Justine Larbalestier

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Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

The movie version of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist turned a crappy day into a lovely one. While it’s not as good as the book, it left me grinning and happy. It managed to be faithful to the feel of the novel as well as a real crowd pleaser. All around me people were laughing, squealing, and sighing. Sighing a lot whenever Michael Cera so much as quirked an eyebrow. I don’t think I’m ever going to understand his charms, but this movie gave me a bit more of a clue. He’s kind of like a young James Stewart—awkward in his own skin, totally harmless, safe, gentle and quietly smart. Kind of like a sentient teddy bear or something.

I’m adding Nick and Norah to my list of fun teen films. Although most of the cast—as usual—looked to be a few years older than they were supposed to be it wasn’t as egregious as some teen films and TV series. Most importantly, the cast sounded like teenagers. Unlike Juno who’s eponymous character speaks and thinks like a cynical thirty-something. I didn’t buy anything in that movie.

I had the privilege of hanging out with Nick and Norah’s authors, Rachel and David, afterwards.1 They’re both over the moon happy with the film and its reception. And not just because it’s propelled their book onto the New York Times bestseller list. (Woo hoo!) The odds of having your book made into a movie are very very small, but having your book made into a good movie? Smaller than small. David and Rachel lucked out big time and they know it. Couldn’t have happened to nicer people. Go Rachel! Go David!

If you haven’t already read Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist go do so immediately!

  1. They went to three screenings on the opening day. Talk about dedication! [↩]

Posted by Justine at 13:32, 4 October 2008 under Praising, Viewing, Young Adult literature |

Comments

  1. Michael Bush Says:

    A friend of mine described Juno as ‘a list of trendy albums and made up idioms’. Never a truer word…

    Also, I’ve been meaning to pick up Nick and Norah for a good while now. I should probably make sure I buy it before all the covers get replaced with pictures of George Michael from Arrested Development. Movie tie-ins are the Big Bad!

    October 4th, 2008 at 2:52 pm

  2. Serafina Zane Says:

    I am possibly the only person left who has never seen Juno. *shrug*

    But Nick and Norah’s is one of my favorite books, and I saw it on opening day yesterday and agree with all above. Great great great great great awesome. Worthy of the awesome book (which was, of course, better, but it was pretty close). The screenplay was very good, and all the New York shots were priceless. Yeah, it’s probably on my list of favorite movies.

    October 4th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

  3. 3. Justine Says:

    Serafina Zane: That was fabulous, wasn’t it? So many of the scenes were shot in my neighbourhood. Would’ve made me homesick for NYC if I wasn’t already here.

    October 4th, 2008 at 8:07 pm

  4. Julia Rios Says:

    We just saw Nick and Norah last night, and it made us very happy. It also made us want Ukranian food, but alas there are no 24 hour Ukranian restaurants that we know of in Boston. We decided it was a goo New York movie, in that it was set there, but not in a super gimmicky way. No big climactic scene at the top of the Empire State Building. Also, it was hilarious.

    October 4th, 2008 at 8:22 pm

  5. Emily Says:

    I really wanted to see Nick & Norah’s, but haven’t read the book yet and need to get my hands on a copy before catching the flick. Glad to hear it was good though - any tips on getting my film snob boyfriend to take me? You know, like a secret fight scene or a car crash?

    I really miss well-done teen films - ones that might ultimately be trashy but are cute and clever anyway.

    PS, I work at BookPeople in Austin and we’re REALLY looking forward to your stopping by in November. My bookselling fairy has been particularly useful lately, but I’m hoping you might show me how to upgrade to an air conditioning fairy. Texas is hot!

    October 5th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

  6. Allie Says:

    Hmm. I just saw the movie also, and really enjoyed it. But, of course, the book was better. It’s like, my all time favorite book out of those that aren’t by you or Scott. I was actually surprised that they didn’t totally kill it. It made my day happy too. c:

    October 5th, 2008 at 6:47 pm

  7. Caitlyn Says:

    I just finished the book, and it’s killing me that I don’t have time to see the movie this weekend. I’m so glad it wasn’t slaughtered, though. That makes me breathe easier.

    October 6th, 2008 at 11:26 pm

  8. kittee Says:

    Waaaaaaait a minute! Teddy bears aren’t sentient??!!!!

    October 7th, 2008 at 11:45 am

  9. movie fan Says:

    there were some awkward moments in this movie that were hard to get past… like every time that gum was passed around, yuck

    October 11th, 2008 at 5:46 pm

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