Napoleon Dynamite is seriously one of the greatest comedy films ever made. There's just nothing else like it. Shoestring budget, tiny crew, and this masterpiece is the result. Absolutely iconic.
Have you seen Dear Lemon Lima, or Hottie Boombalottie ? Those two films come the closest to that vibe that I have ever seen. I recommend them if you like the film, ND.
For anyone who hasn’t seen Dear Lemon Lima, or Hottie Boombalottie, Those two films come the closest to that vibe that I have ever seen. I recommend them if you like the film, ND.
Also, this movie cost a grand total of about $400,000 and made about $40 million at the box office, making it proportionally one of the most profitable films in history.
The movie was filmed in Idaho, and is virtually exactly my experience of high school in the late 70's. Each time I watch it I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry at the accuracy of what everyone is calling "nostalgic".
lol 80s here and in Canada but the same - I see people saying it is "bizzare" and "unrealistic' at times, but all of it so perfectly a re-creation of what actually happened in those situations and created those exact outcomes haha I still have my Casio from 16:33, it is black and red just like that, that is my watch heh neat to see it, such perfection of re-created things in this movie
I went to high school in Southern alberta, Canada when this movie came out. It reminds me of that time so much. Lots of people still had 70s/80s furniture, etc. The shots of the farmers fields make me so nostalgic. There used to be a sheep farm right beside the high school track.
I had absolutely NO IDEA they had a post-credits scene at all. Twenty years went by without me knowing it. Thank you so much for blessing me with this. ❤😂
Napoleon’s dance routine getting a standing O is probably the most accurate part of this entire movie’s portrayal of high school. Everyone always cheered when the unremarkable, socially awkward, weird kid would go onstage and display some sick skills.
I actually think that's one reason I liked this movie so much growing up. My schools did have a lot of bullying happening, but if you did anything for the talent show then the whole school would celebrate you.
@@dishwasher1527 After this movie came out, my volleyball teammates were quoting it so much at practice. I also helped pull my best friend out of a funk after a bad breakup by quoting Napoleon (at the suggestion of his older brother; basically that family was good friends of ours up through graduation). The 2000s were a time to live in, what with Napoleon Dynamite, the Lord of the Rings trilogy that came out over the previous three years, and the rise of the Halo video games.
@@AdderTude I love how people can create strong bonds with others over media. Every time I watch Napoleon Dynamite I can't figure out why it's good. I especially can't find out why so many people find it good. But I can't say anything bad about it. It's such an enigma to me still all these years later. Happy to see all the other people who love it as well
True statement. I was the awkward socially inept kid in high school, but when me and my friend went up to play an acoustic version of 'My Heart Will Go On' with our guitars at a talent show the entire school gave us a standing ovation. We were the cool kids for a day.
What little structure there is to this movie is essentially provided by the Rex Kwon Do system. 1. Use the buddy system 2. Discipline your image 3. Learn self-respect Even though Napoleon thinks that Rex Kwon Do is a rip-off, he nevertheless implements every element of the system. He buddies up with Pedro. He gets some sweet clothes to improve his image. And he demonstrates self-respect by learning some kick-ass dance moves.
@@christopherwall2121 That's because you did not BOW TO YOUR SENSEI!!! Please take this under advisement in future implementations of the Rex Kwan Do system.
@AdderTude Napoleon Dynamite is about identity and finding community within that identity. Seinfeld is about indulging in the petty contrivances of life. I can see how you could argue that it is about nothing insofar as it is not a plot driven film, though.
This^^ My best friend and I rented this movie andwe sat there after it was over thinking "what the hell was that?". Then I watched it again months later with my dad and everything came together and I fell in love with it. My dad says he felt the same too.
My sister was adamant that I watch it. But even she said "You might not like it too much the first time through. But it will become your favorite movie after a few replays." AND SHE WAS RIGHT! 😅
I love this movie so much. There's no other comedy with such a unique, awkward sense of humor. Basically every main character is an outsider and an underdog in their own strange way, and the fact that they all get their happy endings just makes you feel warm and fuzzy. The setting is so relatable if you grew up in a rural setting; basically everything is a decade behind.
Have you seen Dear Lemon Lima, or Hottie Boombalottie ? Those two films come the closest to that vibe that I have ever seen. I recommend them if you like the film, ND.
To anyone who hasn’t seen Dear Lemon Lima, or Hottie Boombalottie, Those two films come the closest to that vibe that I have ever seen. I recommend them if you like the film, ND.
if i may, your "a decade behind" remark is perfect, because this movie seems to be set in the 1990s USA... but up here in Canada it would be what was our 1980s (maybe second half of the 80s). just so well done overall yes
"Nessie" No it wasn't Creative Writing. It's when you have to read a news paper article for Social Studies/History (the maps are behind him on the wall). He's just goofy so he read an article from a tabloid like World Weekly News or something.
9:04 Wow. “Mildly annoyed by everything” in the 20 years since this film came out I’ve never heard anybody describe Napoleon more accurately than those four words lol!
Nor I. I never knew how to describe him to be honest....always thought of him as angry but "Mildly annoyed" fit him so well. Also, her description that he has zero social anxiety is spot on...dude just doesnt seem to care about anything and is not bothered what anyone thinks about him. He doesn't lie to "Be cool", he almost lies out of annoyance. LOL. Absolutely love ND, one of my favorite comedies of all time
John Heder and Jared Hess, film students at BYU, collaborated to make a short film called "Peluca." Another film student friend convinced them to make a feature film of it and helped them to raise $400,000. They submitted it to Sundance Film Festival. It was accepted. Fox Searchlight Films picked it up from there. It grossed over $44 million. That's how a film that looks small budget ends up being distributed by 20th Century Fox. When I first saw it, as the end credits rolled, I just stared at the screen, thinking, "What the hell was that?" I've never watched it again for myself, but I love watching others watch it for the first time so I can be amused by their bewilderment.
