"Napoleon Dynamite" (2004) isn't as funny as people make it out to be. amirite?

You're viewing the film through the wrong lens. It's an indie comedy. It doesn't follow the conventional crassness of the other films you've mentioned that you found funny. It's meant to be awkward and endearing, poignant and cringe

by Evertstreich 4 months ago

It seemed to be the first movie to really capture teen whatever angst without trying. That's why I love this film. It's completely original and it can't be duplicated.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

You should check out Gentlemen Broncos. Kinda the same vibe but still it's own thing.

by Relevant_Chart6661 4 months ago

It is definitely its own thing. Whether I liked that thing, I still cannot tell you 15 years later.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

My mom went to Preston high school with the guy(might have been two brothers) who wrote it. She said it's accurate on too many levels

by kjenkins 4 months ago

It's completely original and can't be duplicated Could not agree more. I had never seen a movie like ND before and haven't seen one since. The weird pacing, the bad delivery of jokes, the plot not be enticing, was all by design imo. And that's what gave it its weird, hilarious charm.

by FederalAnybody 4 months ago

That doesnt make it good.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It does, actually

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Spot on :)

by Huelsgranville 4 months ago

An indie comedy that was made with only 400k. Anchorman cost 26 million.

by Character_Disaster94 4 months ago

Movies also need to be considered in context. Anchorman was great at the time, I cannot rewatch it today. These things are complicated

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Exactly.

by Alive-Win4293 4 months ago

See "Tim Robbins"

by Shot_Performance 4 months ago

"Hot Rod" is another one. Its comedy lies in how anti comedy it was for its time. It's obviously meant to be funny, but not in the same way huge comedies were being made then. Which means it didn't resonate with everyone but those who liked it loved it.

by Aware_Sea 4 months ago

Hot Rod was 10 years too early

by nikolaspaucek 4 months ago

Yep. Also, watching it 20 years later kinda misses the point. It was a bit of a cultural phenomenon when it came out. Of course it's not going to be the same now.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It was all everyone talked about in high school when it came out. It was funny, but I was 14. Now I dont think I would be able to watch the movie through without 7 drink breaks. Its not good.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

If you have to explain that to me to look at it from another point of view, then it's really that bad, you're just sugar coating it.

by PinApart 4 months ago

So if something isn't easily understood that makes it bad?

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Why would you need to explain that a movie is good? The movie should speak for it's self shouldn't it? If an outsider says "oh but you're looking at it wrong!" Then it's just bad.

by PinApart 4 months ago

If you're going into an indie awkward teenage comedy thinking it's gonna be like anchorman then yeah, you're looking at the movie wrong. Different media is supposed to be viewed in different ways. You don't watch a horror movie in the same way you watch a comedy. Your expectations are different.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

O.o tbh I actually haven't watched Anchorman. I also hate the main actor.....

by PinApart 4 months ago

Well, you needed an explanation. Most people don't.

by Equal_Scratch_6766 4 months ago

What a dumb perspective.

by Any-Most3200 4 months ago

It's my take. Oh well.

by PinApart 4 months ago

Interesting take, my biggest issue with the movie was the stale and cringe jokes. They made this movie out to be the funniest movie to watch of all time when it came out. The biggest joke they ever did for this movie was make it.

by PinApart 4 months ago

Nah. People's sensibilities differ, and it can be illuminating to consider someone else's perspective.

by Zolacassin 4 months ago

Pedro offers you his protection

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Your mom goes to college

by Bashirianryley 4 months ago

Way to stay home and eat all the flipping chips, Kip!

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I think you are kinda missing the charm, and based on what you do like, maybe it's not necessarily for you, as someone that grew up in eastern wa, it's perfect.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Even growing up some places that are really small in the Midwest, the nuance of everyday life and conversations is hilariously on point I feel like I've met every single character in that movie at some point

by Anonymous 4 months ago

As some one who grow up in LA. And never got to go to these other states I got VERY over. Every movie being in LA or NY I LOVED this movie because it in a smaller small town it just so cool !!

