Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Rating:

* * * *

Verdict:

A feel-good teen comedy for all ages.

Every once in a while, amid the myriad teenage comedies and coming-of-age films churned out each year, a film comes along that makes you wish you were a teenager. Films that capture the infinite possibility and potential of being young and remind you just how fun - often stupidly fun - those times were.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

is a classic "one night" movie that follows the chaotic exploits of a circle of friends as they tear across New York City hunting a secret showcase by their favourite band.

Based on the novel by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, the story has been made by people who actually remember what it was like to be a teenager, rather than those trying too hard to be down with the kids. The humour is random, the romance is awkward and the drunk girl is perfectly played by Ari Graynor - who manages to be both ridiculous and entirely believable. (And partakes in the most disturbing, toe-curling toilet scene since

Trainspotting

.)

There is sex, drinking and all the usual teen-movie fodder but it comes without the typical over-the-top treatment, and the result is something much more touching than the norm.

Driven by a superb soundtrack featuring Vampire Weekend, Modest Mouse, Def Leppard and more, viewers feel a part of the party, as if you have spent the night club-hopping and wandering the city streets alongside these characters.

But what makes the film so endearing is its genuine plausibility.

You've probably had a night like this with people not dissimilar to these guys (though perhaps none were called Lothario).

And while the pace is uneven, occasionally stalling completely, all is forgiven when you see Cera's doleful eyes and crooked grin smiling at you, defying you not to return the gesture in kind.

Joanna Hunkin

Cast:

Michael Cera, Kat Dennings

Director:

Peter Sollett

Running time:

89 min

Rating:

M (Offensive Language & Sexual References)