jrs
06-09-04, 02:26 AM
Napolean Dynamite - A Review by JRS
This evening I attendeed a trade screening for Fox Searchlight's Napolean Dynamite. I have been dying to see it for so long, and was so excited that I got a chance to view it.
The story takes place in Preston, Idaho. Napoleon Dynamite (played by Jon Heder), the main character, has a distinct look - a tight red 'fro, thick glasses (which he barely can keep his eyes open probably due to its thickness) and two front buck style teeth. He enjoys drawing mythical beasts like Ligers (half Lion ,half Tiger - his favorite) and fights with his brother Kip (Aaron Ruell). When their grandmother leaves the house Uncle Rico (Jon Gries), a door-to-door salesman who has a fantasy of time travelling back in time to become pro in football, steps in and becomes a nuisance to Napolean ruining his social life ....whatever he has of it. Along comes Deb (Tina Majorino) the photo shop girl, and Pedro (Efren Ramirez) with his sweet bike and talent with the chicks -- They help elect Pedro for class president. But if Pedro is to beat Summer (Haylie Duff), Napoleon will have to do some serious damage.
Each of the characters had their own distinctive way of bringing out the laughs. The acting isn't oscar quality, nor does it intend to be. The actors focus mostly to their dialogue and actions towards us. The only award(s) I can see this film or the filmmakers winning is best independent film of the year (for one). Though the story may be a little thin, the humor makes up for it all.
Napolean Dynamite, winner at the Sundance Film Festival, is the most hillarious film, and one of the best I have seen this year. Possibly in a long while. I suggest for everyone here at MoFo to catch it, wherever it's shown near you.
This evening I attendeed a trade screening for Fox Searchlight's Napolean Dynamite. I have been dying to see it for so long, and was so excited that I got a chance to view it.
The story takes place in Preston, Idaho. Napoleon Dynamite (played by Jon Heder), the main character, has a distinct look - a tight red 'fro, thick glasses (which he barely can keep his eyes open probably due to its thickness) and two front buck style teeth. He enjoys drawing mythical beasts like Ligers (half Lion ,half Tiger - his favorite) and fights with his brother Kip (Aaron Ruell). When their grandmother leaves the house Uncle Rico (Jon Gries), a door-to-door salesman who has a fantasy of time travelling back in time to become pro in football, steps in and becomes a nuisance to Napolean ruining his social life ....whatever he has of it. Along comes Deb (Tina Majorino) the photo shop girl, and Pedro (Efren Ramirez) with his sweet bike and talent with the chicks -- They help elect Pedro for class president. But if Pedro is to beat Summer (Haylie Duff), Napoleon will have to do some serious damage.
Each of the characters had their own distinctive way of bringing out the laughs. The acting isn't oscar quality, nor does it intend to be. The actors focus mostly to their dialogue and actions towards us. The only award(s) I can see this film or the filmmakers winning is best independent film of the year (for one). Though the story may be a little thin, the humor makes up for it all.
Napolean Dynamite, winner at the Sundance Film Festival, is the most hillarious film, and one of the best I have seen this year. Possibly in a long while. I suggest for everyone here at MoFo to catch it, wherever it's shown near you.