Overall Rating: 3/10
Last night, I saw Peter Sollett’s Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. This film reeked of Juno inspired witty catch phrases, trendy indie music references and awkward (not endearing) acting. Unfortunately, I’ll have to admit that I wanted to see this film because of Michael Cera. I wish there was a better reason, but I might as well be honest. Ever since Arrested Development stopped airing, I have to settle on getting my Cera fix in other ways. It’s not like I held high expectations for a film that so clearly seemed to depend on the recent success of Jason Reitman’s Juno to draw audience. However, I hoped that it would have been better.
Not a shade more or less dorky and hopeless than he was in Superbad, was Nick (Michael Cera): a pathetic guy who was dumped by his bitchy girlfriend Tris (Alexis Dzniena) who he couldn’t seem to get over. In an attempt to win her back, he proceeds to embarrass himself by burning her mix CDs- a move that garnered an “unexpected” interest from Norah: cue likeable slightly obscure girl (Kat Dennings).
When Nick plays a gig with his bandmates at some club, both Norah and Tris happen to be there rockin’ out to his out there music. In a move to one-up Tris, Norah talks to Nick and convinces him to play boyfriend/girlfriend with her. And this basically sets up the film for expected, ritual and cliche events that are pawned off as “unusual and quirky” New York night time frenzy. Amidst the gum motif that seems to travel every where from the toilet to a few different people’s mouths, and the superstar band “Fuzzy” hype, there exists a few romantically awkward and sweet moments that don’t seem so forced between Nick and Norah. The seemingly disorganized plot points contribute to the films jumbled, on-the-fly feel, and ultimately provide a PG glimpse at life in New York on the indie music scene between two off-beat teens who grow to appreciate each other’s nuances during the evening the film takes place.
In this case, the novel was probably better.
I must say, Michelle: I disagree.
Yes, NaNIP does share its similar quirk-factor with Juno, but, honestly.. I felt that NaNIP was WAY more realistic than anything that Juno was.
Michael Cera is, well, himself. He’s the same always, but in a role like this — his sameness sets him apart, if that makes sense.
As for what you call the “disorganized plot”.. that’s just not true. Everything was well supported through the mystery/chase for Fuzzy. Norah was genuine in her role. And of course the soundtrack was laden with Indie tracks galore.. the whole film revolved around music! Unlike Juno, which merely used music because.
The light-hearted, quick-fire love affair that unfolds is puppy love captured at its finest.
I found NaNIP completely endearing, sweet, and lovely. In fact, I preferred it to Juno, if a comparison must be made — as you’re implying that it must.
Oh, and using “queer bandmates”?! For shame, Michelle! Not very P.C. now, is it?
I fixed it for you, B! Didn’t mean to not be P.C., must have slipped. I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one…