Is this even really a discussion? With a few notable exceptions, it is common knowledge that the source material tends to be better than the adaptation. That being said, though the original series of Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O'Malley is the superior version, the movie Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World still has its own legs to stand on. The difference in media plays a huge role in a comedic story with consistent fourth wall breaks. Many gags in the graphic novels revolve around "reading the previous issue" and other such lines. The film wasn't able to keep this content, but rather had to make its own edits in order to provoke visual stimulus and maintain smooth transitions. Obviously a live-action movie will never be as animated as a comic, but it does its best with special effects, creative cinematography, and over-the-top performances. Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World also had to condense 8 years worth of content into one script. Many problems arise in the form of cuts including the exclusion of iconic moments, a character, and even the entirety of the fourth novel. This seems like a lot of content, but the most jarring shift is the use of gimmicks from the erased material in other scenes. It creates a disconnect with the source material, and that makes the exclusions seem worse than they actually are. Disconnects are the main reason that the movie is considered worse by the fan base. A viewer new to Scott Pilgrim is much more inclined to recognize the new material added. Utilizing its new medium, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, was able to add new bits that still blend with the tone of the narrative. These inclusions were funny, but they also helped differentiate the movie. This adaptation may not fully live up to its predecessor, but it has its own charm, and stands perfectly well on its own merits.
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Hazbin Hotel is a passion project created by the YouTube channel Vivziepop. It is loud, overtly offensive and surprisingly enjoyable.
This is in part due to the show's art-style, which manages to emphasize a cartoony feel despite the rather adult content. Character designs are unique and much like the style manage to juxtapose their wackier sides while also reminding you that you are quite literally in hell. Speaking of hell, Hazbin Hotel is a perfect example of a setting that permeates everything. It often reminds the viewer of where they are, sometimes too much so, and this manages to have good and bad points. Hell as a setting works perfectly with the dark humor and characters that the show utilizes. It provides an excuse for awful behavior while also allowing for the humor to play off it. However, like many settings of this nature, it can be a bit in-your-face and a little annoying. The pilot doesn’t only have comedy though, there are a few genuinely sad moments featuring the protagonist, and some delightful musical numbers. All of the characters, albeit a bit flat on the surface, have subtleties that make them more intriguing then the average cartoon. This is a fan project through-and-through, which means lots of heart, but a lack of experience. The unprofessional nature of Hazbin Hotel really shows in its overly-fast pacing. Even though this isn’t always a bad thing (it made for some funny jokes and nothing felt too slow) it also resulted in some moments being diminished. The opening feels rushed, and you don't really have time to get to know what you're watching until you're there. There are many times where slower pacing would have made a scene more appealing. Hazbin Hotel isn't perfect. There are issues as to be expected of anything that is made independently. But it is more than made up for in creativity. Though every joke may not land, I implore you to check the pilot out on YouTube, as it won't be quite like anything you've ever seen before. |
AuthorMcRae Walker, an 20-year-old writer and lover of many dorky topics. Archives
September 2022
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