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I grew up in NYC, and as a kid, my entire class at the time loved it.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Eastern, WA you say.... TriCities checking in

by earlene73 4 months ago

You're just jealous that I've been chatting online with babes, all day.

by AdNumerous6201 4 months ago

The bus and the gun is one of my favorite scenes of all time. That and uncle rico throwing the steak and knocking him off the bike. Classic.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

not sure if it was ever really written to be "laugh out loud", probably going into it thinking it's gonna be 90 mons of goofs and gags is what shot you here, its a very unique movie which inspires a pretty unique reaction. I love it but it never made me laugh out loud

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It was of its time. And when it came out it was very influential. Sure, if you judge it by 2024 standards it would feel a bit flat. But the zeitgeist is completely different now. It's like people saying Seinfeld isn't funny. That's because Seinfeld influenced a decade of comedy that came after it and we find the humour quaint now. There's been monumental cultural shifts since the 90s and early 00s

by collinsheath 4 months ago

Sorry. This is a pretty funny movie. But cringy to watch with kids actually. Still "Napoleon, give me some of your tots!"

by Mabelle97 4 months ago

No way! Get some tots of your own!

by sauermerl 4 months ago

You think anyone wants a round house in the face while I'm wearing these bad boys? Forget about it.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It's cringe humor and has a certain crowd.

by carrollelouise 4 months ago

I'm the crowd. He is me when I was younger. I had them same boots that I'd wear to go out to the barn to feed chickens. This was even before the movie. He was based off of me (not really, but that type of small-town rural type stuff). I find it hilarious, but could see how someone would not enjoy it had they not had the same type of experiences.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

You think I'm a failure because I go home to Starla at night? Forgetaboutittt

by Money_Revolution8553 4 months ago

You think anybody wants a round house kick to the face while I'm wearing these bad boys?

by Ok_Squash 4 months ago

Break the wrist, walk away

by Adorable-Balance3824 4 months ago

Maybe you'd understand the movie after you " sign up to my 8 week program"

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I loved the movie and still do. My brother hated the movie and still does. Just different tastes

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It's soooo much more enjoyable if you watch it with the right people. And it's doubly more fun to quote than to watch. IMHO. And make yourself a dang case-uh-dilla.

by Cheap_Principle_9151 4 months ago

When I went back and re watched it I couldn't believe how amateurish and slow it seemed. I still like it though. It's amazing that a movie like that somehow became not just a cult classic, but even a minor hit at the time it was released.

by Ok_Yogurt 4 months ago

It is ok to be wrong, happens to us all :)

by Regular-Recording768 4 months ago

Asking for the tots in his pocket like it's a completely normal action is never going to not be hilarious. Plus, everything with Uncle Rico, come on. And Tina. And that freaking chicken farm. Oh man, the whole film is just great, you're crazy.

by Osinskisaige 4 months ago

It was awful!

by schowaltercleme 4 months ago

It's a terrible movie.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It's a horrible movie But god damn does it have some good liners

by makayla52 4 months ago

My friends and I still quote and reference uncle Rico pretty regularly lol

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Can you bring me some chapstick my lips hurt real bad

by Mhaley 4 months ago

"What the heck are you even taking about"

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Grandma broke her cocyx at the Dunes.

by Evalyn84 4 months ago

honestly napoleon dynamite and monty python feel very similar. like two sides of the same coin

by Comfortable-Plan 4 months ago

What's wrong with Monty Python?

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Ni!

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I hated this movie so much.

by manley19 4 months ago

BOW TO YOUR SENSEI

by CautiousMention 4 months ago

My dog would always come up for pets and would kind of bow/stretch in front of me....and of course I had to say it...every time....my wife just rolls her eyes.

by Regular-Recording768 4 months ago

It was REALLY freaking funny in 2004 when I was 15. Doubt I would enjoy it much now.

by Marklang 4 months ago

Examples of "clever lines, delivered in the wrong tone"?Just to be clear: I don't like this movie much either. But your critique seems shallow. I'm curious what you mean by that.

by Exciting-Captain 4 months ago

"Freakin' idiot!"

by kraig52 4 months ago

Nah man. Never laughed harder in my life than Napoleon getting whacked by a whole ass steak.

by Ok-Pirate 4 months ago

The wrong tone is actually funny. But humor is in the eye of the beholder. Loved that movie

by KeyDrama8582 4 months ago

I despise this movie. Never understood why my fellow millennials liked it so much.

by Particular_Emu_8069 4 months ago

Uncle Rico

by bricetrantow 4 months ago

One of the best comedy characters ever

by Ok_Squash 4 months ago

When he crashed his bike, fell over the fence or whatever I lost it.

by Maleficent-Heron 4 months ago

I can throw that pigskin a quarter mile!

