I Don't Understand a Word You Just Said...

And now back to reality. My latest viewing pleasure was Napoleon Dynamite, a film that I've had a hate/hate relationship with since it was released. The main reason being that if you watch a film within a few meters of someone who is determined to hate it before the play button has even been pressed, it's going to be hard going to enjoy it, especially when the film's as hit and miss as this one. Yet I was determined to give it a second chance, fully aware that my opinion had been distorted and watching it in a better atmosphere might bring a new light to this highly acclaimed film.






And it did. Kind of. Napoleon Dynamite is a nice little film. It's characters are so strange, you can't help but enjoy their insanity. Although there are very few moments where you'll actually laugh out loud (unless you're as strange as the characters you're faced with), it's hard to help but smile at some of the scenes. And then there are some scenes which fall flat on their faces. But it's easy to forgive. The film is pushing the barriers of comedy that films like Garden State established and it's because of this that it's so easy to hate. There's only one moment in the entire film that is obviously comical (and that involves a cow being shot). The rest are all so subtle that you might not even crack a smile, but it still leaves you with feeling of well-being you get after the most hilarious of comedies, just this time without the aching sides. The only problem is, my copy of the film broke at (what looked like it would be) the best bit. So I'm determined to hunt down a DVD and finish my viewing. Which can only be a good sign. Just don't quote the film at anyone once you've seen it. I promise you, they just won't get it.