Scott Pilgrim Takes Flight: A Surreal Subversion
Get ready for an exhilarating anime adaptation of the cult classic, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off! This passion project promises an explosive journey that will undoubtedly soar to new heights Buckle up for an unforgettable experience!
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is an exciting new anime adaptation of the beloved cult classic, and it is sure to soar to great heights in its reception.
For those who were part of the nerd community in the 2010s, Scott Pilgrim vs the World needs no introduction. This film, helmed by Edgar Wright and inspired by Bryan Lee O’Malley's graphic novels, captivated audiences with its tale of a aimless bass player's quest to win the affection of a new girl in town, all while confronting her formidable ex-partners.
The beloved cast returns in the new anime series, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, now streaming on Netflix. Directed by BenDavid Grabinski and written by the original creator O'Malley, this highly anticipated anime has a lot to live up to due to the devoted fanbase of the cult classic movie Scott Pilgrim vs the World. But it surprises us not for the reasons you might anticipate. So, let's delve into it, with the exception of one significant twist, we'll do our best to avoid spoilers...
Scott Pilgrim remains a passion project
The clear desire of everyone involved in Scott Pilgrim Vs the World is one factor that contributed to its status as a cult classic. This same level of passion can be observed in the series, as the original actors reprise their roles through voice work and the creators grant their animators the freedom to unleash their creativity. However, it is important to note that there are still some issues present.
The animation in this content fragment is visually appealing with fluid movements, vibrant colors, and action-packed scenes. It showcases the potential of anime Super Saiyan battles, providing a treat for the eyes. However, some viewers, especially first-time ones, may find the specific style and frequent use of anime animation tropes irritating, although they may get accustomed to it relatively quickly. Additionally, the inclusion of video game animations in an animated setting, rather than live-action, diminishes their novelty, which was a significant part of the movie's charm.
In terms of the voice cast, they deliver strong performances during emotional moments. However, when it comes to comedic scenes, their effectiveness is greater in live-action. The original performances often do not align well with the show's humor, causing it to be less endearing and more awkward. Although, as the anime progresses and introduces its own jokes, the awkwardness eases off. Episode 5, in particular, exhibits a hilarious concept, but we won't spoil it here.
We also applaud the anime for its inclusion of other characters beyond just Scott. The standout performers in this regard are undoubtedly the League of Evil Exes themselves. The anime style serves to elevate these characters, allowing the show to fully embrace the Saturday morning cartoon-esque villains vibe, resulting in uproarious humor. Furthermore, the anime delves deeper into the politics and emotions of the League, highlighting its dedication to exploring different characters.
Scott vs Screentime
However, this focus on other cast members does lead to one major change in the series.
Spoiler alert for Episode 1, but it's important to mention that Scott gets sidelined in his own show after being defeated by an Evil Ex in his first fight. This surprising twist adds depth to the series and validates its reimagined narrative. By defying our expectations, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off captivates both newcomers and fans of the original movie.
Interestingly, this development doesn't pose a major issue. Although Michael Cera will always be synonymous with Scott Pilgrim, his animated portrayal may limit his signature quirks. Removing the character from the forefront may disappoint some fans, but it allows the adaptation to explore different aspects of the franchise, which is a valuable approach for any new adaptation.
Plus, this choice is handled thoughtfully, as the impact reverberates throughout the entire series. It not only delves into the lives of other characters, but also strengthens the peculiar bond between Ramona and Scott in a peculiar way - in Scott's absence. The anime excels at creating a deeper connection between the duo, prioritizing their emotions toward each other, more so than the movie did, without giving away the ending. This decision may not resonate with everyone, but in our perspective, it enhances the overall story, particularly in elevating Ramona's character beyond the confines of a Manic Pixie Dream Girl archetype. After all, what other reason would there be for battling all those Evil Exes?
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off review score: 4/5
It is difficult to determine whether people will prefer Scott Pilgrim Takes Off more or less than the movie or even the original graphic novels. However, it unquestionably stands on its own as an enjoyable experience, even excelling at cleverly referencing the movie in a meta manner.
The series is distinct in its own right but also acknowledges its preceding history. Ultimately, the dedication and passion invested in this anime are evident and captivating. Therefore, we enthusiastically give this series a +1 Life.
Now streaming on Netflix: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off! Don't miss out on our other Netflix coverage, including The Night Agent Season 2, The Gentlemen, Firefly Lane Season 3, Sex Education Season 4, Beef Season 2, Monster Season 2, Ginny and Georgia Season 3, Black Mirror Season 7, All the Light We Cannot See, Stranger Things Season 5, Chicken Run 2, Florida Man Season 2, Obsession Season 2, The Sandman Season 2, and The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am excited about the release of the anime adaptation of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. I grew up watching the movie and I am a big fan of the original graphic novels. I think the anime adaptation is a great way to introduce the story to a new generation of fans.
I appreciate that the anime adaptation is staying true to the source material. The animation style is similar to the graphic novels and the characters are well-developed. I also like that the voice cast is reprising their roles from the movie. This helps to create a sense of continuity between the two versions of the story.
However, I do have some concerns about the anime adaptation. One concern is that the animation style may not appeal to everyone. The style is very different from the live-action movie and it may take some time for fans to adjust to it. Another concern is that the anime adaptation may not be as funny as the movie. The humor in the movie is often based on visual gags and it may be difficult to translate that humor to an animated format.
Overall, I am excited about the release of the anime adaptation of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. I think it is a great way to introduce the story to a new generation of fans. However, I do have some concerns about the adaptation. I hope that the animation style will appeal to fans and that the humor will be translated well to an animated format.
