Napoleon Dynamite Review - Off The Shelf Reviews

This week Gary and Iain review and discuss, Napoleon Dynamite (2004) by Director, Jared Hess. Starring, Jon Heder, Jon Gries and Efren Ramirez.
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[@TheBeird]

No film has ever captured the numb-brain of being a teenager better than this flick. Does pretty well at capturing midlife melancholia too

[@juliovazquez8141]

Superbad surpassed it if only slightly

[@JDC52]

As an older guy who has lived in a small-town his whole life, it made me smile hearing you guys talk about the town feeling like it's stuck in time. In a way that is very true. Time of course does pass and change happens, but it's sloooow in a small USA town. And especially before the internet small towns were almost like traveling back in time 10 or 15 years. Hess really nailed it on conveying that feeling.

[@TheUballe]

Yeah, my family moved from Los Angeles to Emporia, Kansas , back in 1994. This was a town of maybe 20k population. I was about 14, and it was like traveling back to 10 or so years. On top of that, the buildings and vehicles were straight out of the 40s. Total culture shock.

[@JDC52]

@@TheUballe that's what I would always hear from relatives or friends who lived in urban areas when they came to the Midwest. 10 years was usually the quote lol.

[@colten53]

That was definitely true. I grew up in a small town in the early 2000’s and my childhood truly was kinda indistinguishable from stories you might hear from the 80’s and 90’s. The only big difference for me was that we had video games with better graphics. Everything else was still the same. Fashion, riding bikes, and even watching reruns of old shows in syndication. Even when cell phones became more prevalent, it took time for my hometown to catch up since a cell phone isn’t any good without cell service

[@melissaelliott2966]

Also pretty sure in the intro on napoleons school badge it shows the year. It's just that a lot of small towns are stuck in older times. The cool kids definitely dress early 2000s

[@subcynic]

Dance is transcendence. Love how napoleon locks himself away to learn to dance, unlike his bravado and distraction throughout the rest of the film. Effort is it's own reward, and the standing ovation later is a mere by-product. I think the characters truly grow through the film.

[@djmexicanodetx2195]

Vote 4 Pedro! 🇲🇽

[@stevenhudson7929]

the funniest quote in this film is "do the chickens have large talons?"

[@johnchandler271]

I don't understand a word you just said. LOL

[@avalangrin4904]

I loved this film. This movie is a tribute to those of us who were viewed as awkward and not cool, but who really “danced” (😜😜😜) to our own drum in High School. It takes true strength to stand in your own individuality and not conform to the cookie cutter mold of high school. Maybe that is why so many people loved this film. Great review Gary and Iain. 🙂🙂🙂

[@JeremyAustin-hw1qy]

It's still crazy to me that jon only got paid 1000 dollars to be in this movie

[@melissaelliott2966]

I just told my boss his mom goes to college last week!! It's timeless😂😂❤❤❤

[@chrisgrove7829]

The discussion on when this film is set is fascinating to me, because I do believe it’s supposed to be 2004, yet there are 1982 vibes in this small Idaho community. When I see Napoleon wear Moon boots. I think to myself those were the most comfy and practical snow boots, ever invented. They just slipped on and off. They were like the winter version of Crocs:)

[@oskar_oskarewicz]

This movie is a masterpiece. I love how off beat, strange, surreal, and bizarre it is while being pretty realistic, if that makes any sense :) I am glad the director didn't take the cartoonish/almost fantasy route yet (something we will see in his next movies, at least production desing wise). Cheers guys!

[@ManDuderGuy]

Do the chickens have large talons? We will never know. Just accept the mystery.

[@JoeyMartz]

I was just thinking i haven't seen anything from you guys in a while... glad to be back..... a much needed reprieve in my hectic lifestyle.....

[@jamesabernethy7896]

I try an comment when I can and often say similar things. I save most of your videos as workout videos, they really keep my mind focused. I had a few health issues and fell behind but am slowly catching up. That last few have been a mixed bag in terms of how much you like them. Regardless to your opinion on the movie, you give it your all. Great analysis with some great points in such a cosy presentation. Sci-fi to historical, indie to mainstream, budget to blockbuster, you gave so much enthusiasm for movies. It's great to show us the movies that we've missed or that we don't think is quite our thing. When I found your channel I watched all of your back catalogue and was enthralled by every one. To anyone reading this, I know it's so tempting just to watch the ones you know about, but give it a chance and watch movies you've never seen or maybe never even heard of. It will remind you of how good movies used to be and these are the movies that deserves some love when modern movies are so politicised full of ideology. Thanks guys.

[@greatsea1457]

My asshole roommate would say you never like any movie. He came in and said" you are going to love this"

[@bobbarker1798]

I lived in a rural town in northern Idaho and, yes, we were a little frozen in time. It didn't seem to bother us any and we didn't seem to even notice at the time. Love this movie. Great review.

[@SpecialK234]

Such a sweet film. Amazing addition to the lexicon of mid west prairie life in all its simplicity and eccentricity.

