In the world of adaptations and remakes, it’s rare to find a project that not only honors its original source material but also expands and reinterprets it in a way that feels both familiar and exhilaratingly new. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off does just that, bringing Bryan Lee O’Malley’s beloved graphic novel series to life in a stunningly animated format that’s sure to delight fans and newcomers alike.
32-Bit Anime
Right from the get-go, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off impresses with its anime-esque style, perfectly capturing the essence of the original graphic novels while brilliantly integrating elements from Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game. This unique nerdiness, a blend of vibrant colors, dynamic action sequences, and video game aesthetics, creates a visual language that is both arresting and entirely faithful to the spirit of the source material.
RELATED: Blue Eye Samurai Review – An Epic Drama That Brilliantly, Beautifully, Elevates the Animation Medium
The animation by Science SARU, known for their work on DEVILMAN crybaby and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, is nothing short of spectacular, offering a feast for the eyes that elevates the storytelling to new heights.
All Characters Unlocked
One of the series’ greatest strengths is its format, which allows for an expanded exploration of the Scott Pilgrim universe. With eight episodes, each character gets their moment in the spotlight, showcasing the incredible talent of the returning cast from the original film. The extended format means that characters who may have felt underused in the film are given ample room to develop and shine here.
RELATED: Drive With Swizz Beatz Review – Swizz Beatz Uncovers the Roads That Connect Humanity
The chemistry between Michael Cera (Scott Pilgrim) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Ramona Flowers) remains as charming as ever. Without giving too much away, Winstead does a lot of the heavy lifting in the series. The supporting cast, including Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, and Brie Larson, bring depth and humor to their roles. Aubrey Plaza got a chance to really explore, and it’s great. Hopefully we’ll get the opportunity to continue exploring this new world of Scott Pilgrim with a Season 2 renewal.
Not Just a Remaster
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is how it honors the lore of the original while completely subverting it. Creator Bryan Lee O’Malley, alongside co-showrunner BenDavid Grabinski, revisits and reimagines the story with the wisdom and perspective gained since the graphic novels’ original release.
RELATED: MONARCH REVIEW – THE LEGACY OF MONSTERS CRUSHES ITS 1ST EPISODE
This approach allows the narrative to evolve with its audience, offering a fresh take on familiar themes and characters without altering what fans loved in the first place. The series manages to strike a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, making it a unique addition to the Scott Pilgrim canon.
Added Stats to Emotional Maturity
At its core, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off feels like a creator revisiting their work with all the life lessons they’ve learned since. It’s a rare opportunity to retell a story with the benefit of hindsight, allowing for a more nuanced and mature exploration of the themes of love, identity, and personal growth. This evolution is mirrored in the characters themselves, who are portrayed with a level of emotional depth and complexity that resonates with audiences who have grown alongside them.
Maybe Not E for Everyone
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is a triumph in storytelling and animation, offering a fresh take on a beloved franchise that is both respectful of its origins and daring in its execution. The series is a testament to the power of creative evolution, showcasing how a story can grow and change without losing the essence of what made it special in the first place. However, with such a fresh perspective the unavoidable loud and obnoxious population of the fandom who refuse to have an open mind and are resistant change will likely scream about a ruined childhood… However, despite them, I believe the series is an engaging, visually stunning, and emotionally rich experience that is not to be missed.
For hitting all the right notes and being a terrific example of fandom growing up with its fans, I give Scott Pilgrim Takes Off an
8/10
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
About Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Format / Episodes: Animation / 8 Episodes
Studio: UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group
Director: Abel Gongora (Science SARU)
Music: Original Songs by Anamanaguchi; Score by Anamanaguchi and Joseph Trapanese
Animation Studio: Science SARU
Executive Producers/Writers/Co-Showrunners: Bryan Lee O’Malley and Ben David Grabinski
Executive Producers: Marc Platt, Jared LeBoff, Adam Siegel, Michael Bacall; Edgar Wright, Nira Park, Eunyoung Choi (Science SARU)
Cast: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Satya Bhabha, Kieran Culkin, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, Alison Pill, Aubrey Plaza, Brandon Routh, Jason Schwartzman, Johnny Simmons, Mark Webber, Mae Whitman, Ellen Wong
Synopsis:
Scott Pilgrim meets the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers, but learns he must defeat her seven evil exes in order to date her. Then things get even more complicated. Based on the graphic novels by Bryan Lee O’Malley.
KEEP READING: UPLOAD SEASON 3 REVIEW – REAL AND DIGITAL VERSIONS COLLIDE FOR UNBELIEVABLE BRILLIANCE
