Anyone who doesn't find the movie Napoleon Dynamite absolutely hilarious, is a heretic in my book. Marking a vertex in 21st century comedy, John Heder's debut has garnered great economic success, as well as an almost cult-like following. After hearing the first exchange of dialogue, "What are you going to do today, Napoleon?" -- "Whatever I FEEL like I wanna do, GOSH!", I was hooked.
Ever since it first came out in 2004, it has been my favorite movie. Created with an extremely low budget and unknown actors, Napoleon Dynamite has definitely made its impact on our cinematic culture with éclat. My room is cluttered with Napoleon paraphernalia, and my vocabulary is tainted with his ridiculous catch phrases. They're a ubiquitous part of my everyday language. People always give me baffled stares when I share my love of the film with them. They can't possibly understand how I can find something so "idiotic", so funny. It is common knowledge that ignorance breeds contempt, and people who mock my love of this movie are, in my mind, just plain ignorant. Those who harass and tease me for being so obsessed, clearly haven't recognized it for what it truly is: pure genius.
Breaking from the homogenous comedic culture of inappropriate and crass humor, Napoleon Dynamite is witty and smart. Though seemingly plotless and pointless, its characters are what make it whole. Individually, they're dysfunctional and awkward. When they're together though, they balance out each other's weirdness, and work like a perfect machine. Of course my favorite character is Napoleon. Though seemingly splenetic, his personality is actually quite generous and giving. He has the traits of many movie heroes (honesty, bravery, confidence, and devotion), but its his quirky way of exhibiting these traits that makes him so unique and fun to watch.
My go-to feel good movie when I'm sad, Napoleon Dynamite can always put a smile on my face. If you haven't seen it yet, rent it! You most definitely will not regret it.
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