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”