Review of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008) by Rex L — 12 Mar 2011

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is a wonderful teenage comedy following two lost souls through an unforgettable night. It starts off with a broken hearted Nick who meets a lonely Norah that just so happens to know the girl who broke Nick's kind heart. Through chasing down the band Where's Fluffy? to Norah's drunken gal-pal, the comedic mishaps and adventure of this teen love put a unique spin on what could have been an ordinary teen film.

The direction of this film was excellent and it made the script come to life. Peter Sollett (Raising Victor Vargas) was able to get his mostly inexperienced cast to show true spirit in the film, displaying true character to their given roles. He was able to capture and highlight the main theme of simple love with ease. His capture of this innocence and simplicity enhanced the image that the audience saw and added to the appeal of the overall picture. Though he doesn't do many mainstream films, perhaps it is time to start because his creation of a pleasing film is something that is rarely seen given the context of the picture.

The writing had such deviance that the script could have been considered an original, though the acknowledgement was nice. Lorene Scafaria (film debut), took the skin and bones of a teenage romance novel of the same name, written by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, and turned it into something very special. Many aspects of the film were changed and while the book would have stood on its own merit, it might not have been appropriate for all to see. The main tag against the script was that the large themes were not emphasized and lost amidst the crowd of happening events. The speech, in the film given by Thom (Aaron Yoo), about holding some one's hand was an important element as it set aside sex, drugs, and gave the message we all just want to be held. Given by a more stable character instead of the playboy was also a downturn, but given the situation seemed appropriate. The story of emphasis about the Jewish concept tikkun olam was also a major part of the novel that seemed to be just blended into the background.

The acting was able to hold its own in the eyes of the audience. Kat Dennings (40 Year-Old Virgin) did an amazing job, showing class beyond her years and could probably make an entrance into more serious roles. Though making a slower climb instead of rushing it is probably a good idea, she looks to have a bright future. Michael Cera (Superbad) was awkward and comical in a way that helped to make his situation more light-hearted and less depressing. He still has some growing to do as an actor but is one of the rising new stars that can hold their own in good roles. Their supporting cast, though important, had a large enough range of characters to give the film a real boost. All actors involved allowed for a connection with the characters played, giving the audience a friendlier feel to the story. The major standout was Ari Graynor (Turn the River) who ran around New York City drunk, leading the way for most of the comical relief as her friends chased her down. The only immature acting was done by Jonathan B. Wright (film debut) in dramatic parts, but in overdramatic fashion. The two leading stars had amazing chemistry and showed much poise and professionalism in the roles they played. Without such chemistry, the entire film could have gone well of course to the overall goal. This in addition to a strong supporting cast was able to put together a wonderful film that enhanced the picture to depths beyond what could have happened if left to unprofessional hands.

This film finally comes across as understanding what people want. At that crossroads age, it would be nice if it was so simple, but the message of just letting it be comes across strong and intact. A teenage comedy that finally tackles something with meaning and not just sex is refreshing in a society that emphasizes sex so greatly. This comedy is well done all around and is one of the most enjoyable teen comedies in recent cinema history, leaving the viewer with a warm feeling other teen comedies just cannot match.