At first glance, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist seemed like a movie that I could easily get behind. Judging on my recent history of favourite films, this concept of a boy and girl and their mutual love of music, who spend this one whirlwind night together within the confines of New York City, should be something I would instantly love and relate to. That coupled with the casting of Michael Cera – who’s been on quite a roll lately – while trying his hardest to not be typecast in his roles. With all of these positive attributes, there’s just one problem I have with this movie: It just isn’t very good.
It’s not that I hate it, something just didn’t click with me. Maybe it was the lame secondary characters, or its failed attempt at being a John Hughes comedy, when I think it could have served itself better as a more intimate/romantic story of these two people as they fall in love while adventuring through the city. It’s obvious at times that the movie wants to go in this direction, but for every charming/memorable scene, it’s sorta ruined by one of its many phony secondary characters that I mentioned earlier, or some random bit of hijinks to further along the plot of the story (they’re trying to catch this secret show).
The other main feature of this movie that peaked my interest in the beginning is the music. There’s a very large emphasis on the current wave of popular indie bands from the very beginning of the film. The opening credits are littered with familiar bands like Vampire Weekend, Bishop Allen and We Are Scientists – along with a soundtrack which could easily be renamed “Now! That’s What I Call Indie.” Now this is all well and good, but it also feels like it’s trying too hard to be hip. I’m curious if a lot of you who listen to this music would even care to watch this movie because of it? I imagine not many. Though, I did have a good time identifying songs, and recognizing some cameos every now and then. And Mark Mothersbaugh’s score is pretty damn good, as it evokes some whimsickle goodness.
When it comes down to it, there just aren’t a lot of good movies to watch right now. If you’re interested in seeing something that is at times charming, but pretty much forgettable, than it wouldn’t hurt to give it a shot. Also, this has the ability of making you feel very old. I’m sure i’m right at the edge of it’s demographic being 25, but I felt incredibly old watching in this.
*Here’s a little mix I came up with, basically just songs from boy/girl duos. Seemed to fit the tone of the movie, I think.
MP3: The Submarines :: “The Wake Up Song”
MP3: Georgie James :: “Look Me Up”
MP3: The Rosebuds :: “The Lover’s Rights”
MP3: Mates of State :: “Hoarding It For Home”
MP3: Matt & Kim :: “Yea Yeah”
MP3: Cars Can Be Blue :: “I Used To Think”
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I echo your sentiments. I had watched the movie twice because of a friend. The first time, I couldn’t help but compare it to the book, which is far better. The second time, my opinion of the movie improved, but as you said, it is trying hard to be hip, especially nowadays that indie is so mainstream. A lot of films and shows rely on the soundtrack to hook viewers.
I have some free tickets, so I’ll probably end up seeing it in the next couple of weeks… if I ever find time to go to the movies! Even with the so-so reviews, it seems more interesting than most of what’s out right now…
Poor George Michael! I had high expectations based on the previews as well. Mothersbaugh’s scores are consistently top-notch, though- I didn’t know that he was involved. I guess I’ll wait until it comes to the Dollar Theatre ($1.50 during the week theater just doesn’t sound as good). I find that paying $3 for myself and the missus lowers expectations enough to make anything this side of the Reno 911 movie pretty good…
Any word on the Arrested Development movie?
i’ve never read the book, though, i’m willing to check it out.
I actually don’t want to see the movie because it is trying so hard to be hip and indie. i can listen to those bands on my own and probably enjoy the songs more than i would than if i were listening to them in a movie in the background. As much as i love michael cera, i am probably going to sit this movie out. maybe i will check out the book though.