Not seen Scott Pilgrim? You suck. Surprising no one.

Edgar Wright has done it again. Another action packed comedy has hit our screens, and it lives up to the standers set by Shawn of the dead and Hot fuzz. Written by Bryan Lee O'Malley, Scott Pilgrim is a tale of love with a twist. In order for Scott to date Ramona Flowers, He must defeat her seven Evil Exes.

The graphic novels, on which the film is based on, is heavy with video game references. And these carry over to the film. From the 8 bit remix of the universal theme, to Scott Levelling up, the film is full of things for Gamers to spot and feel awesome about.

That's not to say non-gamers can't enjoy the film. There are plenty of laughs to be had for all. Most of them coming from Scott's awesome gay room-mate, Wallace. By far my favourite character from the series, he provides most of the one-liners and situational gags.

More jokes come from the style of the film. Edgar Wright has gone all out here and has perfectly transferred the comic book style to the big screen. Every blow is accompanied by a subtle "thwok" or "blam". Character introductions are done with the same black boxes used in the books, and he even went as far as to animate some of the original panels to illustrate the flashbacks.

Unfortunatly, the plot starts to take a back seat near the end of the film. The action starts to take over a bit, and those who haven't read the books or understand the concept of a 1-up, may start to get a bit confused. I however saw it with 13 other people who hadn't read the books, and they still got it. But with all the flashy special effects, you start not to care. And with 6 books being squidged into one film, it's understandable that a lot of it will get cut, and some details will be changed. It doesn't make the film any less enjoyable.

My advice for you is to go to your nearest cinema, and watch this film. It's the sort of thing that loves the big screen and surround sound effects. Watching it for the first time on a DVD/Blue-ray may lessen the effect. This is a film that everyone should enjoy.

And that includes you.

The argumentative powers of my parents flows through my veins.

Wednesday is a bug day for us brits. That wonderful creation from Bryan Lee O'Malley and Edgar Wright hits our screens. We've heard from you Americans how wonderful it is. Some of you have seen it at least three times.  Well, our wait is over. Scott Pilgrim Vs the world comes to our screens on the 25th.

The 25th also happens to be My friend Calum's Birthday. So we thought, why not celebrate these things together by going to see the film together? A whole bunch of us. At least fifteen. Some needing Adult tickets, the more needy of us qualifying for the cheaper student option. We decided that as it's the first showing of a popular film that we should book in advance by having one person buy all the tickets (me) and then everyone paying that person back (because I'm not rich).

After confirming the definite attendees and what tickets we needed Calum decided he'd attempt to book them first (as originally intended). And so our journey into the cycle of pain know as the Vue booking system began. He quickly discovered that the maximum number of tickets he could buy at one time was ten. Two short of our total. So we thought he'd book those and I'd get the other two. So after choosing the seats (right at the back, bitches) and entering all his card information he received an error that payment didn't go through and to call a 10p a minute number. Sod that we thought. So I tried to buy the tickets with my problem. After waiting for the temporary seat reservation to clear (so nobody can "snipe" your seats) I went through the process and got the same result. We both kept trying. For a while it said that the whole screening was booked.

After many fruitless attempts, I decided I'd go down to the theatre and book the tickets myself. I only lived a ten minute walk from the place, and I'd avoid the ridiculous £4.20 card handling fee. Went in, up to the counter and ordered the tickets. Adult went down fine. But when I go to the student, I was told I'd need to show all the cards that proved that all the recipients of student tickets were actually students. Had I not been brain tired at that point, I would have argued, but instead I left and headed to Calum's house. On the way there, it occurred to me that arguing was actually an option and the cashier ridiculous notion. Why not check them on the day when we'd all be there? She had a Twilight motif on her name badge. That may have put off somewhat.

Regardless, at the house of Calum, we tried the website again (three cards were rejected) I tried the phone method (rejected, but the pure novelty of a machine understanding me was fun) and so we decided to go back and argue our case.

On our way, we summed up our main points.

1. Why don't we show you them on the day?
2. What stops me from lying on the internet?
3. BUT IT'S HIS BIRTHDAY!!
4. Can I see the manager please?