Napolean Dynamite is one of those movies that need to be watched Multiple times to truly understand the movie and every time you see it gets funnier and funnier
It's unusual in that it's a comedy where nobody in the comedy sees it as such. Often times like in a comedy series, you'll have characters make jokes, and even though the other characters don't laugh, the jokes wouldn't have been made if they didn't see the humor in it. Or perhaps in other cases it'll be situational humor where you're laughing at the crazy situation that they're in. The humor of Napoleon Dynamite comes from the awkwardness and the characters reaction to said awkwardness. They want to seem important so they exaggerate and lie, and it's obvious to everyone but the characters themselves. It's sort of a self-parody. I can't say I've seen a comedy quite like it.
I watched it like 5 times and I don’t understand why anyone thinks it’s remotely good. The best thing is the title sequence. Absolutely brilliant… the worst thing is that blonde guy that is the boyfriend of the stick up girl.. but to each his own. If you enjoyed it, more Power to you
Honestly, my favorite scene of the entire movie is when Kip tries to demonstrate the strength of the bowl with the van and it just explodes, I die every time. I don't know why. "Your Mom goes to College" The best and worst burn ever 😂
When I first saw this in theaters, gotta admit I really did not like it. I just didn’t get it. Thought it was too exaggerated… yet a few things stuck out in my memory as funny. Kip backing over the Tupperware was the one that got me for sure. Second time I saw it, I enjoyed it so much more and understood the humor so much better. Now it’s one of my fav comedies and I pretty much laugh the entire time! 😂 Dang it!
The real funny thing about the demonstration is, the being wasn't supposed to break. When it did the actor improved the "dang it" and drove off. The director loved it so much he left it in!
When my sister and her friend watched this in cinemas, her friend said to her "your brother [me] is like Napoleon" and she told me, it still lives rent free in my brain and i don't know if its a compliment or an insult
"He's got tater tots for later" I guess you could say he has later tots. Sorry, that was stupid but I absolutely love this movie. I remember when this came out, after a few of my friends and I saw it, we were at work and one of my friends shift ended and he said he had to go to class (college) and our supervisor in the other isle said "your mom goes to college" and we al started laughing.
I remember reading somewhere that this movie is the hardest movie for Netflix to gauge whether to recommend or not. Meaning that their advanced algorithm does a pretty decent job of figuring out if a person will like so and so movie based on their past watch history and recommend stuff for them. But this movie is one where it would defy the algorithm. It could never tell if a person would love it or hate it.
It's hard to write a movie where nearly every line of dialogue is a quotable classic. "You know I'm m training to become a cage fighter." "How much you wanna bet I can throw a football over them mountains?" "Make yourself a dang quesa-dil-la!" Great movie lol
"I hope you'd get out of my life and shut up" "I'd say things are getting pretty serious" "You wouldn't want to get a roundhouse kick by someone wearing *these* would you?"
The character Napoleon is just so good. The actor did such a good job. And I think capturing a lot of peoples childhood/school years just made this something everyone can relate to
FFA or Future Farmers of America is/was an agricultural youth organization that was essentially competitive farming for teenagers. You can always spot the FFA members at school by their characteristic blue corduroy jacket with large embroidered emblem on the back.
this movie perfectly depicts highschool awkwardness, and it being set in the rural midwest where culture is 10 years behind the times just highlights it even moreso.
my favorite scene is when kip is trying to show the lady that the bowl doesn't break by driving over it, and then it breaks. the bowl wasn't actually supposed to break irl so that just makes it even funnier to me😂
I totally forgot about them until I saw this clip. I'm sure the Breaking Bad writers definitely saw Napoleon Dynamite and were inspired by those two... I mean, we never learn Pedro's last name... it might be Pedro Salamanca! He did have a pretty sweet bike and confidence in his skills!
This film is nearly an autobiographic documentary for the director. The cast includes his relatives and teachers. Elements taken from real life include the film’s title, being the only boy in a sign language class, the puffy sleeves on the prom dress and much more.
my favorite part about this movie is it had a tiny budget and almost everyone in the movie isn’t actually an actor they’re just the people that were in the locations where they shot and it still turned out to be one of the greatest comedy films of all time
You had so much fun watching Napoleon Dynamite! It was fun watching your reactions. Napoleon is one of my favorites. His shoes are classic Moonboots!! I think I had a pair back in the 80s.
I’m always scared when reactors watch this for the first time. It took me like 6 times of watching it before I appreciated the comedy. My brother told me I wasn’t going to like it the first time. This movie was my comfort movie during my first deployment to Iraq. Anchorman was another go to during that time.
Aside from the comedy, it’s a pretty charming story about a teenager finding his “people.” I’m always afraid people will miss that aspect as well as not appreciating the comedy
In Preston, Idaho, where this was filmed, it had a big influx of tourist as the movie became more popular. So much so they has Napoleon Dynamite Days celebration for several years afterward. People to this day come to see all the filming locations.
I was not too far removed from my time in a fairly rural high school when this came out, and it hit so hard. This captured the utter absurdity of high school in that time so perfectly - I specifically remember that people a generation older than me didn't embrace it quite as much, which shows how well they portrayed the experience in that specific time. Also, awkward humor is the one area of comedy where I have trouble laughing (I can't watch The Office because I just feel sad for Michael Scott) but this, for some reason, gets me anyway.
