Scott objectifies Ramona, and through a series of physical fights with her exes, learns that he was fighting for a person that only existed as an idealized version of a perfect relationship. He subconsciously devalues Ramona, Knives, and himself throughout the entire film and only at the end does he realize that Ramona is a real person who should be treated like a real person and not a trophy.
Most people just like it because of the stylistic graphic novel aesthetic that they NAILED.
Let’s be fair here. While that is the point of the Scott and Ramona story, the movie didn’t really put a lot of effort into portraying that. The comics went a little more deeply into that dynamic and fleshing out the relationship, it was still pretty much the background against the character personality showcasing, and over the top dramatic fights. The movie really did nail the vibe and the characters but the whole “I think I learned something” and the end of the movie really downplays the “lesson” of the whole plot. So much so that I don’t think Scott himself even fully understood the actual lesson he just learned. Just that what he was doing was wrong, and needed to change, but not why and what exactly it was he needed to change.
Great movie for sure, even better comic series, but a deep complex plot it isn’t.
Scott not really understanding what he learned or why he needed to change actually fits very well with the new anime.
I am not usually one to roll my eyes at literary analysis, but these themes are not well developed in the movie at all. It is absolutely meant to be a visually interesting teen romcom first, with some commentary about relationships tagging along for the ride.
I’m going to be honest, I watched it once in high school because a friend was a fan. It has been a long time since then. This is a casual viewers input with maybe a decade viewing gap lol.
I remember the cool graphics, and I remember not liking Scott very much. The drummer chick was cool, but the focus on Scott’s perspective demanded focus over her for telling the story you describe. Cera put me off some films back then, but I find I appreciate his earlier work in Arrested Development more nowadays.
No real valuable input to be had from me, but as a fan from other fandoms, I can appreciate the struggle of enjoying a setting and then having it consumed for cheap visual entertainment.
I think the films original ending was really nice.
For the uninitiated: after saying goodbye to Nega Scott, he realises he was only infatuated with Ramona, and goes back to dating Knives.
They go back to the ninja arcade dancing game where they broke up, and have fun playing together again.
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I love the comic book-ness that this film has. Julie’s censor was hilarious