I really didn't want to use number four. That line is used by customers who feel they aren't getting a good level of service and belittles the clerk. It makes us retail workers feel annoyed, especially when the manager will only do the exact same thing. So to me it was a last resort. Now my Mother is a smooth operator who knows how to argue her case, and my father has been know to lose patience in a few shops. And as we approached the cinema, rage along with the urge for a good argue burned inside me. I felt that I could wield the metaphorical argumental battleaxe that seemed to be forming in my hand with a form of tact and resonability. I was waiting to fight for these tickets. Getting ready to jump into the fray. (Something Calum was more than happy to let me do. Coward). We entered the foyer. Different girl on the tills. I could tell because of the lack of twilight on her name badge. I entered the battle. I hid my intentions, and started calmly.

"I'd like to book some tickets for Wednesday"

"Sure. What film?"

"Scott Pilgrim Vs the World"

"Sure. What type of tickets would you like? Two Adults?"

This was it. This is where it would all kick off. I mustered my pride and nerve. Looked her in the eye and said as calm as I could

"Actually, can I get 3 Adults and 9 Students please?"

"Sure. Just be aware that those with student tickets will have to show them on the day."

I was caught of guard. I had not foreseen this. The tickets were printed and given to me. I left. Still wanting to argue with something. Entirely unsure with what to do. I was kinda hurt. I wanted to at least have to point out the "can't we show them on the day" line. It would have made up for the realisation that I can further compare myself with my parents. I am however the first person to buy tickets for the first viewing of Scott Pilgrim. So I can do this.

FIRST

Also my sister came back from her month long trip around Africa today. She bought me some cider. And that sucker goes down smooth while venting rage on a blog.

The game for old gamers.

Something magical happened on Wednesday. A new game came out. A small one available for download, but one that has been anticipated by many. A game full of references to other games, designed to make every fan of the series play with a stupid grin on their faces. Scott Pilgrim arrived on PSN.

For those out of touch with the media, Scott Pilgrim is the star of Scott Pilgrim Vs the world, a film based on the books of the same name. The story follows Scott, who has fallen in love with Ramona Flowers, but in order to continue dating her, he must defeat her seven evil exes. The whole story is filled with video game refrences such as extra lives, level ups and item bonuses, and drawn in a brilliant style which kinda reminds me of Wind Waker.

Back to the game itself. It's a side scrolling fighter. You move through the sage, beating people up using whatever skills you have. At the start, you only have basic attacks, such as light and heavy blows, and the ability to pick up and throw objects, but as you level up, you gain access to better moves such as a counter, or a dodge roll. When you defeat people, their bodies provide you with some small change, which you spend at shops. Items brought can restore heath or provide extra experience but most importantly increase your stats. This is the only way to raise your defence or attack to help your survive, because at the beginning, you are weak. Unless you grind away in the first level, you'll need fast reflexes to avoid getting killed.

The design of the game is brilliant. The sprites where done by a guy known as Paul Robertson. Who? This guy.



Pretty awesome. And the entire soundtrack was done by anamanaguchi. I've mentioned them before, but it's worth saying again.



It all fits in with the style of Scott Pilgrim, and I can't imagine it any other way. The game is also packed with references to other games, such as sonics spin attack or the vegetables from super mario 2. And every time you defeat on of the evil exes, the game treats you to a very satisfying KO.

Overall, if you have a PS3, download this game. If you have a 360, wait a couple of weeks, then buy it. It's that good.

Fullmetal Alchemist.

So I finally finished watching Brotherhood last night, and let me tell you, it's awesome. Compared with the first anime, it has much more depth and emotion in it. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the first, seeing how it has many things Brother hood does not. Most of the main characters are the same, along with some of the key plot points, and If you've seen one, you may be forgiven for thinking that they're the same after watching the beginning of the other. But the stories become much different. They both start out in a similar style. Edward and Alphonse Elric are two orphans who are trying to regain their bodies after losing them trying to resurrect their mother. They plan to do this by finding a philosophers stone. And that's all I'm going to tell you about the plot. Each story has it's own different set of plot twists and their separate endings. I have to say I prefer the story from brotherhood. It just show that much more emotion from the characters and from the viewer. (If that makes any sense). Some parts made me feel sad, while others creeped me the fuck out. But again, I can't say what parts because it's a lot more fun to experience it yourself.

Brotherhood didn't have that cool fight between Edward and Mustang though. That's something awesome only the first anime has.