The hype surrounding “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” had gamers young and old dusting off their Sega Genesis consoles and preparing their joysticks. Based on the Scott Pilgrim comic series by Bryan Lee O’Malley, the film pays homage to video games of yore, mixing Mortal Kombat arcade-style martial arts with more modern games to create a funny, romantic and action-packed film.

Twenty-three-year-old Scott Pilgrim falls for Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). However, before he can date her, Pilgrim must defeat the League of Evil Exes — Ramona’s seven super-powered ex-boyfriends.

A rocking soundtrack that includes Beck, Metric and the Rolling Stones keeps the audience energized for each duel. Director Edgar Wright’s use of stylized meta-fiction and quick cut dream sequences stays surprisingly fresh and keeps the plot fast-paced.

The film’s life comes primarily from its supporting cast. Each of Ramona’s exes brings his own video game genre to battle, keeping the fight scenes unique rather than succumbing to too many monotonous left hooks.

“Scott Pilgrim” serves up a combination of heart and action that speaks to the competitive kid in everyone. If Scott Pilgrim can defeat the world, then maybe there’s hope for the rest of us.

“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was written by Michael Bacall, Edgar Wright and Bryan Lee O’Malley and directed by Wright.