(Manufacturer # 2256359 )
PlotThe directorial debut of filmmaker Jared Hess, who also co-wrote the screenplay, Napoleon Dynamite is a quirky, offbeat comedy set in the small Idaho town of Preston. Jon Heder stars in the titular role, a carrot-topped oddball with a decidedly eccentric family that includes his llama-loving, dune-buggy enthusiast grandmother. The story centers on the local high school's race for class president. Using some nontraditional means, Napoleon is determined to help his pal Pedro (Efrem Ramirez) run a winning campaign and defeat popular girl Summer (Haylie Duff). Also starring The Drew Carey Show's Diedrich Bader, Napoleon Dynamite premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi Movie TypeMovie Level ThemesUnderdogs, Small-Town Life, Misfits and Outsiders, High School Life, First Love, Nothing Goes Right Movie Level TonesQuirky, Deadpan, Goofy, Drab DVD Features - Outtakes and deleted scenes wothj commentary by Jared Hess, Jeremy Coon and Jon Heder
- "Peluca" original short film
- Audio commentary by director/co-writer Jared Hess, producer Jeremy Coon and actor Jon Heder
- Cast commentary by Aaron Ruell, Efren Ramirez, Jon Gries, and Tina Majorino
- The making of "The Wedding of the Century"
- On Location: Napoleon Dynamite
- World Premiere - Jared Hess documentary
- Napoleon Sightings
- MTV On-Air promo spots
- Still gallery
AwardsAMG RatingReview Napoleon Dynamite shows the hilariously terrifying high-school life of a social outcast with equal parts of raw, firsthand-experienced truth and oddball surrealism. At times, it makes the viewer wonder just what time period or what world the film is actually set in. Much like the work of director Todd Solondz, this debut film from first-time director Jared Hess tricks the audience into laughing at the main character's awkward situations and nerdish dialog about ninjas and dragons one minute, and then shows the harsh reality of the world he is forced to inhabit. Napoleon's (Jon Heder) world is populated with characters who are just as over-the-top peculiar as he is, which, along with its obvious love of early '80s fashion, distances the audience from the film. Perhaps the director intended to not let the audience connect with any of the characters. Perhaps while watching the film, we are to experience exactly what Napoleon feels, as he never opens up to anyone around him and we see all of his missed opportunities pass by. While the film does often seem unfocused, its flaws do not fully weigh it down. It is easy to root for Napoleon during his quest for some kind of emotional connection. Even though the payoff in the film's ending is surprisingly warm and good hearted, it's hard to not wish there was just a little more to grab on to. ~ Jason Gibner, Rovi
Requirements
Blu-Ray Drive or Blu-Ray Player
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