by Cheap_Principle_9151 4 months ago

throw a football over them mountains

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I remember there was a thing called the Napoleon Dynamite Phenomenon where a movie was well liked by a group of people who wouldn't normally like that type of movie. Seeing how there isn't really a big audience for movies like this one to begin with, this phenomenon would result in this movie having a lot of fans :p

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I argeee. That movie sucks.

by EnthusiasmOk 4 months ago

No, it's terrible. Couldn't get through more than 20 minutes

by Background_Group 4 months ago

Monty python and Napoleon are very different kinds of comedy. Idk how to describe it. My dad didnt like napoleon but loves monty python. Napoleon's comedy kind of just makes fun of stupid stereotypes, and doesn't really have any jokes Monty has stupid unexpected jokes.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

My enjoyment of the movie comes entirely from having grown up in the area. I went to the rival high school of Napoleon's and could see the mountains Uncle Rico could throw a football over from my house.

by Healthy-Call 4 months ago

I was in 8th grade and it was annoying because some people wouldn't stfu about it. I liked the people quoting Chappelle show better.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

"Dressed like Peter Pan!"

by Sad_Way2987 4 months ago

Agreed. Blades of Glory was so much funnier.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I don't really like the movie as a whole. Some of the scenes are just great though. Anything with Pedro's cousins and his dance scene at the end, especially

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I didn't find it funny. One line made me laugh but I've forgotten what it was. I think the latino kid said it.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Correct

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Stoner movie.

by felipe47 4 months ago

If you grew up in a rural area, you can relate a lot better to it.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It's one of my fave movies 🤷🏻‍♀️

by Jaunitabeatty 4 months ago

Why are comedy movies so bad, like I probably would've listed them as my favorite genre years at some point but it's so hard for me to put any comedy movies above an 8/10. Meanwhile there is comedy media even shows I could put at 9 maybe even 10/10. Why is there no masterpiece comedy movie

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Gosh!

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I grew up in Iowa in the 70s and this movie spoke to me.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Napoleon Dynamite is one of those "You just had to be there" things. When I was in high school everybody was quoting it

by Barton15 4 months ago

For me it was an instance of 9/10 the first time, 6/10 after. The originality of the tone and atmosphere was terrific, especially for people my age (40).

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Anchorman is swill.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Funny moments. Not laugh out loud funny.

by Fluid_Scale_2520 4 months ago

Gosh

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I liked that I watched it once but I will never watch it again because the first 30-40 minutes made me want to fall asleep. I'm glad it exists though.

by Acceptable_Push 4 months ago

Worst take ever. These movies are not meant to be competitive against each other. It's different and it's just not for you. You wouldn't understand .

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I don't understand a word you just said

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Do you think anyone wants a roundhouse kick to the face while I'm wearing these bad boys? FORGET ABOUT IT

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I agree, I find this movie in bad taste and full of cringe. I physically can't do it. .5/10

by PinApart 4 months ago

You think someone wants a roundhouse kick to the face while I'm wearing these bad boys? Forget about it!

by Anonymous 4 months ago

The reason it's regarded so well is becuz the performance from napoleon is unique and the setting hit home for a lot of people. Also, movies that are difficult to tell when its taking place time-wise tend to age really well. Also, personally after that movie a lot of people where i grew up started doing the whole ‘random' thing where u jus say random stuff for comedic effect, kinda like how alot of the lines from the movie were.

by Laverna53 4 months ago

I actually agree. I was in high school when this film came out and everyone loved it. I tried to watch it, and it ended up being one of the only films I've ever turned off before it was over. It was so painfully unfunny and Jon Hader was so damn annoying. I just couldn't understand the appeal at all.

by mathewreichert 4 months ago

The first time I watched it, I didn't think it was that funny but it's grown on me and I find it hilarious now.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I still remember when Netflix was getting started and working hard on an algorithm for what to suggest you have delivered next, they asked people to try themselves to make a good algorithm using I forget how many movies, not a ton but around 100. Then they would take that algorithm and apply it to people outside the users in the study to see how it performed. There was 1 movie that continually wrecked everyone's algorithm. napolean dynamite.

by Funkorlando 4 months ago

I first saw this movie ~8 years old & to this day my family & I regularly quote it. Classic!

