Watch Napoleon Dynamite

Napoleon Dynamite is a 2004 indie comedy movie directed by Jared Hess and starring Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, and Jon Gries, among others. The movie follows the daily life of Napoleon Dynamite, an awkward, quirkily-dressed high school student in Preston, Idaho, who struggles to find his place in the world. Napoleon lives with his grandmother and his older brother, Kip, who spends his time trying to meet women online.

The movie takes place during the week leading up to the school dance, and follows Napoleon's attempts to win the affections of his classmate, Deb, as well as his efforts to help his friend Pedro get elected as class president. Along the way, Napoleon deals with a variety of challenges, including a bully named Randy, a bizarre skit for the school talent show, and a new student named Summer who threatens to steal Pedro's attention away from him.

One of the standout aspects of Napoleon Dynamite is its unique visual style, which is filled with eccentric clothing, outdated technology, and peculiar architecture. The cinematography is characterized by long, static shots, and the pacing is deliberate and often slow, allowing the characters' idiosyncrasies to be fully absorbed. The movie's soundtrack also plays a major role, featuring a mix of cult-favorite indie bands and cheesy pop songs from the '80s.

The film's humor is deadpan and quirky, relying on a mixture of awkward silences, strange interactions, and unexpected punchlines. Jon Heder's performance as Napoleon is a major reason for the film's success, with his portrayal of the character's monotone voice, stilted movements, and deadpan delivery becoming an instant sensation. Efren Ramirez also stands out as Pedro, Napoleon's soft-spoken and unflappable friend, who provides a counterpoint to Napoleon's hyperactive angst.

Napoleon Dynamite was made on a shoestring budget of just $400,000, but it became a surprise hit upon its release in 2004. The movie's quirky charm and unique sense of humor quickly endeared it to audiences, and it soon became a cult classic, spawning countless memes and catchphrases ("Vote for Pedro," anyone?). The film's success also launched the careers of many of its stars, with Heder, Ramirez, and Gries all becoming sought-after actors in the years that followed.

Ultimately, Napoleon Dynamite is a celebration of the oddballs and misfits of the world. The movie's heart is in its portrayal of a group of outcasts who manage to find connection and support in one another, despite their social awkwardness and eccentricities. The film's lasting popularity is a testament to its enduring themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and individuality.

In conclusion, Napoleon Dynamite is a quirky and endearing indie comedy movie that has stood the test of time thanks to its unique visual style, deadpan humor, and memorable characters. It's a movie that celebrates the weird and wonderful, and encourages us all to embrace our quirks and idiosyncrasies.

Napoleon Dynamite is a 2004 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 64.