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Napoleon Dynamite (2004 movie)

Art House & International and Comedy movie directed by Jared Hess

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The comedy is dry, bland, and stale......... But, it works.

Feb 8, 2006

by MzJen_2_review

Rating:

In the wake of independent pictures and original films, this seems to be one of the prized selections in those categories. Last night, I had the pleasure of seeing what I consider one of the funniest and most interesting film I've seen in awhile.

Dynamite is one weird kid. He has the most eccentric, odd, loser family in Idaho and he dons odd clothing, hairstyles, and participates in random, mundane activities. But, that's what makes him interesting, what makes the film interesting. As we follow him, from his ventures with his brother into joining a karate, defense class labeled, 'Rex Kwan Do', to a day of school where the kids are just as dated as he is, we meet and see more of the dynamic world.

Imagine a world today, that wasn't in today's standards and culture. A place where the music is of the 80's and the people are stuck in the fashion and lifestyles of the 70's. Odd doesn't describe this, but hilariously distinguished might. It's not that funny that you sit there and laugh out loud or kick the chair hysterically; it's just there, and laugh if you may. Although there are scenarios everyone is bound to laugh, but for the most part, its open minded humor.

See the film. I had approached this film skeptically, not being sure how I would react or relate to it...but it won me over. It was not just another dumb comedy that would disintegrate two points off my intelligence quotient just by sitting through it. Rather, it was a fine little film, large on ambition, that I came to care about. I recommend it highly.

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More Napoleon Dynamite (2004 movie) reviews

Quick Tip by TeamAWAC. October 17, 2009

A Quick Tip by TeamAWAC

As a complete movie, I didn't find it necessarily compelling, but the characters create some memorable (and imitate-able) scenes.

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review by Schtinky. November 14, 2008

Dry humor and well done, but not great

If you are looking for overt, laugh aloud humor, then you will be disappointed in Napoleon Dynamite. Any real verbal or visual humor is very deadpan and subtle, and hard to miss if you are seeking out a belly laugh. The funniest part of the entire movie is the characters themselves, who go beyond nerd into the land of dweebs so inept that they are the ones that pass beyond the notice of society. They are not handsome or beautiful, they are not smart, they have no talents, … more

Comments (1) Compliments (13)

review by Friedpez. December 30, 2008

I have yet to find most of it funny.

A lot of people like Napoleon Dynamite and I understand why if your sense of humor is similar to what the movie was aiming for. But for me, I have a far more sarcastic sense of humor so this film just didn't cut it. However, there was one scene that I found mildly entertaining. It was where the farmer puts down the cow in front of a school bus full of children. The irony is just too great (killing a cow to put it out of its "misery" but inadvertently traumatizing dozens of … more

Comment Compliments (8)

review by beckytcy. November 10, 2005

Explosions of Laughter in Napoleon Dynamite

Pros: funny, unusual, soundtrack, characters Cons: a few unrealistic moments, slow-moving, Napoleon's affect The Bottom Line: "Want to play me?" Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie''s plot. Writer/director Jared Hess sets Napoleon Dynamite in his hometown of Preston, Idaho with a mixture of tenderness and mockery. I expected Napoleon Dynamite to be dark, disturbing, and somewhat depressing, but it’s … more

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review by kfontenot. March 15, 2005

Napoleon Gets My Vote

At some point in our lives, we've all been the geek. Some of us(like myself), have been the geek one too many times. This film lets us laugh at those who are geeks, those who beat up the geeks, and the snobby little popular girls who toy with the geeks. The film is basically about a few days in the life of a not-so-likeable dork named Napoleon, and his more likeable friend, Pedro, as well as his chatroom-happy brother, Kip, and his uncle, Rico. They are all losers in one way … more

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review by hantla. January 30, 2005

My first thought; "This sucks." In 30 minutes, my favorite!

I did not watch Napoleon Dynamite until it came out on DVD. The first words out of Napoleon's mouth in response to a question about what he's going to do that day were, "I'll do whatever I want to do. Gosh!" Then he proceeds to throw an action figure out the window of the school bus tied to a piece of string. My brothers-in-law who had already seen the movie repeated the line and then all started laughing hysterically when he threw the GI Joe out the window. I said to myself, "This is stupid." My … more

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review by AdamHunnicutt. January 14, 2005

posted in Movie Hype

My 150th Review!

Chapped Stick, Chapped Lips, and things like Tetherball. As an independant film maker, I walk into any such film with an open mind, and wish them the best of luck. This time, it was all I could do to contain myself. Now everyone I know has heard about Napoleon Dynamite. There are many incredible things about the picture. First, its a simple story without any extravagances. No melodramatic overtones, nor the cardboard cut-out characteristics, just a laid … more

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review by rmurray847. December 31, 2004

AN UNEXPECTED DELIGHT!!

Here's a review from a 41 year old man. I've read lots of reviews of this movie that absolutely trash it. And obviously, it's become quite a "cult" hit amongst a younger crowd. In fact, it was my 17 year old son who insisted my wife and I see it. And we immediately loved it, from the delightful opening credits to Napolean's first line "Whatever I want to! Gosh!!" The critics who have trashed it frequently say that it makes fun of its characters...that it condescends to them. … more

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see all Napoleon Dynamite (2004 movie) reviews (8)

About the reviewer

Jen-Jay AKA:JJI (MzJen_2_review)
Ranked #89

Married into the military for over a decade and it does has itpros andcons. The lifestyle is great and Ido enjoy it. I'm able to do things and see things that I thought I wouldn't dream of. My kids loves … more

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About this movie

Wiki

Napoleon Dynamite is a 2004 film written by Jared and Jerusha Hess and directed by the former. The film, an American independent comedy, chronicles the adventures of Napoleon Dynamite, a character in the movie. After debuting at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2004, the film was later widely released in August of the same year and eventually grossed over $44 million, well over its filming budget of $400,000.

Stills from Napolean Dynamite (Click for larger image)