Ick and Orah.

2) Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

No surprise here, awesome soundtrack with less well-known indie underground (5 adj.) artists. Near the end of the movie, I realized I was watching the "16 Candles"/"She's All That" of the 2000's. It's cleverly hidden behind the exterior of an indie-feeling alternative teen movie in the mode of "Juno" and "Superbad"(Michael Cera's presence in all three films is duly noted), but these are all prime examples of what is clearly becoming the new 21st Century teenage flick. A little less fluffy (pun not intended), and a little more "underground"-feeling, but "Nick and Norah" still had the tricks more traditional teen movies most readily employ. For instance, the "pretend you're my boyfriend and kiss me oh wow we felt a nice connection there" plot line is easily identified in other types of teenaged romantic comedies. Others just as easily recognizable are the "jealous evil ex-girlfriend/beauty queen/diva", the "mini-makover" Norah receives in the van from a gay guy, the "gay guy" (but in this case a nice trio of them), and the "all-night driving around town doing crazy and ridiculous things, but having the time of their lives" themes. There are plenty more, but I'll leave it at that. I think you get my drift. Other than the generally predictable plot themes stated above that made this movie feel a little too prosaically familiar, it was a fun ride with some really interesting and funny supporting cast and characters. The most memorable characters for me were the drunk friend who picked her gum out of the nasty public toilet water (disturbingly reminiscent of "Trainspotting"), and the gay Asian friend played by Aaron Yoo (only because he's Asian, and any sort of representation in the entertainment business delights me). Oh, and the Yugo. Oh, how I desire one now. Oh, and getting to see the inside of "Electric Lady Studios". WOW MOM I'M PEEING MY PANTS RIGHT NOW THAT WAS SO TOTALLY AWESOME. The end.

Next up: "Slumdog Millionaire"