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Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist [Movie Review]

"High school student Nick O'Leary, member of the Queercore band The Jerk Offs, meets college-bound Norah Silverberg and she asks him to be her boyfriend for five minutes."

While Michael Cera's new film, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist lacks over-the-top lingo like "honest to blog," it does consciously try to infuse as many hipster musical references as possible. But what saves this movie from turning too far into the realm of teenage cliches are the numerous wildcard plot elements delivered from the supporting cast like Nick's all gay band, and Norah's shitfaced friend Caroline.

Nick and Norah may not have the Oscar buzz of Juno, or the crudeness of Superbad, but it does manage to develop a charming little teenage-love-story between Michael Cera and Kat Dennings characters, Nick and Norah.

The plot is a little thin, and the last half of the movie seems a little rushed, but it still manages to come off more witty and endearing than sloppy.

This probably isn't the kind of movie you would want to drag your highbrow film-buff friend to, but for a feel-good movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, Nick and Norah is the ticket.
*B-

W. Opening Austin Film Festival

Oliver Stone's W. will open the Austin Film festival Oct 16.
W. is the story of the controversial and eventful life of President George W. Bush. Josh Brolin plays Bush and Elizabeth Banks will be portraying his wife Laura.

The screening takes place at the Paramount, at 7pm. A festival badge or pass is recommended, but tickets will be available if the theater doesn't fill up.

View the Trailer here.

Other buzzed-about films screening at the festival include Max Payne, Happy Go-Lucky, Two Lovers and Synecdoche, New York.

Ian Mackaye Coming to St. Ed's

I was totally stoked to read the following on the St. Edward's event calendar today:

November 14:
Talking Tour: Q&A with Ian MacKaye
Mabee Ballrooms, Robert Pearle Ragsdale Center

MacKaye is the founder of the Dischord record label, former band member of Fugazi, and currently a member of The Evens. The event is sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Leadership, Student Life, and the Digital MBA Program. The event is free but ticket is required.

I don't know how long this event has been scheduled, but what a cool guest speaker for St. Ed's to bring aboard. Ian Mackaye from Minor Threat, Fugazi & The Teen Idles. Kudos to whoever set this up. Now where can I get my ticket?

Conspiracy?

How is John McCain racking up so many points in my poll?

ACL Aftershow: Conor Oberst, Jenny Lewis & M. Ward @ La Zona Rosa

Approaching La Zona Rosa around eight o'clock last night, the line was already wrapped around the block. By the time doors opened at nine, the crowd began to swiftly move towards the stage.

By 10, the one-man-wonder, M. Ward, took the stage to deliver soulful tunes backed up by his minimal acoustic guitar. Ward was clearly popular with the majority of the crowd, but some groups tended to talk over his slow songs, perhaps still energized from an ACL high. Ward ended the set by bringing up musicians Gillian Welch and David Rawlings for a folksy collaboration.

Next, Jenny Lewis performed songs off her new solo album, Acid Tongue. Opening on the piano, and eventually moving up to the microphone for the rest of the set, Lewis, accompanied by her band, gave a dynamic performance. During the set, actor Bill Murray could be spotted beside the stage. Lewis' performance was impressive to say the least. Even though her album had been out for less than a week, the crowd excitedly sang and danced along like each song was an old classic.

Shortly before Conor Oberst came on stage, Bill Murray was spotted by a large portion of the crowd, who began to scream out his name, and various other comments like "What About Bob!" Murray faded into the crowd on the side of the stage a bit, and the comments stopped when Oberst appeared. Murray could still be seen swaying--eventually dancing, during the remainder of the show. Oberst and his Mystic Valley Band performed songs off their new record, and various other tunes.

After an electrifying set with his band (including a song dedication to Oberst's friend "Bill" coincidence, I think not), Oberst returned for a strictly acoustic encore with M. Ward. As they began, Oberst informed the crowd that it was getting late, and he wouldn't be offended if anyone went home to sleep. Together the pair performed several songs, among them "Lenders in the Temple," the Bright Eyes tune "Smoke Without Fire" and a Lucinda Williams cover with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

Conor Oberst/ Jenny Lewis Photos