Two Decades of Laughter
Do you remember the year 2004? I don’t know about you, but I still remember a great movie that came out then. It stuck with me and has become a go-to when I want to have a good time.
The eye-opening widespread cultural phenomenon that is Napoleon Dynamite turned 20 years old on June 11. Ensure you blow out the candles on the cake Pedro offered Summer Wheatley. You will get the reference if you have seen the movie.
That cinematographic masterpiece launched Jon Heder’s brilliant career as an actor. It also became much more than a movie. It is a reference, part of our North American culture.
To celebrate this anniversary, and since this is a summer movie to me, I decided to watch the film yet again with family members. Am I the only one who knows most of the movie’s lines? There are other fans out there, right? Others must also know the scenes by heart, having watched the film many times.
Remember these quotes? “Do the chickens have large talons?” said Napoleon when he was getting his hands dirty at the farm for less than minimum wage. Or when Uncle Rico was still dreaming about his football skills in college: “How much do you want to bet I can throw this football over these mountains?” Sure, Uncle Rico, sure.
Napoleon Dynamite was that movie that created a new form of art. Overall, it is creative, outside the box, and gives the spotlight to dry humor. A film like this isn’t for everyone. Having a specific comedy taste is a must to tolerate Uncle Rico’s inappropriate comments.
If you have never experienced Napoleon Dynamite, rent it now. Better, purchase the DVD if you still have a machine for that. You will learn what comedy is all about. The actors, the writing, and the storyline are superb. No wonder why a sequel was never in the plans. You can’t recreate a success like this one.
You will fall in love with the characters and their flaws.
The story revolves around its main character, Napoleon Dynamite. He is a socially awkward guy who lives in a rural part of Idaho with his brother Kip (32 years old and unemployed) and his grandma. We don’t know much about her other than that she loves riding a motorbike at the dunes. Too bad that she broke her coccyx while living her passion!
Uncle Rico warned us that Napoleon didn’t know much about her grandma.
That’s when Uncle Rico shows up in his bright orange van. His mission, other than throwing footballs in the front yard (and one steak), is to babysit the two boys. Rico is also a salesman trying to convince everyone in the community to buy Tupperware. It works with some older women.
He can’t stop talking about 1982 when his team lost the football high school championship.
Throughout the movie, you gain sympathy for Napoleon, a sweet, innocent guy. How could I describe Napoleon Dynamite? He is that stereotypical nerd who keeps things to himself. Let’s say he isn’t the most popular guy at school. Napoleon wears corny t-shirts, like his blue shirt with two horses (as seen in the first scene when he takes the bus to school). The main character stands out in a crowd with his curly red hair and gigantic glasses.
He wouldn’t hurt a fly. Despite being bullied, he can still defend himself and advocate for Pedro and others who share his struggles.
Napoleon doesn’t have a lot of friends. Pedro, a new kid who shows up at school, soon becomes his best friend. Even though they don’t know much about themselves, they form an indescribable bond. Two cultures, two personalities. Yet, they have that rare chemistry. Isn’t that what the US should be about? Instead, thanks to the Republicans and the former president, we end up being scared of differences and the unknown.
Pedro and Napoleon are not the most popular, but they still find a way to seduce their classmates when Pedro runs for school president. He wins partially because of Napoleon’s dance in the auditorium to some Jamiroquai hit wearing his “Vote For Pedro” t-shirt.
Lots of things happen in the movie. Don’t worry, you will be able to keep up. Kip meets his online girlfriend from Detroit, LafFawnduh. Soon after, they get married. Seeing how Kip transforms after Lafwadah shows up in town is funny, from being that nerdy guy to this rapper-like man who gains confidence.
In the end, Uncle Rico reconnects with his ex-girlfriend. Most importantly, Napoleon gains the confidence he never had before Pedro arrived in his life.
It is a heartwarming tale of an American family. Despite not having lots of money, they still appreciate life. We discover two guys without parents who want to live life to the fullest without having a clear picture of what they want to achieve.
It is funny, simple, and enjoyable. Happy 20th anniversary to the best comedy movie ever made.
