Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

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Plot
Nick (Michael Cera) meets Norah (Kat Dennings) as he is breaking up with Tris (Alexis Dziena), a friend of Norah's, at a concert Nick is playing in. They flirt, and they spend the night chasing around New York looking for a concert and Norah's drunken girlfriend. By sunrise, they learn... well you know.

Review
The movie revolves around Norah; her character is detailed and interesting; Kat Dennings' performance elevates the movie. Michael Cera's Nick is a likable Charlie Brown character to whom interesting things happen. I found his performance passable, but he did not create the chemistry with Norah that would have elevated this movie to excellence. I know the ladies find Cera puppy-dog cute, but I think he needs a makeover.

The story is a nice balance between melancholy and humorous. The dialog is strong, but not up to Juno standards. 

It is a worthwhile movie -- better quality than Afterschool Special fare -- though it has an Afterschool Special plot. 

Starring: Kat Dennings, Michael Cera, Alexis Dzienna; directed by Peter Sollett, based on the book by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Rating
2.5


More
Kat Dennings' Norah and Michael Cera's Nick are just so likable.

Burn After Reading

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Plot
The plot is complicated, but that does not matter. This is a spy comedy, and the story twists are supposed to roller-coaster. A CIA officer gets fired, his wife is playing around, and he is getting blackmailed some fitness instructors. This is against a web of interconnected romantic relationships.

Review
The movie builds from reasonable drama to ridiculous farce gradually. The characters are bigger than life, and give the actors a chance to show off. Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, and George Clooney are very good and fun to watch. Don't get worried about the plot -- farces are not supposed to make sense. The movie has an basic absurdity and blackness that rises above most comedies, and while this is comedy for the fun of it, it is a little more mindful than most.


Cast and crew:
Starring: Frances McDormand,George Clooney, John Malkovich, Brad Pitt; written and directed by Ethan and Joel Coen

Rating
3.0


More
The closing credit song is worth staying for.