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Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) is living in a one bedroom apartment with his friend Wallace (Kieran Culkin), in a garage band and dating a high school girl, but has no real sense of purpose in his life. That is until he meets Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and falls head over heels for her, but if they’re to be together, Scott must defeat Ramona’s seven evil ex’s! Ready? Fight!

Based on the best selling Brian Lee O’Malley graphic novel, the movie appears to transcend the source material as its striking visuals and ear-bleeding soundtrack leap out the screen at you in a way you couldn’t imagine. From the opening credits etched in neon through to the final scene you’ll feel like you’ve eaten a whole packet of Skittles far too quickly as the music and visuals swallow you whole into a world build much like a retro video game. Indeed the opening Universal logo will certainly show you in which direction the film is going.

In director Edgar Wrights first movie outside the UK after Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead he really makes another glowing impact. The film flows excellently well during fight scenes and cuts between locations feels like you’re actually reading the graphic novel. If you were expecting Wrights old mates Simon Pegg and Nick Frost to pop up you’re out of luck as Wright told the casting director not to hire any British cast.

But what a cast you are treated too, Cera plays the titular hero well, even during the fight sequences it becomes somewhat believable that this character would do anything for his Ramona. If I were Scott, Mary Elizabeth Winstead would be my dream girl too. She brings a sense of neutrality to an otherwise crazy world even though she would be the subject for the anarchy. Other notable cast include Jason Schwartzman who plays an evil ex incredibly well. Ellen Wong would have been the standout for me as Knives Chau, Scotts 17 year old high school girlfriend who becomes obsessed with the band if it wasn’t for a cameo appearance from the “Vegan Police”. (Note no spoilers here!)

To compliment the visual treats on offer you have one of those soundtracks that perfectly compliments the film. Beck created the songs for Scotts band ‘Sex Bob-omb’ (named after the Super Mario Bros. character) and they were originally recorded in a weekend, Edgar Wright stating that he wanted them to have that rough cut feel, like they were a real garage bands first demo tape. Expect loud, rough distorted guitars and an energy you’d get from a new, unsigned band. The soundtrack also features artists The Bluetones, Metric and Blood Red Shoes.

Scott Pilgrim may not be the most cutting edge film in terms of plot but it has nailed all the individual elements of creating a classic movie. There are plenty of in-jokes that you might miss or not be accustomed too but that doesn’t get in the way or alienate anyone as there is plenty of humour to be had throughout. One glorious journey, aesthetically rampant, a delightful 8-bit journey.