Napoleon Dynamite.
The other night I felt myself becoming unhinged. I thought my head would explode from watching the horrendous hurricane images and listening to the political firebombs being tossed about.
I shut down the computer and plopped myself in front of the television seeking an absolutely mindless diversion. News was obviously out, as was anything remotely resembling a “reality†show. (I had more genuine reality than I needed). I also skipped over my usual favorites, such as the History Channel and Channels. I didn’t want to think about anything. The Military Channel was out too, as I had seen more than enough destruction on television in the previous two days.
I scrolled through the HBO offerings and came upon “Napoleon Dynamite.†I had remembered reading about this movie months before at Impact in a post that was written by a high school teacher who described the popularity of this movie with his students and his use of the movie to his advantage in the classroom.
The movie, which was filmed entirely in Idaho, is about what might be the world’s biggest nerd who lives in what might be the world weirdest family. The plot, if you could even call it that, was simple – the mondo nerd helps another nerd friend (from Mexico) get elected as the high school class president.
It was just what I needed.
I thought it was hilarious. I’m not sure what to make of having been so entertained by a movie that has reached almost “Rocky Horror Picture Show†cult status among high school kids today. Was it hurricane burnout, or am I mentally and emotionally regressing?
Then again, maybe it’s simply a very funny movie.
Now that you’ve seen it, the “Vote for Pedro” shirts you see everywhere will finally make sense.
And BTW, I loved that movie, it’s farookin’ hilarious.
Comment by Evilwhiteguy — September 5, 2005 @ 1:08 am
.. the first time I saw it, I was stone cold sober and hated it… the second time I was royally smashed and it was hilarious..
.. like Frankenfurter, we’ve all got a little Napoleon in us, I guess…
Comment by Eric — September 5, 2005 @ 8:25 am
That movie is funny as hell… but I would never recommend that anyone watch it. However, should they happen to be watching it, I’ll readily take it in with them.
I think part of what makes it so damn funny is the fact that we all know people that are characters from that movie… least I do.
Comment by That 1 Guy — September 5, 2005 @ 9:19 am
I loved the movie, all 8 times or so that I’ve seen it. There’s a kid that just started working at my local grocery store that looks and sounds just like Napolean. I can’t check out in his line without silently cracking up.
Comment by Shamrock — September 5, 2005 @ 9:25 am
I know a guy who looks just like Kit – hell, he even has a lisp too. I just love this movie.
Comment by Kate — September 5, 2005 @ 9:48 am
I’ve not seen it and I’ve seen good and bad reviews of it. Seems people either love it or hate it. But it sounds like exactly the type of movie to sit and watch when you want to forget the world and be entertained.
The first weekend after 9/11 my husband and I went to see Legally Blonde for exactly the same reason – I still love that movie.
Comment by Teresa — September 5, 2005 @ 10:48 am
I’m Dogette and I have a Humor Problem.
Well, it all started for me when I tried to watch this movie about a month ago. It just didn’t grab me, so I turn it off after 15 minutes. Everyone loves it! It’s supposed to be great! I felt “bad” that I didn’t like it, so I vowed to try again someday. Maybe I was just in the wrong mood.
The other night I tried it again. Skipped forward to where I left off before. Turned it off again after 15-20 minutes. Can’t figure out why, esp. since I love tons of other cult-y and smaller films, but this one just doesn’t work for me. I am doomed.
Comment by dogette — September 5, 2005 @ 11:06 am
I found it painful to watch because it reminded me too much of uncool kids (me included) back in the “good old days” of high school. Pure misery. It’s like watching a train wreck. But…it’s a train wreck with a LOT of great quotes. I’ll probably buy the DVD.
“Tinaaaaa…come get some haaaaaaaaam!”
Comment by zonker — September 5, 2005 @ 2:35 pm
It’s my daughter’s all time favorite movie. You have to watch it more than once to really get the humor of the dialogue. “Pedro offers you his protection.”
Comment by Dash — September 6, 2005 @ 11:10 pm
I watched this movie about a month ago … because I’ve heard so much about it.
I didn’t laugh once.
Damn, I must be getting old.
Comment by Robert — September 8, 2005 @ 12:37 am
.. I also believe there are hidden clues about the Meaning of Life in the great consumption of steak in that film.. but I just can’t put my finger on it..
Comment by Eric — September 9, 2005 @ 7:04 pm