[@adamhoward4775]

I love how lafawnduh is driving the horse with Kip on the back

[@jackmercer4244]

I'm 58 y o, I grew up with 70's and 80's American comedy and lame Californian educational system and lame school lunches, so I totally get this film lol. But I missed this gem because I stopped watching movies in the late 2000's. I watched this for the first time just this month and I am hooked. I'm even playing the John Swihart soundtrack on my DJ set. Love it!

[@davidimrie6916]

I like the way this film ends with the use of that 80's classic song from When In Rome.

[@5anjuro]

The symmetry of scene layouts, the bright base colors, the wide angle shots, all bear signs of Wes Anderson influence.

[@ryanedwards7487]

Fun Fact. In the Guild Wars 1 expansion "Factions", Male Ritualists do the Napoleon Dynamite dance whenever you use your dance emote. I still love this movie.

[@jasondouglas152]

Ian looks like early 2000s Edge

[@theladyfingers___]

I saw this about a year after release at a friend's insistence, with him watching me throughout for signs of approval. I laughed so hard because it really captured the embarrassment of being a teen so well. It also felt so specific in terms of setting, and my friend's girlfriend (who grew up in a similar sort of environment) assured me it captured the listless vibe of podunk life perfectly. What's remarkable about the film is its unflinching gaze combined with absolute charitability - it really is a model of laughing with instead of at. Worth checking out is a long-abandoned webcomic called "Pathetic Geek Stories" which prefigures the rise of this sort of awkward humour. It's unbearably funny.

[@dondurgan427]

Love calling Pedro, "Petro" 😂

[@khalidbinwaleed5072]

There are many small towns that take time to adapt to modern day especially before smart phones

[@kylemendoza8860]

I worked in a theater in HS. I remember this movie coming out. Nobody thought the movie was okay. Everybody loved it or hated it.

[@serpent6827]

Huh, I never knew that epilogue scene existed. Such a great film.

[@SpecialK234]

Bro the time stands still in any small town or city. I say my hometown is living in a dome where time never moves forward in any meaningful or noticeable way. Once you leave that space your life fast forwards remarkably.

[@mizfeldy]

It's the mid-90s, small town USA. Blossom was on TV. It seems anachronistic now but it's really not far off social realism.

[@Pj0tter]

I very rarely watch the end credits of a movie but I did with this movie because of the music and the overall impression the movie had on me. Sort of enjoying the moment after watching the movie. And I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised by the extra scene with the wedding.

[@IWasLikeEmilio]

2 am, cannot sleep. Great time to watch an off the shelve review! Yesssh

[@iwanttocomplain]

The issue with the cartoon was it was too similar. It didn't change anything really from the film. Despite being animation. So there is an issue, even with the filmmakers, concerning exactly what it was that made the film work. The attention to detail from the production design (sets) and costume and makeup is a significant factor in giving this film it's personality. The style of photography is also unique. Based on a documentary The Gates of Heaven. It's a kind of Gonzo journalism. It would be fine to see a sequel but it would take alot of thought to not just make Dumber and Dumberer for instance. Someone suggested a series of VHS educational tapes made by Rex Kwon-Do. That would be fun. Or you could spin off a character like they tried with Dwight Shrute from The American Office with his own show about his beet farm. But they could figure it out either. The film is such a balancing act and that's a bit of a problem.

[@rationalthought846]

A hysterical movie- one of the funniest ever. I knew a Marine Corp officer who when deployed in Afghanistan said he and his guys would use quotes from this movie constantly when on missions. So many lines are hysterical and quotable.

[@slayskool1964]

Napoleon is based on Zander Schloss' character 'Kevin' in the movie Repo Man.

[@michaelb.42112]

Really ? Didn't know that.

[@mrnaughtycat]

I remember the little girl from water-world but I first watched her in a seal movie called Andre

[@michaelb.42112]

OMG that was her ?!

[@skidart9063]

I thought it took place mid 90s too. I always loved this movie. I also liked "eagle vs. Shark" too which looks like it takes place in the same universe as Napoleon dynamite but in new Zealand. I have a chip action figure that I still have in the plastic case

[@magiclantern66]

I got in trouble for saying this before, but I reckon this is one of the few movies that depicts autism. Napoleon, Kip, Pedro and Deb, all seem to me to be somewhere on that spectrum. And it's done in such a positive way: We're seeing the "normal" world through their eyes, and how ridiculous that is. It's a brilliant, hilarious film and I enjoyed your review. Thanks, lads.

[@useyourillusiongnr]

Thanks for a great review guys! 👍

[@NefariousKoel]

You guys should check out their second movie, "Gentleman Broncos" (2009). Hilarious. I liked it more than this one. Sam Rockwell and Jemaine Clement are great in it.

[@slapwagon]

shelf life! 🎉

[@RMEMENTOMORI]

I remember first watching the film I thought the film was going to end during the dance scene. But there was more..felt nice.

[@BrotherJP333SP]

This film is still a ton of fun every time I re-watch it.

