Flashback Review: Napoleon Dynamite

In 2002, college student, Jared Hess produced and directed a slice-of-life short film titled, “Peluca”. Jared’s fellow classmate and friend, Jon Heder plays a gawky teenager named, Seth. He skips school with his friends. One Year Later, Peluca was screened at the 2003 Slamdance Film Festival earning positive reactions. Afterwards, Jared dropped out of college to expand Peluca into a full-length film known with Jon playing the same character. This time he’s renamed, “Napoleon Dynamite.”

Released in 2004, (same year Code Lyoko aired on Cartoon Network) the film became a sleeper hit earning praise and recoup its $400,000 budget. Napoleon Dynamite gained a cult following for its oddball atmosphere, quirky characters and memorable dialogue. A legit reason why it won three MTV Movie Awards including “Best Movie.” Napoleon Dynamite launched the careers of Jon Heder & Jared Hess. The latter went on to direct another cult classic, “Nacho Libre.”

Speaking of which, Jared’s next movie is “Minecraft” starring Jack Black as the game’s mascot, Steve along with familiar faces, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers & Jennifer Coolidge. It’ll be released on April 4, 2025. Before Minecraft comes out, I wanna share my thoughts on one of my favorite comedy movies from my childhood.

It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. Many of us often quote Napolean Dynamite.

Sweet & Idiotic Qualities

Sweet: Jon Heder, Efren Ramierez, Aaron Ruell, Tina Majorino, Haylie Duff, Jon Gries & Diedich Bader all did a solid job for their respective performances.

Jared Hess did a decent job directing his first movie. He also co-wrote the script with his wife, Jerusha.

Humor’s notable for its oddball atmosphere along with quirky characters like Napolean’s wimpy older brother, Kip and Uncle Rico who dreams of going back in time to become an NFL player.

Fun Fact: Harold from “Total Drama Island” is based on the titular character.

So many memorable lines almost everybody quotes 24/7. Here’s a list. I’m baffled Mr. and Mrs. Hess didn’t get an Oscar nomination for “Best Original Screenplay.”

• Whatever I feel like I wanna do gosh!
• Friggin’ idiot!
• Napoleon don’t be jealous that I’ve been chatting online with babes all day.
• Your mom goes to college!
• Bow to your sensei!
• Lucky!
• Tina you fat lard come get some dinner!
• I see you’re drinking one percent. Is that ’cause you think you’re fat?
• This is pretty much the worst movie ever made!
• I wish you get outta my life and shut up!
• Nunchuck skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills.
• That’s like a dollar an hour!
• I like your sleeves, they’re real big.
• We can’t afford the fun pack!
• Peace out. (my favorite line)
• I’m voting for Pedro Sanchez who do you think?
• Vote for Pedro.

Cinematography didn’t succumb to technical problems throughout.

Pacing didn’t feel like a drab.

Although the film’s set in modern times. It has a retro feel. For instance, Napoleon owns a VCR and a Walkman.

Napolean’s chemistry with Pedro & Deb serves as the main highlight. He and Deb never share a kiss or became a couple towards the end. Some sort of platonic love.

The Plot’s basically a slice-of-life teen comedy. Closest thing to a story involves Pedro running for class president against the popular girl, Summer.

After he replies to a kid on a bus, “Whatever I feel like I wanna do gosh!” Napoleon ties up an action figure and tosses it out the window. His introduction establishes his personality and the entire movie indicates its gonna be one heck of a funny movie.

My favorite scene is arguably Napolean’s dance scene in front of a crowd. Allowing Pedro to win as class president. Mr. Heder earns Bonus Points for his dance moves. “Fortnite” later added an emote based on the infamous dance scene. I’ll take Napolean’s dancing to Jamiroquai’s “Canned Heat” any day over the maids singing and dancing to “Frere Jacques” in “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.”

A Post-Credits Scene features Kip & LaFawnduh getting married. The former serenades a song to his wife, “Yes I love Technology.” Napoleon says the last line, “Lucky!”

Idiotic: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless movie as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Napolean Dynamite still holds up. Perhaps this is Jared Hess’ best work. He hasn’t made a hit since Nacho Libre. I doubt Minecraft will be a billion-dollar success like Jack Black’s other video game movie, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” I’ll wait for Minecraft to stream at home.