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Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Exceptional comedy about youth finding themselves even when they didn't think they were looking
Napoleon Dynamite was a very unique film for me, taking me back to high school on a totally new perspective. Rarely do we see in film our younger selves from the focus on the deep individual quirks, oddities, and shy intense strivings outward we all exhibit as youths searching for ourselves (even when we have no intent) as we are emerging in High School hoping for identity in a bolder world somewhere close or further beyond. Having received no preview information whatsoever, I decided to view this flick after my nephews ages 15 and 19 viewed it and then later purchased the DVD.
After missing the film at the theater, but landing at their home for the niece's birthday in Houston this past weekend, I saw this long awaited and greatly hailed movie. At first I enjoyed mostly the jovial airs, smiles and laughs that my nephews exhibited while they viewed ND with me. It was amusing yes, but not earth shattering as far as films go. However, as the next day came, and the day after, and then another, I found myself reflecting deeply on the characters in the movie. The film had already began growing on me in an indescribable way. I began humming and singing some of the music from the film, both the published hits and those written for the characters. Also, I began reflecting on my high school days, how much alike in my own quirks I was to some of the players here. Even the older 'Uncle' relative of Napoleon I found some kinship with now, his reflections of bygone days of youth. Napoleon Dynamite has an uncanny way of gripping you first comically and then in a 'larger than life way' making you face the facts that though we are all unique or strange in a multitude of ways, even ways that are typically accepted or unaccepted as the norm, we as youths are greatly impacting creatures, not only to others as we see in the film, but to ourselves. And through our comical journeys of life, what makes us unique in our quirks, is usually what gives us identity and in that gives us a very solid form mainly for ourselves and our confidence. Not only does it give us the sure knowledge that we are real people and not just nerds, or jocks, etc., but it often times makes us heroes and figures to look to within the circles we travel.
Who would've thought that such a quirky comedy with a clean rating of PG could move us so much in this day and age. My nephews say that most of the youths at school have the DVD already and hold it up as a cult favorite; thats saying a lot in today's film market of violence, sex, and foul language not to mention portrayal of destructive lifestyles. This may be the most poignant message of all in the end. I am looking forward to more films starring Jon Heder and also those by the writer/director. I highly recommend everyone see this movie sooner or later.