Inspired by an American Library Association (ALA) Best Book of the Year by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist brings both charm and wit to the big screen. This 90-minute film serves as an unexpected treat to even the most reluctant of viewers. When Norah (Kat Dennings) asks Nick (Michael Cera) to be her beau for a grand total of five minutes, an ordinary kiss opens up New York City to a night of adventure on both ends. There’s laughing. There’s crying. And well, there’s excitement; it’s New York.

Up-and-coming director Peter Sollett manages to make even the most cliché theme of young love seem fresh and exciting. By exploring the darkest corners of city life with the brightest couple, Sollett captivates his audience with the perfect equilibrium between spontaneity and predictability. His work is far from being just another film directed loosely towards the teen demographic. On the contrary, he gains the trust of viewers by authentically expressing what being young and free is all about. As the shots swap back from Norah’s perspective to Nick’s, viewers are able to learn even more about each character’s personal struggles in a unique way. Sollet’s prior film, Raising Victor Vargas, also raises an interesting parallel between independence and early maturity.

Of course, this is not to slight the prowess of Cera and Dennings as Nick and Norah, whose chemistry alone is enough to delight. The two high school students are drawn together in one crazy night of trust, misunderstanding, love and pure chance. Cera is memorable as the amusingly awkward hero, whose broken-hearted woes serve as the background to a night he will never forget. His sensitive nature and complete honesty even make the idea of “believing in your heart” seem like a noble undertaking, rather than an impossible one. Cera, who starred alongside Ellen Page in the 2007 film Juno, where he played another lovable geek, is quickly becoming a face to watch out for.

Dennings co-stars as the straight-laced, slightly apathetic daughter of a recording celebrity. Her pursuit of a normal lifestyle leads her straight into a den of punk bands and out of control New York inhabitants. It is easy to understand her longing for a break in a fatiguing routine, and just plain fun to regard her escapades as our own. However, her laments of “too much fame” and her near psychotic on-and-off boyfriend are difficult to relate to.

Without a doubt, it is ultimately the music that makes this film so special. The music seeps in where conversation is impossible, breaking open Norah’s mysterious character and breathing life into the innocent Nick. The soundtrack opens with “Speed of Sound” by the late Chris Bell, and from there it just gets better and better. Though the list of rather obscure artists may seem arbitrary, the end product is a musical combo that’s both ingenious and original, a tough blend to come by. Personal interpretation is definitely required for this excellent soundtrack, which also features music by artists Vampire Weekend and We are the Scientists.

Alert viewers will be surprised by the number of hidden lessons locked within this seemingly light-hearted story. Issues of friendship and courage are often brought up into some of the much more serious lulls in this film. Some mature content is covered, and the PG-13 rating comes from profanity and some sexual and drinking references.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is hugely successful in living up to the reputation of the novel. For viewers seeking a bit of good movie-watching fun, this four and a half out of five star film is worth your time.