Napoleon Dynamite - DVD 2004

Bibliographic Information:
Hess, J., & Hess, J. (Screenwriter). (2004, June 11). Napoleon Dynamite [DVD] J. Coon, S. Covel & C. Wyatt (Eds.). Studio Fox Searchlight Pictures (1 hr, 35 min.). ASIN: B00186QBYE

Plot Summary:
Napoleon Dynamite is a dork. He had wiry hair, glasses, and wears sweats and a t-shirt much of the time. He’s known for drawing combinations of mythical creatures such as the liger, a lion/tiger combo. Napoleon has an older brother who spends two hours each day chatting online with his “soul-mate” whom he has never met. They both live with their grandmother and the family’s pet llama. Napoleon copes much of the time claiming he has various skills such as using the nunchucks. He is a loner, not by choice. The other students avoid him or make fun of him. Napoleon is bullied at school. Then a new student comes to school, Pedro. Napoleon just happens to be nearby and the principal asks him to show Pedro to his locker. Because of this, Napoleon assumes that they are friends. This works for Pedro. Grandma goes out for several days. Enter Uncle Rico, who claims grandma asked him to look after the boys. Rico enlists Kips help in his get rich quick plans. He wants to raise enough money to make a time machine so that he can go back and help his high school football team win the big game. These schemes involve selling a Tuperware-like product and an herbal breast enhancer. One afternoon, a girl Deb, knocks on the door trying to sell make-up and craft jewelry. She, Pedro and Napoleon become friends. Pedro decides to run for class president against the popular Summer. Napoleon helps by making posters, handing out keychains, and assisting Pedro with his after speech skit.

Critical Evaluation:
At first I didn’t think much of the movie. Poor Napoleon, where can you start? He is the classic dork. While he can’t help his appearance, he can stop talking about skills that he claims to have, but doesn’t. He really doesn’t have much choice as his older brother and his uncle both are dorks also. Truly I felt sorry for him. The other characters seemed almost like caricatures instead of actual people. As the movie progressed though, I started enjoying it more. Napoleon becomes a friend; he grows as a character. It seems as though he understands that he is socially inept and tries to change. He stands up to his uncle. He helps another boy who is also bullied. And he helps Pedro in his run for class president. Further, Napoleon doesn’t stereotype others. When the gang-looking Hispanic men drive by, Napoleon isn’t afraid to let them drive him and Trisha to the dance. While I was over enthusiastic with this movie, I can see how teens would enjoy it. They will be able to relate to Napoleon in one way or another. They will root for him hoping against the odds that good things will happen. If nothing else teens will see that someone else has it worse than they do.

Reader's Annotation:
Napoleon Dynamite struggles through high school: Being bullied, finding friends in Pedro and Deb, dealing with his older brother Kip and his Uncle Rico’s money-making schemes. When Pedro decides to run for class president, Napoleon helps.

Information about the Screenwriters:
Jared Hess was born on July 18, 1979 in Omaha Nebraska. He attended Manhattan High School in Kansas and then transferred over to Preston High. Several of the scenes from this movie were filmed at Preston High. Jared is married to Jerusha Hess, the co-screenwriter. She was born on July 12, 1980 in Olathe, Kansas.Together they also wrote Nacho Libre (2006) and Gentlemen Broncos (2009.) Both have experience behind the camera as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jared_and_Jerusha_Hess
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1415801/

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties: Language Arts

Booktalking Ideas:
• Why does Napoleon talk about his “skills” so much, skills that he doesn’t have?
• Which character most represents your high school experience?
• How does Napoleon feel about his uncle? Why?
• Describe what happens at the dance between Trisha and Napoleon. Between Napoleon and Deb and Pedro. Why do these events happen?
• Why does Pedro win the presidency?
• Describe each of the main high schoolers.
• At one point in the story Deb is upset with Napoleon. Why?
• If you were to continue the story, what do you think would happen? Why?

Reading Level/Interest Level:
The movie is rated PG and will probably appeal to those between 13 – young adult.

Challenge Issues:
Bullying; teasing; shooting of a cow is heard off camera

If the movie is challenged:
• Listen calmly to the complainant.
• Ask if s/he has watched the entire film.
• Show positive reviews of the film.
• Show the selection policy.
If the complainant still has issues with the movie:
• Request that the complainant read the entire book if this has not already occurred.
• Have the complainant fill out a reconsideration form.
• Set up a reconsideration meeting.
• Provide the reconsideration meeting members with:
o Positive reviews
o Selection policy
o Reconsideration policy

Selection Process:
I selected this movie because it was discussed during the genre presentation.

According to Rotten tomatoes, 71% of those reviewed found this movie to be good.
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/napoleon_dynamite/

Roger Ebert gave the movie 1 ½ stars, though users gave it three stars.
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040618/REVIEWS/406180306/1023