Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Recently, I re-visited this movie. It's one of those films I can watch over and over again - it's very unique and unlike your traditional comedy type movie.

What I really enjoy about this film is that it's relatable on so many levels. There are references to so many things that remind me of my childhood days. From the tetherball game, the rollerblades, the "Glamour Shot" type business by Deb, those small little homemade friendship bracelets, etc. This film is truly a blast from the past.

It's funny because I remember a lot of these things growing up. And, I think weaving this with the issues Napoleon, portrayed by Jon Heder, faces as an adolescent really blends well to make an entertaining movie.

When I first saw this film, I thought this movie was actually set back in the past. However, looking closer into the film and researching it a bit revealed that it actually was set in modern day time.

What the director wanted to portray was that there are actually people out there today living life as if they were in the past. And, I think that is what truly makes this film unique.

This movie makes you think it's set in the past. But, what it's really about and this is the twist is that it's really about people who live in the past. And, this is portrayed by so many characters throughout the movie.

I think the character who portrays it the best is Napoleon's uncle, Uncle Rico (portrayed by Jon Gries) who continues to reminisce about his high school days as a football star. To him, this was the most exciting time of his life. He even went so far as to look into a way to go back - a way to travel back in time to his glory days. If only he could go back.

Uncle Rico's Time Machine



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Though this film portrays those who live in the past, it also has a message - life goes on. We all like to think back about the past and some of the good times we had. Though, time does not stand still. Things change. And, with change people must adapt.

This main theme of change and adapting to change is portrayed very well at the end. The characters end up adapting to change and move forward with their lives. Though life isn't always perfect and what we expect it to be, it's there. And, sometimes we just need to appreciate what we have - not what we don't have.

If you're in the mood for a comedy type movie, I highly recommend this one.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS

(Note: For those who are fans of the movie, check out the dance scene remake. Very cool!)

Happy movie watching!

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