It is difficult to shove this masterpiece into the "ordinarily off-beat, campy yet quirky MTV new-age teen comedy-drama" genre, where far too many movies have fallen. It would be of the highest crimes, and it just wouldn't be right. ... just would NOT be right. Not for a film so unique and innovative as this. Not for a film which has spawned such beautiful things, like "Vote for Pedro" ring t's, Rex-kwan do and ligers. Not for a film which features a bling-ridden, cybergeek cage fighter wannabe. Not for a film where food is the medium for the opening credits. Where the words sweet and flippin' are commonplace. Not at all I say, not at alllll.
Not only does this film contain unique elements, it also contains a unique story. It takes an all too realistic look at rural Idaho and a day in the life of the coolest yet most eccentric geek in the history of the world as we know it. Thouest name is Napoleon Dynamite. A name that will not be forgotten. It is up there with prominent, long standing names like, Benedict Arnold, William Shakespeare, and God. To me though, it is not necessarily Napoleon who is the only one to idolize. His supporting cast of superheroes, specifically Pedro, take the world by storm. In my opinion, it is Pedro, with his flat affect and pitiful voice who silently steals the show. But that debate is for another day. For now, I can only provide a simple synopsis...
This movie would be best described as a "glorious string of random moments, carefully composed into a symphony written for royalty" There is little fluidity and transition from scene to scene, yet the cuts are perfectly timed and not-at-all awkward. The shots are all creative, yet don't ungracefully stand out from the concerto.
But an extraordinary picture would not be complete without an extraordinary score. John Swihart put together the original and humor some music, which harmoniously melded with the on-screen oddness. Swihart is really just starting his career, and I am more than excited to check out his future work.
These things, mixed with stunning and unprecedented performances by Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez, made this movie simply unforgettable and brilliantly re-watchable. I can talk because I've seen it 4 times, thrice in theaters. And every time, I find a new treasure to nurse. Whether it is a new dance move or a delicious bass, they are all so precious in their own way.
In fear of spoiling this epic, I will now end this review..... with the underlying theme.....
Whether it is cage fighting, numb chucking, building cakes, or throwing pigskins a quarter-mile.....girls like guys with skills, and it is the skill of dance that wins in the end.
god bless the dance.
This movie truly cannot be rated. Any attempts to do so are futile. For a much kinkier and less kosher review, take a gander at the site de CorcovadoSong. There you will find a more complex rating system, from an alternate universe. As of now, it is the only way known to man to attempt to rate this slice of bliss which society categorizes as a "film" or "movie"
god bless and goodnight.
Not only does this film contain unique elements, it also contains a unique story. It takes an all too realistic look at rural Idaho and a day in the life of the coolest yet most eccentric geek in the history of the world as we know it. Thouest name is Napoleon Dynamite. A name that will not be forgotten. It is up there with prominent, long standing names like, Benedict Arnold, William Shakespeare, and God. To me though, it is not necessarily Napoleon who is the only one to idolize. His supporting cast of superheroes, specifically Pedro, take the world by storm. In my opinion, it is Pedro, with his flat affect and pitiful voice who silently steals the show. But that debate is for another day. For now, I can only provide a simple synopsis...
This movie would be best described as a "glorious string of random moments, carefully composed into a symphony written for royalty" There is little fluidity and transition from scene to scene, yet the cuts are perfectly timed and not-at-all awkward. The shots are all creative, yet don't ungracefully stand out from the concerto.
But an extraordinary picture would not be complete without an extraordinary score. John Swihart put together the original and humor some music, which harmoniously melded with the on-screen oddness. Swihart is really just starting his career, and I am more than excited to check out his future work.
These things, mixed with stunning and unprecedented performances by Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez, made this movie simply unforgettable and brilliantly re-watchable. I can talk because I've seen it 4 times, thrice in theaters. And every time, I find a new treasure to nurse. Whether it is a new dance move or a delicious bass, they are all so precious in their own way.
In fear of spoiling this epic, I will now end this review..... with the underlying theme.....
Whether it is cage fighting, numb chucking, building cakes, or throwing pigskins a quarter-mile.....girls like guys with skills, and it is the skill of dance that wins in the end.
god bless the dance.
This movie truly cannot be rated. Any attempts to do so are futile. For a much kinkier and less kosher review, take a gander at the site de CorcovadoSong. There you will find a more complex rating system, from an alternate universe. As of now, it is the only way known to man to attempt to rate this slice of bliss which society categorizes as a "film" or "movie"
god bless and goodnight.