," "get any" and "screwed"), 2 using male genitals ("c*ck" and "junk"), 1 for breasts ("boob"), 20 asses (1 used with "hole"), 5 hells, 1 damn, 10 uses of "Oh my God," 3 of "Oh God" and 1 use each of "God," "G-damn" and "Swear to God." Scott informs Knives (and then Ramona, separately) that Pacman was initially called Puckman but those responsible were concerned that people would replace the P letter with an "F." SEX/NUDITY About Scott saying he has a new girlfriend (Knives), Kim asks if she's "hot," while one of the guys asks, "Did you guys do it?" (Scott says they've done many things, but then lets on that they haven't even kissed). We hear that the name of Scott's band is "Sex Bob-omb," and Kim yells that aloud before starting to play a song. When Scott announces he has a girlfriend, Wallace jokingly asks "Is he cute?" and then if that means they (he and Scott) have to stop sleeping together (although we later learn they share the same bed in their place, albeit platonically). About Knives, Stacey asks, "You haven't..?" (had sex), and Scott quickly replies no. We see Scott, Wallace and another Scott (presumably Wallace's date) in bed together (nothing sexual occurring, with the main Scott there just for sleeping). Knives wears a t-shirt with the band's name (Sex Bob-omb) on it. We see Ramona in her bra and she kisses Scott who's fully clothed. He then suggests they get under the bed covers to get warm, and we next see her in her bra and panties, on her hands and knees, as she kisses him in bed (he's under the sheets, we partially see his bare chest). She then announces she's changed their mind and they're not going to have sex, but that she might change her mind again. The next morning, he asks her if this not be a one-night stand, mainly because he didn't "get any." Wallace suggestively asks Stacey's boyfriend (about a band), "Do they rock or suck?" Moments later, following a diversion, we see the two men kissing. Even later, we see that the guy spent the evening with Wallace (suggesting they had sex or fooled around). We see a flashback to comic book style stills showing young Ramona and Matthew (7th graders) kissing. Various young and provocatively dressed women (Matthew's "demon hipster chicks") show up to help him battle Scott and they show varying amounts of cleavage. Scott and Ramona kiss on a bus. Scott tells Wallace that he got to second base last night (with Ramona) but then amends that to maybe it was just first base and a half. Later, Wallace tells Scott to "man the hell up" and that he (Scott) might get to second and a half base with Ramona. Scott and Ramona sit on the floor and kiss (clothed). Wallace makes a comment about how it feels to get "sloppy seconds" referring to Scott dating Ramona who used to date Lucas Lee. Wallace tells Scott to bring out the "L word" with Ramona, confusing Scott who replies, "Lesbian?" Scott avoids rapid attack passes by Roxy, and then hits her, prompting her to complain, "You punched me in the boob." Envy shows some cleavage. Ramona asks Scott if Envy slept with some other guy and he says yes. When Scott returns from being with Ramona, one friend asks, "And you didn't bang her? Are you gay?" About having dated Roxy in the past, Ramona admits that she was a little bi-curious, and Roxy then refers to her as a "has-bian." Wallace tells Scott to kick Roxy "in the balls" (for being a tough lesbian). Roxy refers to Ramona as "you slut" and prepares to strike Scott, but Ramona tells him to press his finger into the back of Roxy's knee (saying she used to do that when they made out), thus hitting her sensual spot and rendering her harmless. Right before she turns into a bunch of coins, she seems nearly orgasmic and tells Scott (about Ramona), "You can't give her this." Scott asks Ramona if she's slept with everyone in a club, prompting her to tell him he's drunk. In response, he says he's only had one drink, but holds up two fingers. Not meant literally, one guys uses the term, "We screwed the pooch." Scott walks into his place (the open door somewhat illuminating the room), with Wallace yelling for him to close it. He does, and when he opens it again, Wallace says Scott presumably saw the other man (who's not seen, but is presumably in bed with Wallace) and his "junk" (genitals). Wallace then informs Scott that he'll need their bed tonight and again later for sex with that man. Ramona shows some cleavage. SMOKING None. TENSE FAMILY SCENES None. TOPICS TO TALK ABOUT Dealing with the exes (either directly or in terms of lack of confidence about what they did in the past) of current romantic partners. How young people escape into and/or use music to empower themselves. Being in a rock band. Scott keeps dating and then dumps Knives when he becomes smitten with Ramona. VIOLENCE Wallace returns home, asks, "Guess who's drunk?" (referring to himself) and throws his keys to the bed but they accidentally