Despite this not being geared towards your generation, you got it right off the start. I grew up in the 80s and 90s. This felt EXTREMELY familiar. It's a little place in Iowa stuck in the past. Napoleon is so much like some kids I knew growing up, it's scary. They would say the most outlandish lies in casual conversation. Kip represents so many people I know as well. All the characters were spot on and anyone who grew up in a small town will feel at home with this film.
"Nostalgic for a childhood I didn't experience" is a wonderful way to put it. I grew up in 80s and 90s Yorkshire, UK, a world apart from Napoleon's, but it still connected! So strange!
This is one of the most rewatchable movies ever made for the reason you stated, the plot is not the memorable thing, it's just a few connected dots, the star of the movie is the characters, the scenery and all the countless nostalgic touches. Instead of making it specific to any time it feels like it could be set anywhere from the 80s to the early 2000s so it's like a comfortable blanket for several generations.
What Napoleon Dynamite perfectly captures, is life in a small town. I think that's why so many people connect to it and sense a familiarity with that quirky little world of eccentric characters. It's just a bunch of people trying to make the most out of their minimally eventful existences. In that sense, the humor develops naturally without being forced.
Napoleon Dynamite is an experience, I don't know how else to put it. It's so unique, the level of awkward, just about everything is unexpected but also it's iconic, like you said at the beginning, everyone from back then knows the dance.
"I feel like they're not acting". You're not wrong. LOL. Apparently a lot of the movie was improv, and a lot of the scenes were shot in 1 take. Even if it wrong. For instance the scene where he puts the container behind the tired, and runs it over and breaks, wasn't supposed to happen that way. But they were like, "ohwell, that's kinda funny". 😂😂
I met a young man one time who had pretty bad case of autism and he acted and spoke just like Napoleon Dynamite. Eyes half closed, grumpy indignation (You're such an idiot. Gawd!) I was immediately struck by the idea that the creator of this film must have known someone with a very similar affliction. The similarity was uncanny.
Whether the filmakers intended it or not, Napoleon is definitely an accurate representation of many people who are on the spectrum. I've known a couple diagnosed people with plenty of the same mannerisms.
One of the cool things about this movie is that Napoleon actually follows the Rex Kwon Do throughout the film. Also it's made to show that even in a small world big things are happening according to those who live in it.
Napoleon's boots are just cheap snow boots. One of the things that's great about this movie is how relatable it is. I remember having to wear boots just like those in elementary (although only in winter) because they were the cheapest ones.
When they're in the blue jackets with the big orange circle with the eagle above it with outstretched wings, they're at an FFA activity. (Future Farmers of America = FFA.) It's a contest where the students judge agricultural products and animals and land, and are themselves judged by the experts to see how good the students are at evaluating agricultural elements like milk or cows or meat or soil, etc.
It is an indie film made by friends. MTV funded them to make a full movie and Fox distributed the movie. The director’s second movie is Nacho Libre with Jack Black
BOTH versions, too: The one that just had the slogan by itself, and the one that had a line-drawn rednering of Pedro's 2 cousins in the car with the slogan on the driver side door. I've seen both of those.
My nephew was around 13 when this movie came out and he had to have a knee surgery after a basketball injury. So, I rented a bunch of movies and stayed at my brothers house to help out. We watched this together and laughed so hard! He would randomly text me lines from this movie. And we still do that. When he graduated from college, I made him a cake that said “Your Mom Goes To College…” 😂
Okay... If there was ever a time people should read my comment, it's NOW. If you like Napoleon Dynamite, then you NEED to watch The Sasquatch Gang and Gentlemen Brancos. These movies are made by the same people and are extremely underrated.
Anyone who can get through this movie without crippling social anxiety is secretly a robot. It's one of those movies you just stare at in mind boggled confusion then laugh about it afterward.
Kip grating cheese is one of those things that many wouldn't quite appreciate. A lot of the people in rural Idaho are on food assistance programs. They would go every week to get stuff like cheese, powdered eggs and milk, and butter supplied by the USDA. The cheese came in big blocks like that. If you notice in the several cuts, there are varying levels of cheese on those chips, once it's just a mountain.
There was actually a cartoon based on the movie. I think it only had one season. There is also a comic book series. It takes place after the movie and the first couple of issues are about Pedro being impeached. turns out someone tampered with the votes so Napoleon and Deb and a new female student try to figure out what's going on. The last issue is Valentine's day issue. the guy who plays uncle Rico pops up in other movies but you can barely tell it's him. The guy was in Real Genius, and played a werewolf in both Fright Night 2 and The Monster Squad. He's also been in a lot of tv shows.
Fun fact, Rex is played by Deidrich Bader, best known for voicing Batman in a number of projects. Napoleon could have been trained by the goddamn Batman.
@@Billy-zv6gv You're right on all but one of those. It was Jon Gries who plays Uncle Rico and on Office space it was Gary Cole who plays Bill Lumbergh.
If i remember correctly, it was originally made as a highschool project but was so good it got pitched to hollywood execs and rewritten as a full length script. The lead actor (john heder i think) was the highschooler that originally played napolean in the school project and it actually ended up in a hollywood career for him.
I never thought anyone could be tone deaf while doing sign language to a song. But Napoleon pulled it off lol. This is one of my go to movies when I need something light hearted and fun. It's a great therapy movie.
Back when this came out and I saw it, I couldn't tell you what it was about this movie that I loved. Even now, I can't tell you what it is about this movie. But dammit, it was so fun!
