There are days and nights that at first seem so ordinary, but slowly turn into something unforgettable – if only to ourselves. These are the moments that make up the best scenes in the movies of our lives. They don’t involve anyone who looks like Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie, but chances are they do involve people who look like Michael Cera and Kat Dennings. And given how many pairs of white ear buds people seem to be sporting these days, I’m betting each of us could compile the soundtrack to our lives quite easily.
Nick and Norah end up having one of these unforgettable moments, and yes indeed, the soundtrack they compile suits it quite well.
This story takes place over the course of one strange night in Manhattan. Nick (Michael Cera), is the bass player for a small-time band named The Jerk Offs. Don’t let the name fool you – they’re pretty good, despite the fact that they don’t have a drummer. Nick is playing the gig tonight despite the fact that he’s still heartbroken his girlfriend Tris (Alexis Dziena) dumped him…one month ago. It’s at this same show that Tris’ friend Norah (Kat Dennings) first meets Nick, which mostly happens in her attempt to avoid someone else. Not sixty seconds after meeting him, she’s pulled him in for a kiss. As far as chance encounters go – this one starts off well.
The bliss is short lived though, since Tris finds them together and they soon realize who each other is. Making matters worse, is that Kat’s other friend Caroline (Ari Graynor) is a terrible drinker who needs to be babysat after her second beer. However, neither too few degrees of separation nor a pie-faced BFF is nearly a match for the lure of Fluffy. Nick and Norah both love a local band named Where’s Fluffy, and it just so happens that there is a secret gig tonight. So in mere moments, Tris is eluded, Caroline is bequeathed, and the two new friends are in Nick’s humble Yugo off to search for a secret concert of mythic proportions.
Tris begins acting like a spoiled brat as she starts to want Nick back – if only for the fact that she doesn’t really want any other girl to have him. And Caroline gives Fluffy a run for their money when it comes to driving the night’s activities. Once she panics and slips away from Nick’s band mates who are babysitting the inebriated mess she’s become, everyone spends just as much time looking for her as they do trying to get to this legendary show.
The movie works well, since so much amusement happens before the day breaks and ends this New York night. Nick and Norah have an awkward chemistry, as many newly met younglings would. Their story isn’t the sort of fairy tales most romantic comedies unfurl, but instead it taps into the panicked uncertainty many of us have when we meet someone we like. Both Nick and Norah behave as though the moment the other one discovers who they really are, all interest will evaporate. It’s freaky-geeky mentality to have…but one that I’d bet many of us have lived once or twice.
Fair warning though, one factor that will decide whether or not you enjoy this film is your tolerance for Caroline and the hot mess she becomes. You know that friend of yours who becomes less inhibited and much more fun when they’re under the influence? Caroline is the complete opposite. Tracking her down drives much of the plot, and her disgusting and annoying antics might well get on your nerves. Nick and Norah are some incredibly charming geeks, but they ain’t no match for Caroline in a stumbling state of stiletto’d slovenliness.
Of course with a title like that, one needs to talk about the soundtrack which is omnipresent and delightful. It is completely riddled with indie acts that Nick and Norah probably love – and that you haven’t heard of. But it suits their night of zig-zagging beautifully, and becomes a character all its own. Despite the title, the music talk is not infinite, but when they do take a moment to talk tunes, the moments are sweet and smile-inducing. One last musical note, the moment that Where’s Fluffy is finally dealt with once and for all is a moment of true storytelling perfection. After all the buildup the band gets, it was the only way to do them justice.
Like DAZED AND CONFUSED, and AMERICAN GRAFFITI before it, NICK & NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST understands that sometimes a simple story can be a good one. Sometimes all a story needs is young people trying to make the most of things before the sun comes up, and some good rock and roll to show them the way.
Matineescore: ★ ★ ★ out of ★ ★ ★ ★
What did you think? Please leave comments with your thoughts and reactions on NICK & NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST.
Ryan McNeil
La la la la la – I just bought the book and I want to read that before knowing anything about the movie – La la la la la
I’m glad to see you gave it 3 stars – so I guess I’d better get reading!