A yummy indie bite—garnished with the savor of Michael Cera and Kat Dennings—interrupted by a nauseating piece of chewing gum.
Regan Humphrey
Nick (Michael Cera) is obsessed with his toxic on-and-off again girlfriend, Tris (Alexis Dziena). Tris, caddy and attention-seeking, loves to pick on Norah (Kat Dennings), a friend from school. At a show one night, to spite Tris, Norah decides to volunteer a stranger to pose as her boyfriend. Who does she pick out of the crowd but Nick? Riling Tris was the goal, but it may come second to the surprising connection Nick and Norah share. Can they leave behind their insecurities and toxic relationships long enough to appreciate the possibility of each other?
REF SCORE: 52%
Soundtrack: 100%
Story: 100%
Writing: 50%
Diversity: 30%
Daring: 100%
Racism: PRESENT – 10%
Gender Bias: PRESENT – 30%
Homophobia: COMBATTED – 70%
SUMMARY
Michael Cera is the unequivocal soul of late-2000s indie films. His off-beat comedy and bone-deep awkward sincerity shine in this late night NYC adventure. He and Dennings are a joy to watch, bringing the distinct flavors of 2007 to life in an unexpected romantic comedy about finding self-respect and leaving toxicity alone at the bar (or in an empty parking lot, in Cera’s case).
ref score 