There is some debate about what time frame this movie takes place. With the fashion and vehicles it looks like the 80s and no one uses cell phones. But If you look at Napoleon’s school ID at the beginning, it says 2004-05. But a town in rural Idaho where the movie is set might have some out of date pop cultural references and fashion
Jon Gries is such an incredible actor, his heyday was in the early to mid 80’s, but he still has chops. Watch him in “Real Genius” as truly excellent supporting actor.
Jon Heder was also in "The Replacements" with David Spade* in his* third starring movie with many other comic greats like John Lovitz! (a nerdy sports spoof;)
Napoleon's shoes are really cheap snow boots. I used to have some, it's weird that he is wearing them without snow, but that's what makes him Napoleon.
Everyone in this movie is so quirky, I had no idea what to think at first. But I grew to love it ❤. Also, NO ONE expected that amazing dance so when it first came out, it was such a wild moment. Napoleon is always a really good friend to Pedro and Deb, and is even supportive of his brother. Love him!
Napoleon Dynamite is seriously one of the greatest comedy films ever made. There's just nothing else like it. Shoestring budget, tiny crew, and this masterpiece is the result. Absolutely iconic.
Jamiroquai music fit this movie, Jay Kay and his hats 🙂
Well, there are some other movies with such an awkward sense of humour. The first one that comes to my mind is "Buffet froid" from 1979.
Have you seen Dear Lemon Lima, or Hottie Boombalottie ?
Those two films come the closest to that vibe that I have ever seen. I recommend them if you like the film, ND.
For anyone who hasn’t seen Dear Lemon Lima, or Hottie Boombalottie,
Those two films come the closest to that vibe that I have ever seen. I recommend them if you like the film, ND.
It's just bizarre the entire way through and all the more brilliant for it.
Also, this movie cost a grand total of about $400,000 and made about $40 million at the box office, making it proportionally one of the most profitable films in history.
@yt45204 wasnt it batman?
"Rocky" was made for 1 Million and made $225 Million.
The Primer is slightly better with 7,000 budget and 800,000 box office.
I think Paranormal Activity might be the highest. $230k budget, $194m WW.
The Blair Witch Project; $60,000 budget, $248,000,000 world wide.
I still use "your mom goes to college" as a devastating comeback twenty years later.
That's cause you are person of great taste
@@AdrianFlipflop Your mom has great taste
@@SleepParty30 GOTEEEEM!
Haha same
@@SleepParty30 she loves me so she must
The movie was filmed in Idaho, and is virtually exactly my experience of high school in the late 70's. Each time I watch it I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry at the accuracy of what everyone is calling "nostalgic".
lol 80s here and in Canada but the same - I see people saying it is "bizzare" and "unrealistic' at times, but all of it so perfectly a re-creation of what actually happened in those situations and created those exact outcomes haha
I still have my Casio from 16:33, it is black and red just like that, that is my watch heh neat to see it, such perfection of re-created things in this movie
Onee-Chan, you’re sooo ollllld
I went to high school in Southern alberta, Canada when this movie came out. It reminds me of that time so much. Lots of people still had 70s/80s furniture, etc. The shots of the farmers fields make me so nostalgic. There used to be a sheep farm right beside the high school track.
I live in Idaho, and I can tell you that this is actually a pretty accurate depiction of our state. Not much was exaggerated.
Indeed!
Aside from Boise
Accurate depiction of Mormon (southeast) Idaho, actually. 😊
Lol so 2004 looked like 1989! I’m sorry.
Same in rural Oklahoma
I had absolutely NO IDEA they had a post-credits scene at all. Twenty years went by without me knowing it. Thank you so much for blessing me with this. ❤😂
Same!!😮
We should make a club!
WELCOME! My siblings and I used to sing that all the time growing up.
Haha I didn't know either!
I think it was only added for the dvd, not in the theatrical version
Napoleon’s dance routine getting a standing O is probably the most accurate part of this entire movie’s portrayal of high school.
Everyone always cheered when the unremarkable, socially awkward, weird kid would go onstage and display some sick skills.
I actually think that's one reason I liked this movie so much growing up. My schools did have a lot of bullying happening, but if you did anything for the talent show then the whole school would celebrate you.
@@dishwasher1527
After this movie came out, my volleyball teammates were quoting it so much at practice. I also helped pull my best friend out of a funk after a bad breakup by quoting Napoleon (at the suggestion of his older brother; basically that family was good friends of ours up through graduation). The 2000s were a time to live in, what with Napoleon Dynamite, the Lord of the Rings trilogy that came out over the previous three years, and the rise of the Halo video games.
@@AdderTude I love how people can create strong bonds with others over media. Every time I watch Napoleon Dynamite I can't figure out why it's good. I especially can't find out why so many people find it good. But I can't say anything bad about it. It's such an enigma to me still all these years later. Happy to see all the other people who love it as well
True statement. I was the awkward socially inept kid in high school, but when me and my friend went up to play an acoustic version of 'My Heart Will Go On' with our guitars at a talent show the entire school gave us a standing ovation. We were the cool kids for a day.
What little structure there is to this movie is essentially provided by the Rex Kwon Do system.
1. Use the buddy system
2. Discipline your image
3. Learn self-respect
Even though Napoleon thinks that Rex Kwon Do is a rip-off, he nevertheless implements every element of the system. He buddies up with Pedro. He gets some sweet clothes to improve his image. And he demonstrates self-respect by learning some kick-ass dance moves.
I never thought of that before!
@@christopherwall2121 That's because you did not BOW TO YOUR SENSEI!!! Please take this under advisement in future implementations of the Rex Kwan Do system.
That's surprisingly wise, and I think that system will serve you (and your buddy) well no matter what you do.
