We all take movie reviews for granted. The first two sentences are usually what sways us. It’s worse than judging a book by its back cover. God forbid it be preceded by a scoring icon.
Writing one is really hard, too. You’re reviewing something they haven’t seen yet. Tell them what’s good and bad but you can’t give away why.
Well, this is my first ever attempt at writing a review for a movie. Thanks for reading it. Knowledge on all movies and characters preceding the paragraphs is necessary for understanding that section.
(Arrested Development, Superbad, Juno, Ernest from the Ernest Goes To… series, George Costanza, Cosmo Kramer) Michael Cena is a brilliant. He’s created a character whose comedy style is genuinely original and he pulls it off flawlessly. I was very pessimistic about going into this movie because (as we’ve all seen in the previews) we’d say, “Oh, there goes George Michael again,” or “Is this Juno 2?” My expectations were met, then overwhelmed. Yes, Cena plays Cena. But it’s not bad stereotyping like how George Clooney plays George Clooney, or when Kevin Spacey plays Kevin Spacey playing Kevin Spacey. Not a typo. I think of Cena as a stand-up comedian: you know what kind of funny to expect each time, but it’s still funny. Not since Robert Carradine has any one given more hope to nerds.
(Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Paul Newman, Jim Carey) Kat Dennings plays Norah. She is not the cutest girl, but she’s as perfectly cast as Paul Newman in The Sting. That’s right, I said it. She’s such an under-rated character! No one could have seen this from her performance (given entirely in falsetto) in The 40 Year Old Virgin. What really made her stand out was her avoidance to over acting. The obvious subtlety and soft spoken voice sold the character. 100% of her performance was given with her face. You’ll know what I mean when you watch it.
(Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Chasing Amy, Pulp Fiction) This movie was essentially one conversation that lasted throughout the night. Yeah, you can say that about all movies, but ones like these are specifically engineered. It requires a whole new style of writing that requires specific execution. When successfully done, a sense of authenticity should be realized. Nick and Norah pulls it off. His under-the-breath remarks and her innocent persona keeps you engrossed throughout their 90-minute conversation. The dialogue felt unbelievably real and I’m not sure who to give more credit: the actors or the writers.
(Rent, Schindler’s List, Sam Rockwell in The Green Mile) You have to be a bit open-minded going into this movie. Focus is on the main romance between Nick and Norah, but there are all sorts of different kinds of love in this movie. Don’t be disgusted. Laugh with them. The supporting cast is great- they make you really root for the protagonists and despise the antagonist.
(Jerry Maguire, The Wedding Singer) Don’t be fooled. I thought I was going to see a comedy about kids in the underground NYC scene. I’m not going to kid you, it’s a romantic comedy. And a damn good one, too. I remember seeing the trailer for Jerry Maguire and thinking “Ooh, a movie on being a kick-ass sports agent with REAL pro athletes!” only to discover it was probably the best romantic movie I’ve ever seen. It’s a good duped. First they’re sour, then they’re sweet.
Other notes:
1- keep an eye out for real artists posing as extras.
2- the award for Best Metaphor For Measuring An Orgasm goes to Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
3- walking to the car after a movie with a smile is one of the best things
I really hope you guys see this movie- with a friend or with a special someone. It’s very positive in all different ways. Let me know when you do so we can talk about it.
