Weekly Pick: ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Is Quirky But Classic Film

This week, the magic of movies takes us to Idaho for a dynamite, flippin’, great little film that introduces us to characters named Kip, Uncle Rico, Pedro, Lafawnduh and of course, the title character, Napoleon. “Napoleon Dynamite” is an offbeat, quirky and incredibly unique comedy that was released in 2004. Probably barely old enough to be a classic, but a classic nonetheless. 

The film is set in rural Idaho and the world of Napoleon, an awkward — to say the least — teenager just trying to fit in and convince people he’s cool, and his 32-year-old brother Kip. who is constantly scoping for girls … on the internet. We also meet Pedro, Napoleons loyal sidekick who runs for student body president against popular mean-girl Summer. If you’ve never seen the film and have been wondering what all those “Vote for Pedro” T-shirts we’re all about, now you know.

And of course there is Napoleon’s Uncle Rico who continues to search for his soulmate who got away, played by Jon Gries. Gries was a recent guest on “Nite Lite” and made it sound like he had as much fun being part of the film as we did watching it. His character was hilarious to watch as he made videos of himself throwing footballs, sold Tupperware door-to-door and constantly recalled his high school football glory days, while eating all of Napoleon’s family’s steaks.

“Napoleon Dynamite” is all about acceptance and finding your place in the world, a world we might not always feel like we belong in, but thanks to good friends, a little courage and some sweet dance moves, we figure out a way to connect.

This little film took the film festival circuit and indie film theaters by storm. It also took home, if not the most prestigious trophies, definitely some of the coolest awards like MTV’s “Best Movie” and “Best Feature” at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival. “Napoleon” was also nominated for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, not a bad nod for first time writer-director Jared Hess. Hess went on to direct the not-so-classic “Nacho Libre” and is helming the upcoming “Minecraft” movie.

Moving forward, I’m not sure anything Hess directs will ever have the charm of “Napoleon Dynamite,” which is all the more reason to check out this week’s classic movie pick.

Editor’s note: For more movie and entertainment talk, join Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6 p.m. to 8 p .m. for “Nite Lite” on the Civic Media radio network.