We See Chick Flicks: Nick And Norah’s Infinite Playlist

I decided to see “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” because even though “Rachel Getting Married” looked good, I knew I couldn’t handle a movie with so many ups and downs on a Friday night. I dragged two friends to the not-so-highly acclaimed movie, which Fandango classifies as “teen movie” and “comedy,” and I was nervous they would kill me when it was horrible. But the entire theater, including me and my friends, laughed and cheered through the entire film.

The Lowdown: Nick (Michael Cera) is in a band with two gay guys and a drum machine, who are headed to NYC to play a gig. Nick has just been dumped by Tris (Alexis Dziena), who goes to school with Norah (Kat Dennings) and Caroline (Ari Graynor). Norah is semi-in love with Nick after hearing the mixtapes he made for Tris, but hasn’t met him. Norah, Tris and Caroline are also headed into the city, in search of Where’s Fluffy, their favorite band who’s playing a secret show at an unknown venue. Hilarity and cuteness ensues as Norah and Nick simultaneously search for Fluffy AND Caroline, who’s gone missing after getting too wasted and wandering off.

The Verdict: Maybe I just haven’t to any movies rated PG-13 lately, but part of what stood out for me was how innocent the movie is. Sure, there’s underage drinking and mentions of orgasming (or not being able to), but there are no scenes where characters tear off their clothes and hump like bunnies. The only scene that includes anything more sexual than a kiss didn’t even show the characters. Instead, the camera pans around the room with only voices and sounds letting you know what’s happening. It reminded me of the nervousness associated with hooking up someone for the first time in middle school or high school, and it brought back memories of all the boys I used to have crushes on when I was in middle school and high school.

For some reason, crushes just don’t develop after high school, and I think it has something to do with the fact that instead of staring at the cute guy in your Calculus class, drinking alcohol helps you let go of your inhibitions and actually talk to him. Since neither Nick nor Norah drinks, that cute self-consciousness still exists.