Two Fun Films for the Price of One

MICMACS (a.k.a. Micmacs a Tire-Larigot)

I meant to see this when it came out in theatres, really I did, only a colleague and I wanted to see it together and by the time we found a weekend that worked for both of us, it was too late ... Anyway, they had a screening at work yesterday so I made sure to catch it and I'm awfully glad I did. Of all Jean-Pierre Jeunet's films, I think it probably resembles Delicatessen the most in tone, but if you've only seen Amelie, and happened to like it, you'll probably like this as well. Very well-constructed story, good balance of light and dark, whimsy and pragmatism, and action and romance; the characters are mostly bizarre but all charming in their own way, and even though there is a large supporting cast they never feel like they're only there for comic relief but have their own completely valid existence. It also manages to be the sweet but wry caper that so typifies silent film – it's a comedy, and usually it's fairly lighthearted, but you never lose the feeling that at any moment things could go seriously wrong with very real consequences, which keeps you invested in the film. Highly recommended on DVD (or theatre if that's still available to you)! One warning, though: It does make use of Teh Sexytiems as a fairly major plot point, so children and the easily shocked may want to make a strategically-timed bathroom break.

SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD

I went into this film with mixed feelings, but not in the way you'd expect. On one hand, Edgar Wright is one of a very few directors who I have absolute faith in, and I quite liked the comic books, so this soon became my most-anticipated film of the summer. On the other, reviews from people whose opinions I respect ranged from 'Awesome!' to 'I was expecting it to be the best thing ever AND IT WAS BETTER THAN THAT!' which had me certain that I was hyping myself up despite my best efforts and would inevitably be disappointed no matter how good it was. So my 'mixed feelings' were 'prepare for greatness' vs 'Oh no, I'm preparing for greatness.'

Well, I'm pleased to say ... ( IT WAS BETTER THAN THAT! )

I really can't recommend this movie highly enough, and to that recommendation I attach this: do yourself a favour and see it in the theatre. There are many points to be made about casting a vote for creative vision and artistic genius, etc, but I'll save that for my next post on the subject; this one is all about your own viewing experience. See it in the theatre because it is so much more spectacular with really awesome sound. A lot of the action takes place at rock concerts, and some of it is even dependent on that 'wall of sound' effect. 'But movie theatres are too loud already!' you say? I am fairly sensitive to volume at the cinema* and yet I had no problem with Scott Pilgrim, possibly because it was mixed really well, but also probably because it was part of the immersive experience. And unless you have a fantastic sound system and really understanding neighbours, you're unlikely ever to have the chance to experience the movie this way again. I'm probably going to see it again this weekend, and if they screen it here at work when its theatrical run is over** I will be first in line to see it a third time.

*I suspect this is why I immediately took against Russell in Up
**Which looks like it will be depressingly soon, if the box office continues its sad performance

Here, have a BBC slideshow! And a very insightful review! (you'll have to forward to 24:00 unless you want to hear a lot about Inspector Morse and Sean Connery) And a gorgeously edited music video that I can't stop watching! And now I really have to go home!