Dude, this movie is like an indie version of Seinfeld. What is Napoleon Dynamite about? Honestly...nothing. Just like Seinfeld.
@AdderTude Napoleon Dynamite is about identity and finding community within that identity. Seinfeld is about indulging in the petty contrivances of life. I can see how you could argue that it is about nothing insofar as it is not a plot driven film, though.
"you could be drinking whole if you wanted too." really cracked me up.
Reminds me of Flight of the Conchords "You could be a part time model" sideways passive aggressive compliment/insult. lol
I used to use that as a kind of ice breaker/pickup line during high school in 2012. Actually kinda worked for me 😂
The same guy who made this movie also made Nacho Libre. One of my favorite comedies.
It's also based on cringe and characters.
Absolutely! 👍
So that's why this looks familiar
She should deff watch Nacho Libre, it’s up there with Shrek 2 and Shaun of dead legendary comedies
I love both movies and never realized that.
The first time I watched this movie I wasn't sure if I liked it or hated it. Then I found out the more times I watched it, the more I liked it.
This^^ My best friend and I rented this movie andwe sat there after it was over thinking "what the hell was that?". Then I watched it again months later with my dad and everything came together and I fell in love with it. My dad says he felt the same too.
My sister was adamant that I watch it. But even she said "You might not like it too much the first time through. But it will become your favorite movie after a few replays." AND SHE WAS RIGHT! 😅
I love this movie so much. There's no other comedy with such a unique, awkward sense of humor. Basically every main character is an outsider and an underdog in their own strange way, and the fact that they all get their happy endings just makes you feel warm and fuzzy. The setting is so relatable if you grew up in a rural setting; basically everything is a decade behind.
Watch The Sasquatch Gang and Gentlemen Brancos. They're made by the same people who did Napoleon Dynamite. And they're even funnier.
Well there are some other movies with such an awkward sense of humour. The first one that comes to my mind is "Buffet froid" from 1979.
Have you seen Dear Lemon Lima, or Hottie Boombalottie ?
Those two films come the closest to that vibe that I have ever seen. I recommend them if you like the film, ND.
To anyone who hasn’t seen Dear Lemon Lima, or Hottie Boombalottie,
Those two films come the closest to that vibe that I have ever seen. I recommend them if you like the film, ND.
if i may, your "a decade behind" remark is perfect, because this movie seems to be set in the 1990s USA... but up here in Canada it would be what was our 1980s (maybe second half of the 80s). just so well done overall yes
The title saying "experiencing" instead of "watching" is oddly way more accurate
The tetherball scene with The Promise playing is so iconic
"Nessie" No it wasn't Creative Writing. It's when you have to read a news paper article for Social Studies/History (the maps are behind him on the wall). He's just goofy so he read an article from a tabloid like World Weekly News or something.
It was an up and coming movie, but after it started getting attention, 20th century fox picked it up for larger distribution.
9:04 Wow. “Mildly annoyed by everything” in the 20 years since this film came out I’ve never heard anybody describe Napoleon more accurately than those four words lol!
Nor I. I never knew how to describe him to be honest....always thought of him as angry but "Mildly annoyed" fit him so well. Also, her description that he has zero social anxiety is spot on...dude just doesnt seem to care about anything and is not bothered what anyone thinks about him. He doesn't lie to "Be cool", he almost lies out of annoyance. LOL. Absolutely love ND, one of my favorite comedies of all time
also, looking sedated, barely in their bodies…
John Heder and Jared Hess, film students at BYU, collaborated to make a short film called "Peluca." Another film student friend convinced them to make a feature film of it and helped them to raise $400,000. They submitted it to Sundance Film Festival. It was accepted. Fox Searchlight Films picked it up from there. It grossed over $44 million. That's how a film that looks small budget ends up being distributed by 20th Century Fox.
When I first saw it, as the end credits rolled, I just stared at the screen, thinking, "What the hell was that?" I've never watched it again for myself, but I love watching others watch it for the first time so I can be amused by their bewilderment.
Napolean Dynamite is one of those movies that need to be watched Multiple times to truly understand the movie and every time you see it gets funnier and funnier
It's unusual in that it's a comedy where nobody in the comedy sees it as such. Often times like in a comedy series, you'll have characters make jokes, and even though the other characters don't laugh, the jokes wouldn't have been made if they didn't see the humor in it. Or perhaps in other cases it'll be situational humor where you're laughing at the crazy situation that they're in. The humor of Napoleon Dynamite comes from the awkwardness and the characters reaction to said awkwardness. They want to seem important so they exaggerate and lie, and it's obvious to everyone but the characters themselves. It's sort of a self-parody. I can't say I've seen a comedy quite like it.
I watched it like 5 times and I don’t understand why anyone thinks it’s remotely good. The best thing is the title sequence. Absolutely brilliant… the worst thing is that blonde guy that is the boyfriend of the stick up girl.. but to each his own. If you enjoyed it, more
Power to you
I was today years old when I realized Napoleon's grandma is Mac's mom in Always Sunny.
This movie is what got her cast in that role. Charlie day was a fan.
Whack to think about how old Always Sunny is
You can't blame the uncle for doing that. It's literally called "chuck steak"...
The juxtaposition between her excitement after reading the note and then her disappointment when seeing the actual drawing is truly heartbreaking.
My sister and I still say “I want that.” in a mock whisper to each other all the time.
