Yes, “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” may seem to be a typical romantic teen comedy. It’s a bit of John Hughes, with a little Cameron Crow mixed in here and there, but I am such a sucker for those types of films.
Based on the novel by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, it is the story of two teenagers who unexpectedly meet while searching for their favorite band, Where’s Fluffy.
When I learned that Michael Cera (“Superbad,” “Juno”) was going to star in this film, I could not wait. With a cast full of promising newcomers and a trendy soundtrack, director Peter Sollett creates an ideal blend of charming romance, a bit of gross out humor and quirkiness, which makes this teen flick unique among the rest.
Lovesick and sarcastic Nick, played by Cera, has recently been dumped — on his “b-day” — by Tris (Alexis Dziena). In an attempt to get him out of his rut, best friends — and fellow band mates of The Jerk Offs — convince Nick to play a gig in Manhattan after hearing that Where’s Fluffy will be performing at a secret location.
Guarded and self-conscious Norah, played by Kat Dennings (“Charlie Bartlett,” “The 40 Year Old Virgin”), and drunken best friend Caroline (Ari Graynor) go out on the mission to find Where’s Fluffy as well.
Nick and Norah’s paths collide when Norah encounters Tris, who happens to be her classmate and tormentor from school. The night then takes a turn when Caroline, in her intoxicated state, goes missing while Nick and Norah try to locate her and Where’s Fluffy.
Set in the streets and rock clubs of New York, the film leads the audience on an adventure that everyone can enjoy and relate to. It is the timeless tale of two characters trying to find themselves, and, at the same time, find each other.
Set to the music of bands such as Bishop Allen, We Are Scientists and singer/songwriter Devendra Banhart, the soundtrack is a perfect mix of indie-folk-rock music, similar to the soundtracks of “Garden State” and “Juno.”
Cera and Dennings are perfect as Nick and Norah.
Their onscreen chemistry is undeniable, and together they are funny in a silly, slightly clich’eacute; way that, at times, had me fighting not to laugh too hard.
Along with Jay Baruchel, who plays Norah’s “on again, off again” boyfriend, Ari Graynor adds to the mix of a great cast. Graynor is able to play the drunken best friend without becoming obnoxiously annoying. She is responsible for squirms (all I have to say is gum!) and laughs, and even stole many scenes in the film.
Appearances by familiar faces such as Kevin Corrigan (“Pineapple Express”), Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”), John Cho (“Harold and Kumar”), Eddie Kaye Thomas (“American Pie”) and Jonathan B. Wright (Broadway’s “Spring Awakening”) kept the film fun and inviting, especially for popular culture fanatics like myself.
While some may complain about how the movie was trying too hard to be trendy, I didn’t see those problems. Everyone I was with said they enjoyed it.
The film is fun, smart and appealing.
By the end of the film I wanted to go to Manhattan and have the same escapade that Nick and Norah had. Unfortunately, nothing is like the movies and that’s why ones like “Nick and Norah’s” are made. They make you want to go on epic adventures, laugh, smile and fall in love, all while a killer soundtrack blasts in the background.
