TIFF Roundup: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Insight gleaned at Saturday's screening of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist: staying out all night is a lot of fun when you're watching other people do it at the reasonable dinner hour of 6:00; offering film-goers the chance to witness the genesis of a romance is like offering catnip to a kitten; Seth Meyers should do more cameos, Michael Cera is a teen heartthrob. Girls were screaming like crazy for him. When N and N is released widely next month, the crushes will multiply tenfold. He's a sweet guy in a sweet and endearing film that follows two teens around NYC as they search for an elusive gig and possibly fall in love. As is obvious from the title, music plays a key role in their tentative bonding. Nick and Norah have the astute musical taste of cool kids, however, they aren't condescending about it. Neither is the movie. The score and soundtrack are excellent (The Submarines! We Are Scientists!) but an uninitiated audience won't be made to feel inferior if they don't recognize it acts like Vampire Weekend. While the film covers conventional territory it's just different enough to feel original. For example, the du jour drunk girl is actually funny and Nick's gay wingmen are more concerned for his heart than his libido. This movie is the kind of movie that puts you in a great mood almost instantly and keeps you there the whole way through. It's worth seeing if you enjoy the state of happiness. It's must-see viewing if you want to understand why Where's Fluffy propaganda is popping up everywhere. Definitely this year's Vote for Pedro.

Thanks to J for the poster.