Life > October 9, 2008

By Kara Peruccio | Life editor

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is one of the best romance films of our generation.

It cannot be classified simply as a romantic drama or comedy, because it deftly weaves between humor and heartache, leaving viewers remembering their own romantic experiences and dreaming that their Michael Cera would show up in a Yugo outside their dorm room.

Nick (Cera) is the bassist in an otherwise gay trio and is nursing the wounds of his recent breakup with Tris (Alexis Dziena). He has made her 12 breakup mixes hoping she will take him back.

While at school, Tris shows them to classmates Norah (Kat Denning) and Caroline (a superb Ari Graynor); Norah, despite never meeting Nick, feels a connection based on his music.

Instead of leaving them in the trash, Norah puts them on her iPod. She and Tris are competitive and their mutual clueless friend, Caroline, is stuck in the middle of the Catholic school feud (on a side note, their uniforms are the same ones I wore in elementary school). On their way out of school, Caroline and Norah hear that their favorite band, Where’s Fluffy, is playing a secret show somewhere in New York City. Norah makes Caroline promise she won’t get too drunk; somehow similar promises never turn out for the best. Nick, in Hoboken, N. J., plans on skipping his band’s, the Jerk-off’s, gig on account of his broken heart but caves in to bandmates, Thom (Aaron Yoo) and Dev (Rafi Gavron), after sharing the news about Fluffy.

Norah ends up at Nick’s gig and the already (very) drunk Caroline observes that she is attracted to him. Madness ensures when Norah runs into Tris with her date who comments on Norah being alone. Tris assures Norah that she’ll have more luck with college boys as they don’t care about looks.

To shut her rival up, Norah tells Tris she is here with her boyfriend. She picks Nick to be her pretend boyfriend for five minutes; their kiss makes Tris jealous and the remaining members of the Jerk-offs realize that Norah is the one for Nick.

The movie then weaves between finding the drunk Caroline who has escaped into the city, dealing with Nick’s breakup, Norah calling her old ex, Tal (Jay Baruchel), who was only with her for her money and connections (her father is a music producer), and the title pair finding themselves falling for each other.

New York City not only provides a colorful backdrop but is an actor in the movie. As Nick and Norah race around the city, the eclectic denizens of the City that Never Sleeps add to the humor and drama (Andy Samberg as a homeless man is funny yet really, really creepy).

While Paris owns the title of the City of Love, New York has never been as beautiful and romantic on screen.

Adding to the appeal of the city is the fact the movie takes place in one night. It’s quite romantic to see love blossoming in a few short hours and how one night can change someone’s life.

Nick and Norah’s music plays a major part in the development of the film; Norah loves Nick’s mixes and their pursuit of Where’s Fluffy (symbolized by a white rabbit) is chronicled with a fantastic indie soundtrack including artists such as Devendra Banhart, Vampire Weekend, We are Scientists and (personal favorite) Band of Horses.

The music fits perfectly with the two musically-obsessed soul mates as they traverse the city throughout the night. Screenwriter Lorene Scafaria does a great job making the characters three-dimensional, and viewers are able to relate to the story lines. Nick’s bandmates Thom and Dev, although gay, are not victims to stereotypes by their sexuality and instead are viewed first as concerned friends, gay band mates second.

Additionally, Norah and Caroline’s friendship is quite relatable as I’m sure many of you at one time or other has taken care of a drunk friend. For viewers and Norah, it’s easy to be frustrated with Caroline (and in my case, completely grossed out) but at the end of the day, Norah (and us) are completely willing to forgive her and make Caroline a turkey sandwich.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a refreshing romance in a market filled with stale and cliché romantic comedies and dramas. Cera and Denning are fully believable and relatable as the awkward pair; Norah (before Tal) has never had a real kiss and Nick is unsure what to feel about himself following his breakup. This role further cements Cera as Hollywood’s brightest star, and Dennings is also a young actress to watch.

They come together in a sweet and romantic fashion that makes you really believe that true love is possible.