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Finally after much request, we discuss the comic/film/music/video-game phenomenon of Scott Pilgrim, with a heavy emphasis on the film, but also some discussion on the relation to the books as well. Get ready to hear intellectual analysis on double-fisting, Donkey Kong, and basement dwelling.
Intro Music: Launchpad McQuack by Sex Bob-omb
Outro Music: Threshold (8-bit) by Sex Bob-omb
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Back of the knee was Envy when Ramona was fighting her. The Roxy fight way really quite different in the book, with Mr. Chau showing up and all, and swords and stuff. Don't think Ramona was really involved in that fight.
Just curious that you guys never really mentioned Ramona, either the character or actress. I thought she was pretty interesting in the comics and movie. But I do agree with you guys about Scott's being a bit of a douche.
I suppose I'm the odd man out in that I like the comics for the deeper backstory, which it should like you guys missed in the comics, as did I.
Posted my own review of the movie/game yesterday. Be curious to see what you think of my own views. http://www.theindiegeek.net
I'm not sure about Scott Pilgrim being a generational event. It is a very good movies/game/comics, but I think people are blowing it out of proportion a bit. It'll come and go and then everyone'll be onto the 'Next Big Thing'. Also, I am in my 20s (24) and am getting all the references. Of course, I've been into gaming since NES days.
Welcome back Amy!!
I knew I was right about that back-of-the-knee thing...
Dammit, now that I think about it, you're right. Oopsie!
It's ok Amy, you're still awesome.
You were also wrong about the Bass Battle. There were no lyrics there. Crash and the Boys help Scott because Todd was using his vegan powers.
Also, I thought Knive's hair was suppose to be red after it was dyed.
It was suppose to be red, but the movie made it so she was emulating Rammona. Which was a good touch.
With regard to the "cult status" of Scott Pilgrim, I could see it more as a cult film for a particular audience- geeks who were in their late teens/early 20s around this time- and not a generational cult film. That said, I really enjoyed the film, though I can understand a lot of your critiques of both the film and the comic. At a couple months over 22, I fit fairly well into demographic I mentioned above, and as far as getting the various video game reference go, I feel like I got enough of them for it to make sense.
Probably the point where I most closely agreed with the S-Wordians about the film was Michael Cera. He was just too nice and mild as Scott Pilgrim. Maybe it was just reading a bit of myself onto the character, but it seems like in the book he had a bit more false confidence (the type that people with social hangups/anxieties sometimes have), and was generally more of a jerkstore. I also thought movie-Ramona was a bit too aloof and mysterious, but that was probably at least partially due to the comparative lack of character development. The supporting characters were almost spot on, and Wallace definitely did steal the show.
In general, though, I commented to a couple people before listening to this podcast that the film captured the essence of the comics, and it's nice to hear that other folks thought the same thing.
And yes, welcome back Amy! Sweets podcast any time soon?
So Scott Pilgrim made about $10.6 million over the weekend. The Expendables made more than that on its opening night ($13.33 million). And although it's not surprising The Expendables is outperforming Scott Pilgrim, I think few people were expecting Scott Pilgrim to be doing this badly in the box office. Not that I was a huge fan of the Scott Pilgrim movie, but I am a fan of the genre and this does not bode well for other, future movies of this type. Although there's always that small possibility that this is the type of movie that starts slow and just picks up steam, I highly doubt that'll be the case.
I guess I'll have to wait and see how Sucker Punch will do when that comes out. At least that seems like it'll appeal to a wider audience than Scott Pilgrim.
I'm not surprised at the box office. I was expecting an 8-9 million opening weekend. Part of this is that the source material is too niche and part of it is Universal was marketing it in the wrong way. The poster was instant death as it suggests a music comedy. Music comedies mostly bomb.
Sucker Punch will do fine. It'll hit the teenage male and young adult male audience, who will be able to convince girlfriends/wives due to some Girl Power influence (if WB markets it right). Warner Brothers is generally brilliant with project choices and marketing, so no worries there. They even convinced folks that Watchmen would be the next big thing and did get it to a $55 million opening weekend.
Its nicheiness is its biggest problem. I'm sure marketing played a part in it, but probably not as much as the really narrow targeted demographic. It's geared not towards late-teens to early-20s but towards late-teens to early-20s who are into geek culture.
For example, it was hard explaining the movie to my younger sister who's not really into the whole geek thing (though probably didn't help that I hadn't read the comic myself); she asked me about why there were all these comic-y graphics and whatever and when I told her it was based on a comic book series, she just kinda shrugged and went 'meh'. On the other hand, I've a friend who's really into indie stuff (bands, comics, movies, games, etc.) as well as geek stuff and he loved the movie.
I also think Sucker Punch will be fine. It's an original property, right? If I recall, the screenplay was written by Zack Snyder and another guy whose name escapes me. And Snyder is directing so that should have a bit of pull. I mean, I wouldn't say he gets a free pass or anything but all 3 of his movies so far have at least been entertaining.
P.S. Just saw you put up a new poll. After looking at the choices, I couldn't help but think "Where's JEN or EAN?!" I suppose Jen's one of the more common rare guest hosts, but she's only been in like 3 episodes still. This is really just my inner completionist taking over though.
AMY CAME BACK! w00t!
Yeah I seriously have to agree with Dom, as much as it pains me to do so. The movie was VERY enjoyable, but at the same time I didn't like it as much as I thought I might.
Perfect timing guys. Just got back from India after a month without vacation and...(shudder) visiting relatives and I read Scott Pilgrim. Now this. You know me so well. Dom get faster.
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