What a concept this is. Making a movie about teens and their modern day troubles, but making it really more for adults? Hmm..that's Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist. I had no idea what to expect when I walked in, and for that I'm glad.
Nick (Michael Cera) and Nora (Kat Dennings) are typical teens living just outside of New York City. They are surrounded by a bevy of friends that all represent a true cross section of the kinds of friends teens have today. And after a bunch of events, Nick and Nora are thrown together in the Big Apple for an all night party in search of their favorite underground band, Fluffy.
They seem to have little in common at the movies beginning, but do discover that they have more in common than they think. They both love music, and Ipods, cell phones, and all that represents the modern trends in teen life. Are they right for each other? WE know they are the whole time, but Nick and Nora aren't so sure. Sort of like real life huh?
First, this may be the most accurate portrayal of teen life in movies since American Graffiti in 1973. (The film that made George Lucas a household name.) N&N captures todays era perfectly in every regard. Teens do things we like and don't like, many times within seconds of each other. The tools have changed since American Graffiti, but most big teen issues remain the same. Growing up is tough. Friends, peer pressure, girlfriends. boyfriends, jealousy, insecurity, awkwardness, and teen sex. These are timeless issues, that will never change. All adressed masterfully here. Great soundtrack runs throughout, again as in AG. N&N is not a hilarious go for cheap laughs flick. It is good, smart movie making.
But make no mistake, this movie is more of a coming out party for 22 year old Kat Dennings. I raved about her in Charlie Bartlett in March, in addition to The 40 Year Old Virgin, and she is the whole deal here. Dennings is perched to be a big star. She is engaging on screen, with a normalcy not usually seen in Hollywood. She's vulnerable, likeable, and looks like someone you would know. You love every scene she's in, and she drives this movie across the finish line in fine fashion. Remember the name, Kat Dennings. She's just getting started, and she's the next big romantic comedy star.
Nick and Nora! Don't miss it. This may be the surprise movie of the year. Wonderfully accurate, and honest. Capturing teen life is always tough for Hollywood. Most "teen" movies go for cheap laughs through crude means, that give you the impression that teens run the world. But they really don't, and that's the beauty of Nick and Nora. Teens are still basically good, but confused, just trying to find their way through adolescence. Parents should certainly see this movie. Teens will love it too. Terrific movie making to say the least.
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