[@JoshuaBarrio]

What if the sequel is Kip, Pedro, & Napoleon fight zombies (slow moving)

[@cdmarkandu]

Great film! You guys are great!!! Keep the reviews coming!!!!!

[@jackshepard1203]

Great film and review! This movie was truly unique and ahead of its time. So many memorable quotes and scenes throughout the movie that I still think of to this day. Yeah people may not appreciate it upon first viewing. However, everyone had those moments or conversations in their past that were strange / awkward that this film can make you relate to.

[@beautifulcaramelman]

Yall should do Nacho Libre next. This and Nacho Libre are back to backs for me. Side A & Side B.

[@georgenelawson9917]

I've been watching this movie over and over for the last few days and I'm at the point that I'm quoting it copying it mimicking the voices lol love how retro it was

[@JD.78]

Napoleon Dynamite resonated with me when i first saw it in on DVD in 2005 as i was sort of socially awkward in my school days in the early 90's, and couldn't help but laugh at the situations throughout the movie as it brought back some funny memories...boys will be boys as they say. Great film, still as akward today as it was upon release, and it's lost none of it's charm or appeal. Cheers for the quality review guys.

[@AarenJable]

Thanks again guys.

[@leoncoolington9543]

I always thought it was in the same universe as the adventures of pete and pete

[@robertallen2109]

This was hot topic for like 3 years haha

[@jamesesparza6893]

I forgot where I saw this from, but it was one of my first DVD's to purchase and I watched the shit out of it!

[@AubreyTheKing]

This film is a classic! I'm not gonna lie, it's been years since I've seen the film. I think I was in high school when I first saw it. But after watching you guys reviewing it, I think I'm going to go back to it! Thanks guys! Great review as always!

[@Stormwern]

On the theme, do Hot Rod

[@laramiebear2595]

You guys are so groovy ! Thank you for all your videos they always make me smile❤

[@DEEAD666]

Looks like the early 90s to me.

[@stevenhudson7929]

this is my favourite film of all time even have the napoleon dynamite logo tattooed on my arm

[@darkcornersuk]

Gosh..

[@AdrianMendoza23]

Has it been 20 yrs?! Holy f&ck. Great movie. Every thing about this flick is great: The intro, the music, the song choices, the look of the film, the quirky characters. I first heard about the movie a few months prior when visiting L.A. The ad was just his giant head and afro.

[@seangalvin4582]

This movie really holds up. Due to all the huge laughs and memorable lines I remembered it as edgy, but it's the opposite. It's a wholesome and very sweet movie.

[@gonzalocastaneda52]

If it's based in the 80's. How could Summer play Backstreet Boys in the talent show?

[@sumthingwikked4257]

The town is stuck in the 80s, but the popular kids are ahead of the times, while the geeks and nerds are a step back from them.

[@Ripplin]

LOVED this one immediately, which I could've seen it on the big screen. Heavy-duty dose of nostalgia, even though I didn't reeeeeally know people quite like that. ;)

[@ELcoyote576]

👇 This many people love tater tots.

[@bujilou]

OMG WOW THEY DID IT

[@JeremyAustin-hw1qy]

I've seen this movie countless times and i love it

[@MartyMcFly88]

Love this movie!! “GOD!! FRIGGIN IDIOT!!”

[@mattmidgley4275]

Great review guys, this is a movie that’s always passed me by 👊👊

[@retroworld8090]

This movie reminds me so much of friends families in the early 90s

[@G_Elektrik]

Cult classic, is interesting and original, the oddity of the characters and situations easily connects with you and you get engaged right away, there is a good feeling going on and as a film there is nothing like it, I think that's the source of the success of this film and why people feel good about it

[@JeremyAustin-hw1qy]

As good as this movie is it doesn't need a remake or reboot just leave it alone

[@darkcornersuk]

Love this film

[@misterwillguitar]

wow sirs I love this movie!!!! thanks for the review sirs!!!

[@brianoneil9662]

Rural Utah is just now approaching the 21st century 😊

[@sumthingwikked4257]

They should be in 2023 by 30 years.

[@Krylovix]

Love this movie growing up, a movie just like it is "the sasquatch gang"

[@norwegiangamehunter4868]

Awesome! Great movie ❤

[@edmonlessley4932]

Truly classic.

[@michaelb.42112]

GOSH ! It's so awesome to see two long haired dudes laughing their asses off to Napoleon Dynamite. I don't know if Napoleon Dynamite 2 would work. It's nearly impossible to catch lightning in. a bottle twice, and like you said, so ciety is SO different than it was in 2004, so the studio would probably make some woke piece of crap.

[@UnCreativeDeconstructionism]

*turn up*

[@randomreviews4278]

5:17 not really

[@daydreamindavey7315]

Ugh... Lucky.

[@georgenelawson9917]

Love watching reactions on KZbin most is first time very hilarious them trying to figure out what's the plot what year it is what's up with these people especially Napoleon even heard someone say he must be on the spectrum lol yeah lafunda is a freak I've heard a couple people say lol he ain't going to handle her shell wipe him out lol geez lol

[@randomreviews4278]

2:19 more like boring