Honestly, my favorite scene of the entire movie is when Kip tries to demonstrate the strength of the bowl with the van and it just explodes, I die every time. I don't know why. "Your Mom goes to College" The best and worst burn ever 😂
Dang it
When I first saw this in theaters, gotta admit I really did not like it. I just didn’t get it. Thought it was too exaggerated… yet a few things stuck out in my memory as funny. Kip backing over the Tupperware was the one that got me for sure. Second time I saw it, I enjoyed it so much more and understood the humor so much better. Now it’s one of my fav comedies and I pretty much laugh the entire time! 😂 Dang it!
The real funny thing about the demonstration is, the being wasn't supposed to break. When it did the actor improved the "dang it" and drove off. The director loved it so much he left it in!
Uncle Rico is stuck in 1982, and his shirts are stuck in 1978. LOL.
Young dude here, just wondering what the difference was between 78 and 82
When my sister and her friend watched this in cinemas, her friend said to her "your brother [me] is like Napoleon" and she told me, it still lives rent free in my brain and i don't know if its a compliment or an insult
Probably both
Maybe she admired your dancing skills.
It's obviously a compliment. Gosh!
She's saying you're autistic
…my dude, he’s the hero
"He's got tater tots for later" I guess you could say he has later tots. Sorry, that was stupid but I absolutely love this movie.
I remember when this came out, after a few of my friends and I saw it, we were at work and one of my friends shift ended and he said he had to go to class (college) and our supervisor in the other isle said "your mom goes to college" and we al started laughing.
I remember reading somewhere that this movie is the hardest movie for Netflix to gauge whether to recommend or not. Meaning that their advanced algorithm does a pretty decent job of figuring out if a person will like so and so movie based on their past watch history and recommend stuff for them. But this movie is one where it would defy the algorithm. It could never tell if a person would love it or hate it.
It's hard to write a movie where nearly every line of dialogue is a quotable classic.
"You know I'm m training to become a cage fighter."
"How much you wanna bet I can throw a football over them mountains?"
"Make yourself a dang quesa-dil-la!"
Great movie lol
"I hope you'd get out of my life and shut up"
"I'd say things are getting pretty serious"
"You wouldn't want to get a roundhouse kick by someone wearing *these* would you?"
The character Napoleon is just so good. The actor did such a good job. And I think capturing a lot of peoples childhood/school years just made this something everyone can relate to
FFA or Future Farmers of America is/was an agricultural youth organization that was essentially competitive farming for teenagers. You can always spot the FFA members at school by their characteristic blue corduroy jacket with large embroidered emblem on the back.
And milk and cow judging are indeed legit competitions.
Here is South Dakota it's still a big deal. They really have to know their stuff and they study hard.
Are they rivals of 4-H?
@@bobbolondz2701 Not really rivals, but FFA gets school credits and I don't think 4H does. Plus, FFA gets those sweeet blue jackets.😁
@@bobbolondz2701 No, not that I am aware of. There are kids at my church who are in both.
this movie perfectly depicts highschool awkwardness, and it being set in the rural midwest where culture is 10 years behind the times just highlights it even moreso.
my favorite scene is when kip is trying to show the lady that the bowl doesn't break by driving over it, and then it breaks. the bowl wasn't actually supposed to break irl so that just makes it even funnier to me😂
Pedro's cousins look like characters from Breaking Bad. But they're wonderfully wholesome. XD
I totally forgot about them until I saw this clip. I'm sure the Breaking Bad writers definitely saw Napoleon Dynamite and were inspired by those two... I mean, we never learn Pedro's last name... it might be Pedro Salamanca! He did have a pretty sweet bike and confidence in his skills!
I feel like as a kid in the 2000s, who didn't grow up in a big city, this movie captures the ennui perfectly.
This film is nearly an autobiographic documentary for the director. The cast includes his relatives and teachers. Elements taken from real life include the film’s title, being the only boy in a sign language class, the puffy sleeves on the prom dress and much more.
The plot is a “slice of life”. Just looking into a small part of these characters day to day lives.
I thought this was Napoleon's origin story before he invaded most of Europe.
"wait...i forgot to put in the crystals"
love this movie.
Also the girl named Deb, with the pony tail on the side of her head, played "Enola" the girl from WaterWorld (Kevin Costner)
whAT?! How am I only now learning this? 😆
wow no way!!! thanks
Love that movie! I never knew this 😂
Holy crap that's actually insane
my favorite part about this movie is it had a tiny budget and almost everyone in the movie isn’t actually an actor they’re just the people that were in the locations where they shot and it still turned out to be one of the greatest comedy films of all time
You had so much fun watching Napoleon Dynamite! It was fun watching your reactions. Napoleon is one of my favorites. His shoes are classic Moonboots!! I think I had a pair back in the 80s.
This is one of my sisters favorite movies, we use to quote "Come on, give me some of your tots" all the time as kids... good memories
I’m always scared when reactors watch this for the first time. It took me like 6 times of watching it before I appreciated the comedy. My brother told me I wasn’t going to like it the first time. This movie was my comfort movie during my first deployment to Iraq. Anchorman was another go to during that time.
Aside from the comedy, it’s a pretty charming story about a teenager finding his “people.” I’m always afraid people will miss that aspect as well as not appreciating the comedy
Team America? Oh, my sweet summer child. That's "The A-Team" music! I pitty the fool!
"I love it when a plan comes together!" 👍
(Hannibal;)
@@Billy-zv6gv Hell yeah! My favorite line from the show!
*pity
"In 1972, a crack commando unit * escaped from a maximum security military prison for crimes they didn't commit . . . The A-Team." 🎵
(*promptly?;)
pity*
In Preston, Idaho, where this was filmed, it had a big influx of tourist as the movie became more popular. So much so they has Napoleon Dynamite Days celebration for several years afterward. People to this day come to see all the filming locations.
and get pizza at Pizza Stop across the street from the school.
