Napoleon Dynamite


Starring: Jon Heder, Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell, Efren Ramirez, Haylie Duff
Directed by: Jared Hess
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
2004

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Nerdy Napoleon Dynamite (Jon Heder) lives with his eccentric family and tries to avoid bullies in high school while helping his friend Pedro run for Student Body President, and honing his "skills" to get girls.

Review:

Tim: Napoleon Dynamite is one of the most quotable movies in recent memory. It isn't incredibly funny, but features some amazing characters and inspired writing. This is one of those movies that are much better than it should be. It is enjoyable to watch and will actually make you laugh more than you might expect. I wasn't doubling up with laughter, but I admit I was entertained.

The film works because everyone had a kid like Napoleon in their high school. There is always that one socially retarded, mega-weird individual who doesn't quite fit in. That kid has never been funnier than in this movie. That is one of the film's strengths- it takes a very odd character, and makes him incredibly sympathetic.

The movie is pretty low budget, but that adds to the charm- it has a very realistic feel to it. The best part of the film is the writing. Some of my favorite quotes are: "You ever take it off any sweet jumps?" "Your mom goes to college!" "A liger. It's pretty much my favorite animal. It's like a lion and a tiger mixed, bred for its skills in magic." "Can you bring me my chapstick?.... But my lips hurt real bad!" and finally, "I caught you a delicious bass." If you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about. This movie works because of the very funny writing and the memorable lines. The film's story is a slight variation of most high school movies, although it does take a few unexpected departures.

This movie isn't incredibly original in that is similar in plot to many other nerd movies. However, Napoleon Dynamite is in many ways in a league of its own- it certainly is unique in its presentation. For that reason, this is a must-see.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



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Revenge of the Nerds