Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (Movie)

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, directed by Peter Sollett. Sony Pictures, 2009, 90 minutes. Rated PG:13 ASIN: B001MM3AZM

Summary

Teens Norah and Nick have never met, but Norah has been saving every mix CD Nick has made, after it’s thrown away by his ex-girlfriend, Tris. Norah is the daughter of a famous record producer, and loves music: especially the songs that Nick puts on his CD’s.  Norah and her friend Caroline are also fans of the elusive band “Where’s Fluffy?” and decide to head into the city after hearing about a secret show the band is putting on.

  Still heartbroken by Tris dumping him, Nick has been avoiding his friends and staying in his house for three weeks.  His bandmates finally convince him to come out and play a gig with them so he can have some fun.  He and his band are also fans of “Where’s Fluffy?” and decide to find the secret show after their gig.

When both Norah and Tris show up to Nick’s gig, he’s taken by surprise—especially after Norah kisses him and asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend.  Over the course of one night, Nick and Norah attempt to find “Where’s Fluffy?,” search for lost, drunk Caroline, and find themselves falling for each other.

Critical Evaluation

While the movie can be a little all over the place in terms of theme and plot, it’s still fun to watch. Both Kat Dennings and Michael Cera, who play Norah and Nick, play the role of awkward, cynical teens well. The supporting characters of Caroline and Nick’s band are funny and loveable in their own quirky way. The ‘villains’ of the story come off a little too one-sided, but still add needed conflict to the story. 

The musical element of the plot is unique from other teen movies, with Nick’s band and Norah’s father being a record producer. The different music venues the characters visit as well as the setting of New York City makes the movie a fun escapism for the audience. There are some mature themes such as the running sex jokes and Caroline’s drinking, which makes the movie more appropriate for older teens.  Despite the flat antagonists and many plot points, “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” is a quirky, fun escapism movie.

Reader’s Annotation

During the course of one night, Nick and Norah search for their favorite band and end up falling in love.

About the Director

“Peter Sollet was born in 1976 in New York City, New York, USA. He is a director,  know for Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008), Raising Victor Vargas (2002) and Five Feet High and Rising (2000.)”

 (Peter Sollet, Biography.  Retrieved October 1^st, 2014 from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0813164/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm)

Genres

Movies

Romance

Comedy

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age

15+

Grades 9+

Challenge Issues

Alcohol and drug-related scenes

Language

Sex-related dialogue and jokes

Sexual situations

Defense File

1—Ensure that policies such as “Freedom to Read,” “Collection Development,” and “Challenged Materials” are available for patrons and staff to read and research. Have list of awards and reviews for titles, as well as a “Reconsideration Form” on hand at all branches.

2—Listen to challenges and complaints openly and without judgment. Allow the patron to express their thoughts without inputting your own.

3—Have patron fill out reconsideration form. Provide information and background on challenge material’s author and title.  Forward reconsideration form to appropriate supervisors.

PPLD’s Challenge Materials Policy: http://ppld.org/challenged-materials-policy

PPLD’s Collection Development Policy: http://ppld.org/collection-development-policy

Why Included?

I included this movie because of the two main actors and for the music element.