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Napoleon Dynamite is one of those movies that is terrible the first time around. The 2nd time it is amazing!

by Jed77 4 months ago

Okay, someone convinced me to watch it. I did. It was okay. That same person kept harping about how great it was and would impersonate the characters. I watched it again. And again. I ended up loving it but I think it was because she made it so funny.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Some of the most quotable lines of all time. But it's a low budget indie film. Never was really meant to make it big.

by Kaylee19 4 months ago

It is, you need to watch it again like 100 times. There are scenes that are so nuanced and funny you can't even process until the 10th time through.

by Slow-Cartoonist159 4 months ago

When it came out, the whole country was raving about it and I didn't see the reason for all the hype. Yeah, it's funny, but Superbad was funnier, in my opinion.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

But that's why it's funny...

by PerspectiveTall 4 months ago

I don't know who you've been talking to in order to come to the conclusion that it was ever really that funny. It's not a "comedic, laugh out loud" funny, it's more of a "quirky, charming" funny.

by SwimmingAdvance 4 months ago

It's over your head, friend

by Glass_Variation 4 months ago

Only people who I know liked it, watched it stoned.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

I´m guessing you didn´t grow up in a small town!

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Go get your own tots Mason

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It was so stale, slow, painfully awkward and ugly. Was it funny? Only in looking at a strange, rural culture

by Familiar_While 4 months ago

I saw it like 6 months after it came out. I'm with you, I didn't think it was as good as the hype. It was ok. But just ok.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It wasn't funny then, either

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Tina come get some ham! Still say it to this day whenever it's time to call my wife or kids to mealtimes

by Lacy11 4 months ago

It's a unique work of genius

by Key-Mixture 4 months ago

You are 1000% correct. For 20 years the popularity has baffled me.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It's a character driven narrative. Characters were born in this film that will live through eternity.

by Calm-Safe-8647 4 months ago

I had to turn it off after 15 minutes, no thanks

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It's dumb af an I secretly judge people when they say they like this movie

by ArcherResponsible487 4 months ago

Napoleon Dynamite was so terrible, my girlfriend and I couldn't even finish it. And I was in my early 20s back then, arguably its target audience. It's just not funny.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It was fine? 6/10 maybe. Maybe there was a humor vacuum when it came out or something, but it wasn't anything special. "Stale" with a few clever and memorable lines is a good way to describe it. Could be that the people who saw and loved it had extenuating circumstances, like first dates, movie night with the family, drunk/high. I saw it stone-cold sober by myself when I was bored. Eh

by Famous-Basis 4 months ago

In my experience, even though it became a culturally relevant movie, it wasn't funny to plenty of people when it came out.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

The joke is that it's stale and awkward

by Alive-Win4293 4 months ago

What makes it funny is that towns like that actually exist

by Alive_City_481 4 months ago

I grew up an hour away and it wasn't a comedy, it was a documentary. I think you kind of misunderstood the movie. It's also better the second time.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

It's what middle aged jocks this is funny.

by gradymonica 4 months ago

My mom keeps watching that and Idiocracy and they're pretty close to the worst movies I've ever had the misfortune of partially seeing.

by Jaunitakohler 4 months ago

I like this movie, and I can also see your point. I definitely think it is paced too slow at times. It's like a 7/10 movie for me. I can understand why some people think it's a 10/10, and also get why some dislike it. The great thing is not everything appeals to all. If you make art for everyone, you make art for no one.

by FoxCute155 4 months ago

As a person who had felt like an other to the rest of my classmates. I felt the movie oddly inspiring. I don't really value the movie as a comedy, more of a vibe.

by Swimming_Tap 4 months ago

You sound like a character in napoleon dynamite.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

Nope, it's actually funnier!

by mcculloughward 4 months ago

I think Napoleon Dynamite is more small-budget charm and cleverness than genuine humor. I wouldn't say the film is funny, either, but it is endearing in a way because of its awkwardness and small-budget "intimacy" they were able to capture rather well. It's a 5/10, would watch if it came on movie.

by Anonymous 4 months ago

ND isn't my mom's usual brand of comedy by any means, but she was in tears the first time she saw it. While I found Holy Grail and Life of Brian to be clever, I never actually found them funny

by Comfortable-Tax-9955 4 months ago

Depends how many times you watch it and who with. My cousins and I watched it so many times. Would laugh quoting the lines. We started watching it muted just to laugh at the facial expressions and do the lines ourselves. Its a dumb movie but it is for sure hilarious

by laurine12 4 months ago

I didn't like it the first time and LOVED it every other time. Still watch it today.

by Aubree47 4 months ago

Totally agree. It sucks.

by Anonymous 4 months ago