"Nick and Norah works much better as a trailer. The actual execution makes only for a slightly entertaining film."

It's safe to say Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is a buzzy film. It has "it" guy Michael Cera and a tremendous trailer too. It offers solid music choices and it looks from the outside like this generation's version of The Breakfast Club. So it's with no small amount of sadness that I report Nick and Norah works much better as a trailer -- while the actual execution makes only for a slightly entertaining film (and probably an above-average DVD).

The fault probably lays with the script, and the fact that films like Juno and Superbad have shown us what meandering comedies "done right" look like. Nick and Norah is set in New York City, and Michael Cera plays a recently dumped guitarist out for a night on the town. He's trying to track down his favorite band and along the way Norah enlists him in her little world. Norah, played by Kat Dennings, is a fun character. She's purposefully mysterious and she and Cera have passable chemistry (though nothing like what Rogen and Cera reach in Superbad).

There are laughs to be had. They mostly come from the bag of tricks we've seen Cera display before. His tiny Yugo is funny, his painful breakup is enjoyable, and his all-gay band and their quest to get him over his ex-girlfriend mostly works. Insert problem one: it's impossible to pull for the ex (Alexis Dziena). She's unlovable, straight from central casting as an unrepentant and manipulative schemer. That's fine, but you lose any hope of meaningful conflict. Juno does a much better job with this: though Jason Bateman's character ends up a jerk he doesn't start as one.

Then we should talk Kat Dennings. I hadn't seen her before this, but she seems like she'd be more cut out for serious work. Her entire being emotes dramatic, from the dark lipstick to her vampire-pale skin. To quote the dude, "I dig her style," but Nick and Norah doesn't really show off her skills.

If you're of a particular demo Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is the best option this weekend. Just don't expect the dazzling story promised by that two-minute trailer. That thing's a masterpiece.

Grade: B-

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