hit Scott on the head. An animated figure in a video game kicks the head off another such character. Scott slaps Stephen. Matthew arrives to battle Scott and they engage in and block various punches and kicks, with Matthew landing hard after one such blow (all done in exaggerated comic book style). Matthew then punches Scott twice and kicks him. Various young and provocatively dressed women (Matthew's "demon hipster chicks") show up to help him battle Scott, and fire flames at various people, incinerating a few (quick, no blood). Scott then ends this by punching Matthew hard enough to turn him into loose change (and the women also disappear). We see a flashback to comic book style stills showing young Ramona and Matthew (7th graders) hitting various people. Lucas Lee twice punches Scott and then throws him a very long and exaggerated way into a far-off building where Scott hits and then falls down hard through some scaffolding. Lucas Lee punches Scott again, but it's then revealed that it was actually Lucas Lee's stunt double (of which he then reveals there are many). Scott then fights all of those men, blocking their punches, kicks, and attempts to hit him with skateboards. One such board is used to hit him over the head, followed by all of those guys repeatedly kicking him on the ground. Lucas Lee then kicks Scott back through something, followed by offering his hand to help him up, but he instead punches him. Lucas Lee does some wild and fast riding of his skateboard down outdoor stairwell railings, only to hit and explode at the bottom (seen from a long distance). Scott runs and dives through a closed window (breaking the glass, etc.) to try to avoid Knives. Scott avoids rapid attack passes by Roxy, and then hits her, prompting her to complain, "You punched me in the boob." Todd punches Knives, prompting one person to note, "You punched the highlights out of her hair" (due to her dye job now being gone). Todd uses his psychic powers to throw Scott back through a brick wall. He then uses the same to knock him way up into the air, and moments later Scott comes crashing down hard to the street. He then knocks him through another brick wall, followed by the two battling it out with bass chords from their guitars (a sonic battle), resulting in Scott being blasted backwards through many walls. After Scott fools Todd into consuming an animal-based food product, two men arrive and zap Todd with green rays, thus removing his psychic powers. Scott then head-butts Todd, blasting him into coins. Roxy suddenly smashes Scott's head down onto a counter in a bar. Ramona (with a large mallet or something similar) and Roxy (with a large belt or something similar) battle, with Ramona kicking Roxy down. Scott must then fight Roxy, but can't bring himself to hit a girl, so Ramona gets behind him and controls his body to do just that, but she then kicks him hard (and a long way up) into the ceiling. She then prepares to land hard on him, but Ramona tells him to press his finger into the back of Roxy's knee, thus hitting her sensual spot and rendering her harmless. He does and she turns into coins. Scott slaps his lead singer. Another band blows a hole in the roof of the venue and causes other such structural damage (from extreme sonic waves of their music). Two deejays use their music to create sonic dragons of sorts that rear up and cause enough noise to knock over Scott and Stephen. The latter and the rest of their band then play music loud and aggressively enough to create a sonic monster (ape-like) of some sort that smashes those two dragons. Out of frustration, Scott slowly bangs his head several times onto a pole. Out of anger aimed at Gideon, Scott knocks a soda and the tray it's on from a server's hand in a club. Scott avoids Gideon's minions who rush him, and slices all of them, instantly turning the men into coins. He and Gideon then have a brief sword battle that Gideon easily wins. Knives then kicks the sword from Gideon's hand. Knives and Ramona battle, while at the same time Scott and Gideon do the same nearby, with Gideon running his sword through Scott's back (no blood). Scott then ends up in an imagined limbo, but then regains an extra life (video game style) and comes out of that. Scott punches two guards who instantly turn into coins. Scott uses his sword again (repeating a previous scene) to strike various attackers and turn them into many coins. Knives kicks Ramona and then Scott. Scott and Gideon engage in a sword battle, followed by Knives joining Scott on his side. Ramona kicks or knees Gideon in the crotch, but he then punches and kicks her. Knives and Scott then gang up on Gideon, repeatedly kicking and hitting him in unison (copying what they did earlier in a video game). Scott then kicks Gideon, blasting him into many coins. Reviewed July 26, 2010 / Posted August 13, 2010

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