Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist ***

Cast: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Ari Graynor, Alexis Dziena, Aaron Yoo, Rafi Gavron
Director: Peter Sollett
Running Length: PG-13
MPAA Classification: 1:30

It has been a while, but Nick (Crea) is still trying to get over his ex-girlfriend Tris (Dziena). One night, he and his friends head out into New York City to look for the secret site where his favorite band, Where’s Fluffy, is playing. Norah (Dennings) is going on the hunt as well, with her friend Caroline (Graynor). Norah has a bit of a crush on Nick through an inadvertent sampling of mix cds he had made for Tris. At a club, to overcome not having a boyfriend when questioned, she gets Nick to play the part. Together, they set out to find Where’s Fluffy and Caroline, who is drunk and missing in NYC.

“Nick and Norah” succeeds because of two things: the chemistry between Cera and Dennings, and the quality of the screenplay. Nick and Norah are likeable characters that belong together, even if it takes them a little while to figure it out. The relationship develops slowly, and pays off nicely. The script is smartly written with clever dialogue. The movie is fresh and enjoyable. I recommend “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.”

Juno ****
Cast: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons, Olivia Thirlby
Director: Jason Reitman
Running Length: 1:32
MPAA Classification: PG-13

After taking three pregnancy tests, sixteen year old Juno MacGuff (Page) accepts that she is indeed pregnant. Her and her boyfriend Paulie (Cera) only had sex once, but that is all it took. After initially considering an abortion, she decides to put the child up for adoption. Her parents (Simmons, Janney) are supportive, and soon she meets Vanessa (Garner) and Mark (Bateman). They seem to be ready to adopt, but things are not always as they seem. Soon, Juno must decide whether to continue down this path or explore other options, but her nine months is almost up.

“Juno” is a smart and engaging film. The screenplay is solid, telling a good story with humor and drama. It is smart and provided likeable characters. Ellen Page is perfect as Juno, a girl with a witty comeback for everything. The supporting cast, especially Simmons and Janney as Juno’s parents are also great. This is a film that is all around enjoyable that leaves you with a good feeling. Teen pregnancy is a serious topic and it is handled well. I highly recommend “Juno”. You will not be disappointed.

Superbad ***Cast: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bill Hader, Seth Rogen, Emma Stone, Martha MacIsaac, Aviva
Director: Greg Mottola
Running Length: 1:53
MPAA Classification: R

Evan (Cera) is a average shy high schooler. Seth (Hill) is loud and obnoxious. Fogell (Mintz-Plasse) is a big nerd. Together, they have a chance to impress the girls at a high school party by supplying alcohol. Evan is interested in Becca (MacIsaac), Seth likes Jules (Stone), and Fogell wants Nicola (Aviva). Of course nothing goes smoothly, and soon they are dealing with Officers Slater (Hader) and Michaels (Rogan), who aren’t very competent and want to hang with Fogell, who is going by the name McLuvin on his new fake ID.

“Superbad” is a very funny movie. The dialogue is profane and very R-rated, but clever as well. It is like an even funnier version of “American Pie”. The three leads are all believable as high schoolers on the brink of college. The camaraderie is genuine, and you can tell that they had a blast making this movie. Produced by Judd Apatow (director “Knocked Up”’) and written by Rogan and Evan Goldberg, it is clear that they know their subject matter, and know how to make it funny. Apatow and Rogan seem to be the voices of comedy these days, and “Superbad” is a prime example. I recommend this film.