I had high hopes for 'Nick and Norah's Infinite playlist'. I had regarded the film 'Juno' as almost creating a new genre of movie, by that I mean, aimed at the teenage audience but with a clever and intelligent script, tackling serious issues with sensitivity with a serious, yet playful approach. I thought I would enjoy this as much as 'Juno', but I didn't. It's perhaps unfair for me to draw comparison, but seeing as the guy playing Nick, Michael Cera, played the male lead in 'Juno', comparisons are inevitable.
So, what's the film about? We meet Nick who is still in love with his ex, we learn early on that he likes making her mix-CDs. We meet Norah, who it has a friend, who has an ex, that keeps making her CDs, she has no interest, thus throws the CDs away, to the annoyance of Norah, who picks them up and listens to them, and as consequence, has become a secret fan of the musical tastes of 'the' ex. Nick and Norah meet unbeknown to each other
at one of Nick's gigs. He plays in an all gay band (not really sure why the band's sexuality is made a point of, but whatever) called 'The Jerkoffs' (sweet name eh?), but Nick is the token straight guitarist. When the two meet, thus begins a night of random adventure, as Norah looses her best friend who has decided to leave the gig and wander the streets of New York City on her own. As her friend is completely off her face, drunk, Norah needs to find her. But alas, that night is also the night that everyone's favourite band 'Where's Fluffy' is playing a secret gig. Do they rescue her friend, or do they find the next gig? Sounds thrilling doesn't it?
Nick's friends don't like his ex. She keeps making attempts to torment him with her latest flings. So, Nick's cupid-esque bandmates see Norah as the potential for Nick to move on and get over the ex. They decide to help Norah (who is also having issues with her ex, it turns out) find her friend, in an attempt to bring the two together. Carnage ensues…as does vomit.
The common theme and link in this film, as the title might suggest is music. Nick is in a band and likes music, his best friends are in his band too…and like music. Norah's family are in the music industry and she likes the same music as Nick. Ta-dah linking done. But we never get any sort of 'playlist' or real suggestion why it might be infinite. The story is seriously lacking, as is any real identification with the characters. The soundtrack comprises of an eclectic selection of music throughout….ranging from goth rock to the Spice Girls, but apart from the random types of music we hear, the idea of infinity is left pretty much untouched.
The acting is good, Michael Cera as Nick has a real talent for playing very naturally, to the point where his subtle nuances made me forget that he was acting at all. Norah played by Kat Dennings was equally as good, although not a patch on Ellen Paige (from Juno) as an on screen love interest (sorry, draw more 'Juno' comparisons, I can't help it). Other performances are good also, the three gay characters had the chance to camp things up and act stereotypically effeminate, but their played down and 'straight' approaches to the roles were refreshing. It was also interesting to see a cameo from (Broadway's) 'Spring Awakening' cast member, Jonathan B Wright, as the American MTV generation seems to be demanding these days.
For me, the story just never really went anywhere and I found it dull. I was disappointed. If you like teenage films where not a lot happens, check this out. If you need more substance, go and watch something like, I don't know…Coronation Street? …and I think that says it all! I won't be watching this again in any hurry, other than to prove to disbelieving people that they do actually use the Spice Girls music (but surprise surprise, the song doesn't feature of the film's soundtrack, shame).
As far as I can make out, this film doesn't open in the UK until January 2009. So, you have lots of time to get excited about it…!!!
For more information go to: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0981227 For information about Spring Awakening go here: www.squidoo.com/springawakening
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Tony Dow - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: John Challis, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
I like Kat Dennings, and know her mainly from kid tv shows as beloved by my lil sisters, but she never seems to get any films that really show her talent up :) great review, if i have two hours, much spare cash n no interest in shopping i may go n see it, but to be honest, after this review, unlikely!!
paulhanton 02.11.2008 13:12
Probably not one for me.....and re. an earlier review of mine, nope never seen shipwrecked, lol
Seresecros 31.10.2008 16:48
This film appears to be less infinite than is advertised.
Michael Cera and Kat Dennings star as two lonesome teens who make alove connection as they ... more
prowl the streets of New York looking fortheir favorite band's secret show, as well as for their drunkfriend Caroline. Norah is sick of being the doormat for her...
Advantages: Great cast, perfect chemistry and relationship between Rudd and Segel, hilarious film Disadvantages: Some disgusting parts and detailed sex talk
frankiefromings13 26.04.2009 ·
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Oct 26th, 2008
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