Napoleon Dynamite (film)
Fox Searchlight Pictures, starring John Heder
Directed by Jared Hess, 2004

Plot Summary:
Napoleon Dynamite is a misfit high school student with delusions of grandeur. He is surrounded by quirky characters, including his older, unemployed brother who still lives at home, his dirt-biking grandma who is his legal guardian, and his uncle Rico who comes to town, presumably with the singular purpose of ruining Napoleon's life.

The movie follows Napoleon through the often highly comical trials of being an unpopular teenager. He gets turned down when he asks out the popular girl. He then makes a friend with the new student Pedro, who ends up outshining him when he becomes class president (with the help of Napoleon's dance moves). Finally, he develops a sweet romance with Deb, another outsider after a series of unfortunate miscommunications.

Critical Evaluation:
This movie was incredibly funny. Napoleon's deadpan lines and comebacks aren't meant to be jokes, but the viewer cannot help but laugh through the whole thing. It's lighthearted and absurd, but I think it teaches the popular kids that maybe the geeks are interesting and worth getting to know. And it gives the outcasts hope that they will find their "soul mate" too. On top of that, Napoleon has little to no interest in fitting in. I found that very refreshing in a movie aimed at teens. I think teens from every social group will eat it up.

Reader’s Annotation:
Everyone has a soul mate. Against all odds, Napoleon Dynamite might have found his.

Information about the Author:
The writer and director, Jared Hess, is from Draper, Utah. He has also directed Peluca, Nacho Libre, and is in the process of completing Gentlemen Broncos.

Genre: comedy

Curriculum Ties: None

Booktalking Ideas:
To get teens interested in this film, I would introduce them to Napoleon and talk about his role as an outsider and how he doesn't even have an interest in fitting in. I'd then introduce him to his brother Kip, and his Uncle Rico, two of his antagonists that keep things interesting.

Interest Age:
This movie is rated PG, it would be appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Challenge Issues:
This movie might be challenged for its mild language. I would give the challenger a copy of the library's selection policy and a complaint form.

Why I chose this film:
I chose this film because my students would not stop repeating quotes from it. I had to see what they were talking about. It turned out to be a sweet movie with a positive message, that I think all teens would respond to.