This is the best movie of the summer. There, I said it. Now, if you're a trusting individual you'll take my word for it, stop reading right here, and go out right now and buy your ticket for tonight's showing. But, if you're a skeptic, like myself, you probably are rolling your eyes at this broad statement and will need a little more coercing. Doubters, these following paragraphs are for you.
Let's begin with a rudimentary plot synopsis. Napoleon Dynamite isn't really about anything. Basically, the movie examines the everyday life of loveable nobody named Napoleon, who lives in rural Idaho with his techie brother Kip and his absent grandmother. During our brief stay with the family we also meet some of Napoleon's friends, his creepy uncle, and a disagreeable lama. At this point, that is all you really need to know.
What's brilliant about this film is the development of these characters. Where the plot lacks, the character interactions shine. Each persona clearly magnifies a different aspect of the awkwardness of adolescence, and the backwardness of rural life. During my initial viewing of the movie there were certain scenes where I cringed because the portrayal of high school life hit so close to home, while at other times I could do nothing but laugh at the hysterical situations the characters found himself in.
The film is also about unlikely heroes, and the beauty that is found in innocence. The characters in the film that are deemed losers are completely unaware of their social ineptness, and there is something very magical about that. I spent the entire film shaking my head at Napoleon, however, the entire time I was strangely reassured by his unique form of self-confidence. And as you probably can guess, in the end it's that awkardness that saves the day.
Napoleon Dynamite is completely different than any popular comedy of the last few years. The film places zero reliance on sex, profanity, or any other type of crutch for its humor. There is nothing shocking about this movie. Its hilarity is based purely on the created characters, and a phenomenal script. If at this point you are still skeptical then maybe you should skip this film. Luckily for you, I'm sure the Wayan's brothers will be releasing about five more films in the next year that you might find more appealing. But as for me, I'm done with mindless comedies... VOTE FOR PEDRO!!!
