Friday, January 21, 2011

Book v. Movie: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

I put off watching Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist for the longest time because I was annoyed that they copied the names of my beloved Nick and Nora from The Thin Man movies. Then one night I was awake far too late, nothing else was on and so I stayed up for hours longer watching this movie. It's not an all-time favorite but there are things about it that I love (like Kat Dennings and the Yugo). It's a story of second chances, accidental love-at-first-sight and choosing your best future. I've watched it once or twice more in the wee hours of the night/morning (because I can't stomach the whole Caroline and her gum thing when I'm fully awake) and enjoyed it each time. Then, inevitably, I figured out it was a book.

In fact, I figured that it was probably the type of book that wasn't really for me -- me being stodgy and married and from the opposite coast and all. And then I saw the book for a dollar at Half Price Books and couldn't resist. I breezed through the short novel--written by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan as alternating chapters between the titular Nick and Norah--and have made it through relatively unscathed and of the opinion that this book was actually more for the adults than the kids. It's quite full of profanity and sexuality and was surprisingly lacking in music. The kids talk like they're in their twenties instead of like teenagers. Money keeps magically appearing for these kids who don't seem to have jobs. And yet, it made me a bit nostalgic for the problems of teens -- the wondering, the firsts, the fights, the friendships. That's why I think that adults might ultimately find it more interesting than teens.

The movie and the book turned out to have little in common and, though I appreciated the book, I have to say that I prefer the movie. I like the story line that they created, the different direction the characters took at times and the more dastardly exes. It was more of The Odyssey and less of The Breakfast Club.

Verdict: These are both decent stories about teen adventure and love. If you want more New York City landmarks, angst and f-bombs (hundreds of them), read the book. If you want more of a dramatic teen adventure comedy (yes, I'm having trouble classifying it!) with that special something that you always get from Michael Cera, watch the film.

Looking back on my relatively quiet teen years with relief,
K


Support our site and buy Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (the novel) and Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (the movie) on Amazon or find them at your local library. I watched the movie on cable and bought a copy of the book.

8 comments:

  1. I haven't read the book but I quite liked the movie (except the bit about the gum, ewww.) I also want to read Dash and Lily's Book of Dares which seems to be all over the blogosphere lately. Wish my library had a copy!

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  2. But I really hated it in the movie that Nick drove off and left his ex in some sketchy-ass part of the city all by herself and no car and wearing ridiculous heels. Not cool, Michael Cera!

    (Otherwise I agree with you.)

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  3. Wow .. movies almost NEVER win in face-offs against books. I did see the movie but didn't read the book. I am a Michael Cera fan ... he does have that something special like you said.

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  4. To continue a conversation started elsewhere:
    The only spice in my ingredients list that will make my curry hot is the chilli.
    All the others contribute aroma and richness, if you add them at the levels I suggest but dial back the chilli you won't have a 'hot' curry.

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  5. To continue a conversation started elsewhere:
    The only spice in my ingredients list that will make my curry hot is the chilli.
    All the others contribute aroma and richness, if you add them at the levels I suggest but dial back the chilli you won't have a 'hot' curry.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hmm, I've thought about reading this but after your description I realize I probably will like the movie better also.

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  7. This was a cute film! I, too, am a fan of the "day/night of adventure that changes your young life forever" teen genre, e.g., Ferris Bueller and Adventures in Babysitting.

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  8. Karen - The "Dash & Lily" hype right now is some of the reason why I grabbed this one right now. I wanted to see how the authors work together.

    Jenny - True. In the book, the ex is a much more tolerable person and he wouldn't do something like that to her. It DID seem a bit out of character though.

    Jenners - I was surprised that I liked the movie better -- especially as it's less angsty (which is a teen requisite). My husband strongly dislikes Michael Cera but I like him!

    Al - Yes, my curry has no chilli in it at all -- or dairy, for that matter. It has apples and onions instead of potatoes. I'll have to write it up for you so that you can see!

    3m - Try the movie first then. I think you will like it!

    Brett - Totally! It does fit in with those movies. The "completely unsupervised and over-the-top outing" is the best!

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