Look, Pedro, I don’t know how they do things down in Juarez, but here in Idaho we have a little something called pride. Understand? Smashing in the face of a pinata that resembles Summer Wheatley is a disgrace to you, me, and the entire Gem State.
– Principal Svadean, Napoleon Dynamite
Reviews – Movies: N
RATINGS KEY
0/5 – Terrible. Not worth the eyestrain.
1/5 – Bad. Only watch it if there’s nothing else on TV.
2/5 – Okay. It’s not bad, but it’s not good either.
3/5 – Average. Rent it and watch it once.
4/5 – Good. Worth watching a few times (or even buying).
5/5 – Excellent. Watch it, buy it, quote it, love it.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004) · Reviewed 9.13.06
3/5
Apparently, while I was happily ensconced under my cultural rock, this film was out there becoming an indie hit—and, having finally watched it, I can sort of see why. Sort of. It’s cute, it’s quirky, it’s got some funny scenes, and the characters are certainly memorable... but. But, it’s not really laugh-out-loud funny, although it obviously tries to be. But, it tries so hard to be quirky that it uses up its acceptable-quirk-factor way too early on. But, the plot was predictable and neither original nor terribly amusing. But, on the other hand, the dance scene was great. There were a few moments throughout when I snickered, but most of the time I was easily distracted by bugs, lights outside, the ceiling, etc. I will not be buying a “Pedro for President” T-shirt, and I will not be watching this movie again. It was cute, but nothing more.
