DVD Review: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Indie Hit a Real Treat for the Senses, and the Heart
Feb 18, 2009
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist Synopsis
Nick (Michael Cera) is a teenage guitar player in a relatively low-key queercore band called the Jerk-Offs. Poor Nick is still hurting over having been dumped by the manipulative Tris (Alexis Dziena), and is still making mix CDs for her, hoping to win her back.
When Nick's bandmates inform him that a secret show of their favorite group 'Where's Fluffy?' might be happening later that night, Nick agrees to join them on their latest gig, with plans to scope out various clubs in order to find clues as to the secret concert's final location.
Meanwhile, Norah (Kat Dennings) and her irresponsible friend Caroline (Ari Graynor) hear a similar scoop from Tris at their private school. Also, Tris mentions how sad it is that Nick still pines for her, and she immediately tosses the latest mix CD. Unbeknownst to all, Norah has been harboring a secret crush on the originator of said discs, finding she has a lot in common with Nick.
When all of the above converge at the Jerk-Offs show in a small venue in New York, an evening of adventure and hilarious coincidences begin, with Nick and Norah spending the remainder of the evening looking for their favorite band, discussing their likes and dislikes, as well as their life plans, and their friends.
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist Overall Analysis
This film is a veritable treat, being both amusing, cleverly written, and tune friendly. The storyline plays out at a consistent rate, with endearing characters you just can't help but follow along in their unusual evening of driving around, partying, and finding the ever elusive Where's Fluffy? band.
The film remains honest and pleasant, with well rounded characters such as the titular Nick and Norah. Their interactions while driving around ring true, without resorting to clichéd expressions.
Director Peter Sollett truly makes the best use of the adapted screenplay based on the novel by authors Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, and serves as a sort of movie cousin to similarly spirited 90's flicks such as Swingers, Go and 200 Cigarettes.
Michael Cera manages to provide the same everyboy archetype which made him fun to watch in Superbad, while Kat Dennings brings a variation of the same spunky, anticonformist girl she recently played in Charlie Bartlett, opposite Anton Yelchin and Robert Downey Jr. They are very much the central focus of this story (given the film's title, naturally), but the audience feels somewhat sorrowful when the credits roll, wanting to spend more time with these interesting integral characters.
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist makes a fine addition to any romance fan's DVD collection, as a fun, romantic indie gem, and will make any boyfriend looking to appease his sweetheart's taste in picking a date movie, look like a hero.
If not, then at least this movie will always serve as a deterrent against re-chewing used gum.
Nick and Norah DVD Features
Nothing much of note here, save for a music video, some passable outtakes, and a Nick and Norah puppet show by co-star Kat Dennings.
8.5 out of 10 for being an excellently produced indie romantic comedy, with rockin' tunes.
 |
