See this more than once...

After watching Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist last night, I was able to watch a borrowed DVD movie Once.  Between the two, the latter can be said to be the far superior movie hands down. Where the first film tries too hard to create romance between supposedly unfit for each other individuals, the second film is the adult version of a romance that can never be or has tried to be but both parties restrain themselves...And I respect that. In the end of the movie, Once gives the viewer a sense that these characters will never forget each other nor stop thinking what they've done for each other.  Both embark on an innocent affair-non-sexual but more spiritual, emotional all expressed with song. And being a romantic for music, this movie will always be on my "infinite playlist" if they had playlists for movies.

NOTED FEATURES THAT MAKE THIS ON MY FAVORITE LIST:

1. The riddle of love and how two try to find solutions to it

2. The music...my God, the music!

3. The authenticity of emotions

4. Emphasized the true meaning of the independent creative artist (e.g., film, musician, etc.)

5. The elements within the movie that remind me of myself-

     a. playing improvised piano

     b. jamming with a new friend

     c. doing recognizance in a music studio

     d. jamming in my bedroom

     e. the need to move on and follow my dreams, with validation from family

     f. the solace of the shore and the beach

     g. the isolation of airports

     h. composing new songs

There are some similar elements to the two movies above, such as friends packed in a car, music studios, and how music plays a major element in both movies. But where both lead male characters play guitar and make their own music, Once wins over with the female character able to keep up with the rest of the band...and sending the male character to potential musical success....And in that, she is the kind hearted one (see previous review). In a sense, the characters in Once are both kind to each other and their respective mates-whether estranged or separated.  But maybe its because they are adults and no longer have to play games.....

For life is too short to play them....

 and as said in the song Falling Slowly

..."and games that never amount to more than their meant

    will play themselves out...."

Beautiful movie. A must to watch over and over and over again :)

Where Is Fluffy?...And Who are They?

Music Makes Love Go 'Round

There are many who have passed scowls against this movie.  Perhaps my bias comes from my infatuation with my "ideal man" Michael Cera, particularly as Nick.  Focused on others vs. himself, I find that appealing. Unabashed at what others might think of him, he hangs with friends who happen to be gay and plays guitar as well as "synthetic" drums for them in their band. But as all heroes, we have our weaknesses. And his ex-girlfriend seems to warp his good natured self.  Until Norah becomes an accidental part of his life in just one night that changes them forever. They both find themselves better for having known each other.  The one scene I enjoy is where Norah talks about an aspect of Judaism that says the world is made up of broken pieces and its up to us to bring them together....to which Nick replies, "Maybe we're the pieces....Maybe we're the pieces." Nearly in tears, Norah is compelled by both the simplicity and profundity of this statement.  Love has blossomed in this moment! :)

The music is awesome. I will have to investigate the soundtrack.  As far as movie criticism, there are hints of old '80's teen romances, with dialogue such as when Nick says, "I don't like to wash my jeans. I like to keep the night on them." Corny? Perhaps. There is also this vibe of campiness similar to Adventures in Babysitting (which one has to admit was funny...), with the search for Caroline inside a Scooby -doo van of misfits that make up Nick and Norah's party.

I have to admit, on the Richter scale of comedy and laughs, the reading would have to be fair if not zero.  There are cute moments and you get a few guffaws and one major gross out executed all too well by a female no less.  But could it match the buzzworthiness of JUNO, on which this movie seems to ride its coattails? Maybe not.

But what this movie taught me is opening up again my heart to the possibilities of what life has to offer, and how certain decisions must be made...as in the end

"Are you sad that we missed it?" asks Norah.

"No," Nick quickly responds with a smile. "This is it."

And both of them ride the escalator in each other's arms kissing....

Yes, I'm a sappy romantic, even if it does seem outrageous and unbelieveable.