Review: "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist"

There are some shows where you know what's going to happen based on the title. And then there are shows that have titles that tease about what the movie is really about.

Like "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist". I can tell that it's about a guy, Nick, and a girl, Norah, and it has something to do with songs ("playlist"). But what's up with "infinite"?

It turns out that when it comes to watching these movies, it's best not to stress over the titles. And just as well, because "Nick and Norah" is a really delightful little independent film. It tells the story of how Nick and Norah fall in love in a New York City night while rescuing Norah's drunk friend and finding an elusive rock band.

Aside: how does a rock band that constantly tricks its fans about its gig's venue manage to stay so popular???

The story (boy-girl romance) is simple, the situation (one mad-cap night) is familiar, the setting (New York City) is overused. But Michael "Nick" Cera and Kat "Norah" Dennings manage to pull it off. Sure, their falling in love is as unlikely as the moon being made of cheese. And everyone knows they'll end up together from the movie's title alone.

But it is in their innocence, their wide-eyed wonder of finding love, and their total understanding of each other that makes this film watchable. Even if you fall asleep in the middle of the show (and it's a very likely possibility), you will root for them to be together because they are two misfits in the same pod.

Unfortunately, the show is definitely not made for audiences that are used to big budget blockbusters. Then again, you wouldn't watch this unhyped movie for explosive effects. The only shocking thing is a long-running gag about a well used chewing gum. (I won't spoil it here, you have to watch it to know what I'm talking about.)

In the spirit of independent filmmaking, the movie is filled with off-beat quirkiness, like a garage band comprised of Nick and his two gay bandmates (and a toy electric drum set), a barely working Yugo car (I'd never heard of that vehicle brand till now!) and a cross dressing cabaret. Trust me, it all makes sense in the show.

Suffice to say that without Cera and Dennings, "Nick and Norah" would fall flat. The main villain in this story, Nick's is-she-or-isn't-she ex-girlfriend, is forgettable, as are basically the rest of the supporting cast. And that supposedly famous rock band, Where's Fluffy. Watch this if you enjoy independent films or are a sucker for young love.

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