Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Another teenage love movie again featuring ‘kids’ who are more intelligent and rational than your average Mastermind contestant. The comparisons to Juno are obvious given the tone of the dialogue and the appearance of Michael Cera, but the structure of the film and great performance from its female lead make it one worth watching.

Nick (Michael Cera) can't stop obsessing about Tris, his ex-girlfriend. Norah (Kat Dennings) on a tedious night out is embarrassed by Tris at a club in New York, so to show she's cool and has a boyfriend, she goes up to a stranger, whispers in his ear, and kisses him. It's Nick. We then follow the pair as they learn about their love of music all in search of an elusive and exclusive performance by their favourite band. Norah is also looking for her drunken best friend Caroline - with the help of Nick's gay band mates, and keep running into Tris and Nora's sort-of boyfriend. Both Nick and Norah have to figure out what they want, as the night draws to a close.

The idea of having the action unfold over ‘one crazy night’ isn’t a distraction and adds to the story which zips along despite some awkward moments. The quirky best friends although entertaining, never really warrant much screen time especially when you want to see more of Dennings and Cera and the faltering yet believable romance. Yes they are far too cool to be completely believable… but in a film like this likeability is more important and this couple have it in spades.

It's the 'mixtape' movie for the MP3 generation, but the characters make it work across the board. The film was one of the more quiet successes of last year's London Film Festival but should become a favourite with many more on DVD.  

Rating: ****

DVD Extras

Digital Copy of the film for playback on PSP and iTunes
Deleted scenes
Blooper Reel
Music Video: “Middle Management” by Bishop Allen
Storyboard Animations with optional filmmakers’ commentary
Featurette: A Nick & Norah Puppet Show by Kat Dennings
Featurette: Ari Graynor’s Video Diary: A Look Behind-the-Scenes
Faux interview with Michael Cera, Kat Dennings and Eddie Kaye Thomas
Photo Gallery
Storyboard Animation
Audio Commentary with Director Peter Sollett and Editor Myron Kerstein
Audio Commentary with Peter Sollett, authors Rachel Cohn and David Levithan and Lorene Scafaria

Extras Review:

Aside from the standard Gallery and commentary options (as well as the new-fangled digital recreation option perfect for the 'playlist' generation), there are some great extras on this disc. Kat Dennings has become something of a youtube superstar in recent years anyway, and her input here is a highlight. The mock interviews are great, but it's the puppet show which is the standout.  

Starring: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Aaron Yoo and Alexis Dziena
Director: Peter Sollett
Writers: Lorene Scafaria and Rachel Cohn
Release date: 22nd June
Certificate: 12

Review: Cassam Looch