If you're expecting "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" to be the kind of movie where you've already seen all the funny parts in the previews, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Many of the funniest scenes were gracefully saved from that fate and will debut on Oct. 3, when the film hits theaters.
The plot of the film, directed by Peter Sollett, is simple, yet completely original. Nick (Michael Cera) is broken-hearted after his tiny-but-sexy girlfriend dumps him flat. When this same ex embarrasses Norah (Kat Dennings) into pretending Nick is her boyfriend, drama ensues and an adventure begins. Nick's friends step up to the challenge of bringing Norah's extremely inebriated best friend home to give the two some alone time, and perhaps to get Nick out of his depression. The two set off to find a band they share an affinity for, which is expected to play a secret show that night. When Norah's BFF - the quintessential drunken mess we've all had to take care of at least once - bolts from the car, the group is left chasing her through New York.
The main characters are well developed, relatable and lovable. Dennings shows her worth as a lead actress, graduating from the screaming teen daughter in "40-Year-Old Virgin" to the down-to-earth girl who can't seem to outshine her friends. Cera fits the role of Nick perfectly, but you will wonder if he is typecast by the industry. He is the same nice, sweet but sometimes-awkward guy he played in "Juno" and "Superbad."
Dennings and Cera speed around the city to a soundtrack that deserves snaps as well. A movie centered around the main characters' love for music certainly should have a noteworthy soundtrack, and with songs from Band of Horses, The Real Tuesday Weld and Vampire Weekend, it certainly does.
The most notable aspect of "Nick and Norah" is the way the film portrays the young, gay population and how our generation accepts it. This is one of the first films to show the young gay-straight relationship in a contemporary light. There are jokes about tight ends, and the tables are turned when Nick tells his gay friend he doesn't know what it's like to be straight.
The movie does have its problems. Most noticeably, the main characters are supposed to be seniors in high school. However, they are driving around New York - where you can't drive until you're 18 - until the sun comes up, talking about orgasms and performing semi-stripteases.
While everyone knows each generation has different views on sex and independence, this movie takes it to an extreme. Perhaps this can be attributed to the fact that the girls attend an elite private school, but seeing them as a college viewer makes you wonder if all high school students are now doing what you have just begun in college. This is a bit of a plus, too: college-aged viewers can relate to nights of throwing up in public restrooms and trying to keep a handle on drunk buddies.
"Nick and Norah" is a film everyone can relate to and compare to at least some part of their life. The relationship that develops between the two as they try and break away from past ones is heart wrenching, yet entertaining. This movie is one of the rare instances where you find yourself wishing the movie was longer. But ranking up there with "Superbad" and "Knocked Up" for quotable one-liners, you'll be happy with what you got.
You can reach this staff writer at kboghosian@theeagleonline.com.