I was not too far removed from my time in a fairly rural high school when this came out, and it hit so hard. This captured the utter absurdity of high school in that time so perfectly - I specifically remember that people a generation older than me didn't embrace it quite as much, which shows how well they portrayed the experience in that specific time.
Also, awkward humor is the one area of comedy where I have trouble laughing (I can't watch The Office because I just feel sad for Michael Scott) but this, for some reason, gets me anyway.
Despite this not being geared towards your generation, you got it right off the start. I grew up in the 80s and 90s. This felt EXTREMELY familiar. It's a little place in Iowa stuck in the past. Napoleon is so much like some kids I knew growing up, it's scary. They would say the most outlandish lies in casual conversation. Kip represents so many people I know as well. All the characters were spot on and anyone who grew up in a small town will feel at home with this film.
"Nostalgic for a childhood I didn't experience" is a wonderful way to put it. I grew up in 80s and 90s Yorkshire, UK, a world apart from Napoleon's, but it still connected! So strange!
Your reaction was my reaction so I'm subscribing!
This is one of the most rewatchable movies ever made for the reason you stated, the plot is not the memorable thing, it's just a few connected dots, the star of the movie is the characters, the scenery and all the countless nostalgic touches. Instead of making it specific to any time it feels like it could be set anywhere from the 80s to the early 2000s so it's like a comfortable blanket for several generations.
What Napoleon Dynamite perfectly captures, is life in a small town. I think that's why so many people connect to it and sense a familiarity with that quirky little world of eccentric characters. It's just a bunch of people trying to make the most out of their minimally eventful existences. In that sense, the humor develops naturally without being forced.
This movie will never not make me laugh hard constantly, the dry delivery is a master class in comedy.
I love this movie so much. One of the most unique comedies of all time and every person on the cast nailed their characters.
Napoleon Dynamite is an experience, I don't know how else to put it. It's so unique, the level of awkward, just about everything is unexpected but also it's iconic, like you said at the beginning, everyone from back then knows the dance.
Half if the humor is the gajillion 80's references throughout the film. As a child of the 80's, this movie had me rolling. Nostalgia indeed.
This movie was so iconic growing up. I love it but I couldn't tell you why 😂😅
"I feel like they're not acting". You're not wrong. LOL.
Apparently a lot of the movie was improv, and a lot of the scenes were shot in 1 take. Even if it wrong.
For instance the scene where he puts the container behind the tired, and runs it over and breaks, wasn't supposed to happen that way. But they were like, "ohwell, that's kinda funny". 😂😂
I met a young man one time who had pretty bad case of autism and he acted and spoke just like Napoleon Dynamite. Eyes half closed, grumpy indignation (You're such an idiot. Gawd!)
I was immediately struck by the idea that the creator of this film must have known someone with a very similar affliction. The similarity was uncanny.
Whether the filmakers intended it or not, Napoleon is definitely an accurate representation of many people who are on the spectrum. I've known a couple diagnosed people with plenty of the same mannerisms.
One of the cool things about this movie is that Napoleon actually follows the Rex Kwon Do throughout the film.
Also it's made to show that even in a small world big things are happening according to those who live in it.
Napoleon's boots are just cheap snow boots. One of the things that's great about this movie is how relatable it is. I remember having to wear boots just like those in elementary (although only in winter) because they were the cheapest ones.
Those "Moon Boots" were popular winter boots in the early '80's. 🥶 😜
@@Billy-zv6gv yup you were cool if you had a pair of moon boots in the early 80s
When they're in the blue jackets with the big orange circle with the eagle above it with outstretched wings, they're at an FFA activity. (Future Farmers of America = FFA.) It's a contest where the students judge agricultural products and animals and land, and are themselves judged by the experts to see how good the students are at evaluating agricultural elements like milk or cows or meat or soil, etc.
The intro and ending of this movie makes me tear up every time. Pure nostalgia
My ultimate comfort movie. I’m not a movie guy but I’ve seen this literally 20 times and it never gets old
Napoleon Dynamite might be as close to actual high school as movies can get.
It is an indie film made by friends. MTV funded them to make a full movie and Fox distributed the movie. The director’s second movie is Nacho Libre with Jack Black
Deb was the little girl in Waterworld. Uncle Rico was in Real Genius. And Hillary Duffy's sister was Summer.
I knew I recognized Rico. He was Lazlo in Real Genius.
I remember when Vote for Pedro t-shirts were sold in Wal-Mart.
BOTH versions, too:
The one that just had the slogan by itself, and the one that had a line-drawn rednering of Pedro's 2 cousins in the car with the slogan on the driver side door.
I've seen both of those.
Really?? I need one ASAP
They still are
Rue 21 had them. Rue sucks now!
It was an indie film. But then it got some distribution rights from major companies.
If I ever stumble across this movie while channel surfing, I always watch it again. I can't help it..
I'm 100% positive that Taylor Swift is just Jon Heder in a wig.
LMAO
Well, come to think of it, have you ever seen Jon Heder and Taylor Swift at the same time?
🤣
No way, Napoleon backs up a far smarter and more competent presidents.
I like that Napoleon went to the restroom specifically to open a pack of gum
Everyone will ask for a piece otherwise, I respect it.
Awesome and amazing as always VKunia with Napoleon Dynamite.
💞📺📺💞
My nephew was around 13 when this movie came out and he had to have a knee surgery after a basketball injury. So, I rented a bunch of movies and stayed at my brothers house to help out. We watched this together and laughed so hard! He would randomly text me lines from this movie. And we still do that. When he graduated from college, I made him a cake that said “Your Mom Goes To College…” 😂
Okay... If there was ever a time people should read my comment, it's NOW. If you like Napoleon Dynamite, then you NEED to watch The Sasquatch Gang and Gentlemen Brancos. These movies are made by the same people and are extremely underrated.
