Napoleon Dynamite (2004/ Special Edition)

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Plot Synopsis: Napoleon Dynamite is an awkward, imaginative teenager trying to survive everyday life in the small town of Preston, Idaho. Between drawing fantastical creatures, dodging school bullies and dealing with his eccentric family—including his internet-romance-obsessed older brother Kip and his boastful Uncle Rico—Napoleon struggles to find his place. When he befriends shy new student Pedro Sánchez and creative classmate Deb, Napoleon throws himself into Pedro's unlikely campaign for class president. Their offbeat friendship leads to one of the most memorable school-assembly performances in modern comedy.

Movie Details

Screenwriters: Jared Hess and Jerusha Hess

Genres: Comedy, independent film, coming-of-age

Runtime: Approximately 95 minutes

MPAA Rating: PG (thematic elements and language)

Principal Cast and Characters

• Jon Heder — Napoleon Dynamite
• Efren Ramirez — Pedro Sánchez
• Jon Gries — Uncle Rico
• Aaron Ruell — Kip Dynamite
• Tina Majorino — Deb
• Haylie Duff — Summer Wheatley
• Diedrich Bader — Rex
• Sandy Martin — Grandma
• Trevor Snarr — Don
• Shondrella Avery — LaFawnduh Lucas
• Emily Kennard — Trisha

Five Interesting Facts

1. The film grew out of director Jared Hess's short film Peluca, which also starred Jon Heder.
2. It was filmed largely in and around Preston, Idaho, where Jared Hess had lived.
3. Jon Heder's deadpan portrayal of Napoleon helped make the character a pop-culture phenomenon.
4. The movie premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival before becoming an unexpected box-office hit.
5. Napoleon's climactic dance performance helped turn the movie into a lasting cult favorite.

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