Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
A listless and alienated teenager decides to help his new friend win the class presidency in their small western high school, while he must deal with his bizarre family life back home.
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Well, it's not that type of movie that will make you laugh. Because it has not been made in that way.
This movie really should have been bad. Low budget, no cast, almost no plot, yet it comes through in a big way. I've probably seen this movie 20 times and have not grown tired of it. The tone of the writing is so weird and spot on to rural Idaho. Napoleon is a loveable character who just wants to be somebody. And the aesthetics in this movie are so good. To top it off, it's just a freaking funny movie. It's the kind of movie that makes you wish Hollywood would take more chances. I love it so much.
Napoleon Dynamite is what you would have to call, by stealing the words of the legendary American television actor Jimmy J.J. Walker, DY-NO-MIIIITE!It's such a fun, out of step, unique movie experience. I saw it in theaters after many of my friends kept telling me how different and hilarious it was, and even though the bar was set so very high I still loved every minute of it and wanted more.Jon Heder owes his acting career to this, his break out role. And even though he has made some not so great choices since Napoleon Dynamite this role still stands out as a great movie and a very fine performance from him.Uncle Ricky, Napoleon's brother, his grandmother, Pedro, the romantic interest, Diedrich Bader as the crazy America-loving martial arts teacher, even the strange old egg farmer down the road (who for some reason dispenses with old cows by blasting them in the face with a shotgun while a busload of children drives by?)... the entire cast is fantastic.It's definitely offbeat with a plot unlike your typical comedy, but it's hilarious if you're willing to leave your expectations at the door and just let the bizarre, lovable characters take you for a ride.It's worth watching for the dance number alone!
Despite it being called a cult classic I just don't get the hype the main character is a slovenly cliché portrayal of teenagers. He lacks the likability of other socialy awkward teens in the movies such as Greg Heffly from Diary Of AWimpy Kid. Greg made me want to route for him, something Napoleon failed to do. There was nothing likable or engaging about Napoleons character. Which is why I couldn't even finish watching this movie.