Napoleon Dynamite
Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: June 11, 2004
7.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 400 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
297
Mixed:
35
Negative:
68
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
2
40mangunshotFeb 4, 2020
I didn't like the movie, but it had a good soundtrack though.
Still, I didn't enjoy it.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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0
Gamepro3093Oct 15, 2020
I never liked this movie. I found it to be one of the most boring, unfocused and cringe inducing movies from the early 2000s. I don’t even know what it’s about frankly. I believe it’s the misadventures of a stereotypical nerd with an annoyingI never liked this movie. I found it to be one of the most boring, unfocused and cringe inducing movies from the early 2000s. I don’t even know what it’s about frankly. I believe it’s the misadventures of a stereotypical nerd with an annoying voice and how he makes friends and fits in at school. Yawn. I’d pass on this one.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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3
MeasleJan 26, 2022
I may be in the minority, but the film is downright boring. Its got charm and innocence, but it's boring..
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
drlowdonJan 6, 2021
Nerdy teenager Napoleon Dynamite befriends a new student who emigrated from Mexico and assists him with his class presidential campaign, but Napoleon's still has his own problems both at school and a home. Napoleon Dynamite very much fitsNerdy teenager Napoleon Dynamite befriends a new student who emigrated from Mexico and assists him with his class presidential campaign, but Napoleon's still has his own problems both at school and a home. Napoleon Dynamite very much fits into the bracket of ‘quirky’ comedy, a genre which has become increasingly crowded over the last couple of decades, but this is a movie that provides plenty of memorable lines, and plenty of laughs.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
FilmVirtueFeb 14, 2014
Napoleon Dynamite is a funny film. But is meant to target a specific audience. It has dislikes, I'm sure of it but for a first feature by Jared Hess I'd have to say this is decent. No, not decent but funny.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 25, 2021
This is a cult movie, which is quite clear from the randomness of it. It views more like a feature length TV show, like the last movie I reviewed (Death at a Funeral).

People who have been in Napoleons shoes, ie that have experienced beingThis is a cult movie, which is quite clear from the randomness of it. It views more like a feature length TV show, like the last movie I reviewed (Death at a Funeral).

People who have been in Napoleons shoes, ie that have experienced being socially awkward, shy and perhaps that got picked on at school, will probably be able to relate and 'get' it, to some extent.

Napoleon, as a character, appears very snippy and often responds to things he doesn't want to hear with sudden angry outbursts but otherwise he appears as this tall, lanky, awkward and what seems like he's also half asleep guy, who seems to shut himself off from others/his surroundings.

This is a slow movie, there's no fast paced action and the comedy is all rather subtle. Some people won't 'get' it and like I say, if you can't relate to the characters, then you probably would just find it strange and boring.

I think this movie is all about friendship and belonging, family life (and the embarrassment that can involve or cause!) and identity and all of that really. The ending is pretty good, if not a bit predictable, its not completely over the top but even if you were to class it as that, I'd let it off because by that point in the movie, you should be happy to see it happen (if you see the movie, you should see what I mean). Also its worth noting that I thought Jon Heder was well cast in this role, he plays the role very well I felt, playing this awkward teenage boy that seems to show practically no emotion and yet puts up with his boring and frustrating life. Yes im sure you do wonder where the humour can come from such a plot but it is there, just, in the small, quirky details. The father, Kip, ends up meeting up with the love of his life (known beforehand only as 'LaFawnduh') that he met in a chat room and that is, lets put it this way, rather different in many different ways to himself, this is quite amusing and then there's the small things that Napoleon does, which may make you smirk but don't be expecting constant, big, out-loud laughs, its not really that sort of movie.

This is a quirky, off beat cult comedy movie that some will enjoy and others won't, I think alot depends on whether you can relate to the character of Napoleon or the other characters at all, or if you can see the subtle humour behind the story and the characters.

If this sounds like something you might enjoy then yes, I'd recommend it, otherwise I'd not (obviously) but I would say that it'd be best to rent it first, incase you were to buy it only to find out that you don't really 'get' it, in which case you'd be pretty disappointed. Give it a try, you may be pleasantly surprised.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
LukasRyan1111Dec 14, 2020
Completely unique comedy with brilliant performances from a roster of mostly unknown actors. For me this film hits a very unique nostalgic button & I hold it near and dear to my heart. In my book it's one of the greatest comedies ever made.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
SirXyonder777Aug 31, 2021
It's a good movie,, truly funny, but at's a weird one. Generally unknown actors, and this movie being as niche as it is, it's kinda hard to belive it did so amazing. But it did, and it deserved it. If you are reading this, you're consideringIt's a good movie,, truly funny, but at's a weird one. Generally unknown actors, and this movie being as niche as it is, it's kinda hard to belive it did so amazing. But it did, and it deserved it. If you are reading this, you're considering the movie, right? Well, let me just say, it's great, and you gotta watch it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
SPIDER-MAX56Jul 17, 2023
This movie makes you feel so alive in every way. One of the best comedy films ever produced out there in the history of cinema.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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