Librarians are Weird

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist: movie

“Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist” is an example of a rare case where the movie is very different from the book in some key ways, but both are insanely good.  What they do have in common is the main premise — the excitement of being young and looking for affection and great music — without the usual corniness of Hollywood.

Nick is the only straight member of a queercore band.  He has just been dumped by his girlfriend Tris, and by dumped I mean crushed into a squirming pulp of emo boy.

Norah would do anything to avoid talking to Tris and has been trying to get over her quasi-ex-boyfriend Tal, so, when Nick asks her if she will be his girlfriend for 5 minutes she plays along (in the movie Norah makes the first move).  This first kiss soon leads to a night of falling in and out of love, laughter, angst, and of course music that captures the frantic energy of this night (also heightened by being in NYC). If you are not young, it will make you wish you were again.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist: book

Nick and Norah are straight-edge (label or not). However, I would be remise not to point out that there are many references to underage drinking and sex, but it is a story about teenage love after-all.

The book, by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, switches back and forth between the title characters’ points of view (a chapter at a time). Unlike the pair’s “Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List,” which takes a similar approach, but fails miserably, this technique in “Nick and Norah” allows the reader to have a sense of intimacy with the characters and avoids it becoming a book that only one gender will enjoy (the “No Kiss List” is a sad disappointment in contrast). This back and forth is especially effective in the sexy scene later on in the book (no spoilers from me!). I will say that while both book and movie have versions of this…um… climactic scene, the book is much more saucy (see it pays to read kids!).

The movie has a wonderful cast that infuse the script with humor (including a running joke about a piece of gum…trust me). While clearly Michael Cera and Kat Dennings shine in the lead roles, it is also the supporting cast that make this film a must have. In the book Tris is more relatable, but movie Tris (Alexis Dziena) is deliciously hate-able. The book shows her in more of a humanized way. Speaking of humanized characters, one of the shining points to both reincarnations are the gay characters. Instead of being token, they are just characters (key characters). Their sexuality is obvious, but not anymore-so than the straight characters. Rafi Gavron (Dev), Aaron Yoo (Thom), and Jonathan B. Wright (Beefy Guy) are fantastic (and not too bad to look at either). Despite her troubles throughout, Caroline (Ari Graynor) also still manages to look smoking hot…most of the time. Her comedic instincts took the film to another level. Jay Baruchel is convincing as Norah’s ex. All I have to say is Tal “brings the Jew fire” and I can totally see where Norah was coming from dating him.

The movie rocks — as evident by the soundtrack that features artists like Vampire Weekend, We Are Scientists, and Bishop Allen. I would also suggest purchasing the soundtrack. It is a fantastic trio of materials for a YA collection.

Check out extras and read the first chapter of “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan at:

Then watch the trailer, make a playlist, and search NYC for Where’s Fluffy at: