Scott Pilgrim vs The World

Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) is unemployed and single. To allay his dumpee depression, he dates high-schooler Knives Chau (a sprightly and entertaining Ellen Wong). Though his Sex Bob-omb bandmates disapprove and roommate Wallace (Kieron Culkin) is indifferent, Scott is quickly distracted by the girl of his dreams: the candy-haired Ramona Flowers. The cool new kid in town, Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is aloof but receptive. It's game on as Pilgrim battles the league of 7 evil exes.

With sustained frenetic energy and the artistic touch of director Edgar Wright, it’s quick, colourful, and delightfully entertaining. Deftly whipping from panel-to-panel with a practiced gaze, all the trappings of a graphic novel adaptation are in place. While the acting is over-stylised at points, it packs a punch with excellent performances and dynamite comic timing.

One of the most entertaining films of the year, it’s a great excuse to relive the excitement of 8-bit games in film form. [Nicola Balkind]