Gentlemen Broncos is fantastic
Anyone who can get through this movie without crippling social anxiety is secretly a robot.
It's one of those movies you just stare at in mind boggled confusion then laugh about it afterward.
You get to experience the magic of this movie for the first time? ..... Luckyyyyyy...
Kip grating cheese is one of those things that many wouldn't quite appreciate. A lot of the people in rural Idaho are on food assistance programs. They would go every week to get stuff like cheese, powdered eggs and milk, and butter supplied by the USDA. The cheese came in big blocks like that. If you notice in the several cuts, there are varying levels of cheese on those chips, once it's just a mountain.
Government cheese.
This is sort of like a more modern interpretation of the 80's movie "Revenge of the Nerds."
Total cult classic. That song that kip sings at the end... amazing
You are going to love this VKunia! Have an awesome Saturday!
There was actually a cartoon based on the movie. I think it only had one season. There is also a comic book series. It takes place after the movie and the first couple of issues are about Pedro being impeached. turns out someone tampered with the votes so Napoleon and Deb and a new female student try to figure out what's going on. The last issue is Valentine's day issue. the guy who plays uncle Rico pops up in other movies but you can barely tell it's him. The guy was in Real Genius, and played a werewolf in both Fright Night 2 and The Monster Squad. He's also been in a lot of tv shows.
Fun fact, Rex is played by Deidrich Bader, best known for voicing Batman in a number of projects.
Napoleon could have been trained by the goddamn Batman.
Really?! Ha I mainly remember him from Office Space. Might have to check those out.
Deidrich was Jethro in Beverly Hillbillies movie while he was in Drew Carrey Show with Ryan Styles back in the '90's before Office Space.
"Uncle Rico" was Jennifer Aniston's boss in Office Space, btw. 🤔
@@Billy-zv6gv You're right on all but one of those. It was Jon Gries who plays Uncle Rico and on Office space it was Gary Cole who plays Bill Lumbergh.
@@neil2444 I said: "Jennifer Aniston's boss is Uncle Rico": in the restaurant*, not Gary Cole in the office, but you can see him* . . ? 🤞🤔 😊
16:44 plot twist. Those are the Salamanca twins pre-Breaking Bad and Pedro is Pedro Salamanca of the Salamanca Cartel Family.
Daily dose of beauty before work❤ and remember always carry and protect your pocket of tots😂
If i remember correctly, it was originally made as a highschool project but was so good it got pitched to hollywood execs and rewritten as a full length script. The lead actor (john heder i think) was the highschooler that originally played napolean in the school project and it actually ended up in a hollywood career for him.
The Original short is even on RUclips!
@@jaysax7381 is it? ive never seen it
The only other movie insult that tops "Your mom goes to college" is "You mix your Wheaties with your momma's toe jam!" from "The Sandlot"!
The ONLY time we see Napoleon smile in this film is at 27:13 when he sees Kip and Lafawnduh happy together at the bus stop
I never thought anyone could be tone deaf while doing sign language to a song. But Napoleon pulled it off lol. This is one of my go to movies when I need something light hearted and fun. It's a great therapy movie.
Lame comment.
@@ricksomething glad you could appreciate it :)
@@slvrsrfr92 You need to log off. Forever.
This takes place in Preston Idaho and was definitely filmed there. I am fairly confident that the costume department scavenged local closets.
Back when this came out and I saw it, I couldn't tell you what it was about this movie that I loved. Even now, I can't tell you what it is about this movie. But dammit, it was so fun!
"Oh, sweet! Napoleon Dynamite! Do you do funny things?"
"Nah, I just do quirky things for the sake of being quirky!"
There is some debate about what time frame this movie takes place. With the fashion and vehicles it looks like the 80s and no one uses cell phones. But If you look at Napoleon’s school ID at the beginning, it says 2004-05. But a town in rural Idaho where the movie is set might have some out of date pop cultural references and fashion
When Jared Hess was asked when this movie took place, he'd just say "Idaho"
Jon Gries is such an incredible actor, his heyday was in the early to mid 80’s, but he still has chops. Watch him in “Real Genius” as truly excellent supporting actor.
Jon Heder is a national treasure, he was chicken Joe in Surf's Up! And Lionel in Critical Role C1, never laughed so hard in my life!
And the sensei dude was in Surf's Up as well, played the antagonist who kept sexualizing all his trophys
Jon Heder was also in "The Replacements" with David Spade* in his* third starring movie with many other comic greats like John Lovitz! (a nerdy sports spoof;)
@@Billy-zv6gvI think you are talking about The Benchwarmers. The Replacements stars Keanu Reeves.
This film is so nostalgic for me! It's basically showcasing how high school and being a teenager was awkward for everybody.
Why do they always look so listless? Like they just ran a marathon or have severe insomnia or something
You have to watch Nacho Libre next
Napoleon's shoes are really cheap snow boots. I used to have some, it's weird that he is wearing them without snow, but that's what makes him Napoleon.
Awesome 😂
I don’t know if you recognize them but Pedro’s cousins are the twins in Breaking Bad 😉
Lucky!
Everyone in this movie is so quirky, I had no idea what to think at first. But I grew to love it ❤. Also, NO ONE expected that amazing dance so when it first came out, it was such a wild moment. Napoleon is always a really good friend to Pedro and Deb, and is even supportive of his brother. Love him!