This film is based of a graphic novel and shares similar graphic novel techniques, such as onomatopoeia, such as "BAM" when the drum is hit, "POW" when someone is hit, etcetera. It also cleverly utilises boundaries to act as frame borders, for instance, there is a scene where scott is thrown through a wall, both sides of the wall can be seen, This is probably the best representation of staying true to the graphic novel. Thirdly the speed in which certain actions are done, for instance, Scott instantaneously putting his hat on whenever someone comments on his hair.
Another technique used is the concept that Scott's life is a video game by using +1's, points and coins whenever an enemy is defeated. Supernatural themes are also introduced as each enemy in the game has a form of power: some inherited, some earned, my personal favorite being the vegan character. Todd Ingram is one of the "evil 7 ex's" that Scott has to defeat, it is mentioned that his powers of telekinesis, flying and supernatural strength are a result of him being a vegan. "Todd's a vegan... That makes him better than everyone else".
There are also many metaphors used throughout this film. The primary story is Scott wanting to be with a very attractive and mysterious young woman Ramona Flowers, however to have a functional relationship he must defeat her 7 evil ex boyfriends, this I believe is a metaphor meaning that in order to have a functional relationship Ramona must loose the emotional baggage, and she needs Scotts support through this. Scott however does not always make things easy, for instance when facing the first evil ex he called out to Ramona "Did you seriously date this guy" at which point she is put in a spotlight, which is metaphorical for her being put on the spot.
Whilst fighting Ramona's evil ex's Scott creates one out of a young high school girl that he was dating at the start of the film, just like Ramona's evil Ex's she becomes aggressive and tries to hurt Ramona as if it would win her back her boyfriend. But this is my favorite part of the story, the fact that Scott was put through 7 battles where it seemed that he would not win, but he was determined to win Ramona over, so he fought her crazy powerful ex boyfriends who were more powerful, successful and good looking, and through 6 of these boyfriends Ramona sticks right by Scott.
A beautiful combination of sci fi, action and romance which delves into the psychology behind emotional baggage in a way that engages an audience. I would recommend buying this film regardless of the cost, as it is a film I could watch 100 times and never get tired of it (considering those 100 times were well spaced apart that is)
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