 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Napoleon Dynamite
- Review Date: December 21, 2004
- PG
- Genre: Comedy
- 2004
Common Sense Media says
One-of-a-kind high school comedy for the family.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this quirky film celebrates nerds and misfits, some may feel it fuels mockery and ridicule; others will simply find it funny. The comic action includes slapstick pratfalls and exaggerated bullying by school tough guys. The language is never obscene; characters rely instead on insults ("idiot," "sicko," "retarded") and disguised swearing ("frickin’," "flippin'," "crap"). And there is mild sexual innuendo, along with some kissing and embracing. Napoleon Dynamite became a box office bonanza, cultural phenomenon, and spawned an animated series.
What's the story?
Napoleon Dynamite (Jon Heder) just can't catch a break. Life seems so unfair. Women only like men who've got skills, and to Napoleon that means numbchuck skills, computer hacking skills, or maybe some really sweet dance moves. But those endless arms and legs don't seem to want to cooperate well. Then there's Napoleon's uncle and his schemes to make a lot of money and go back in time to that crucial turning point in a high school football game, his best friend Pedro's (Efren Ramirez) campaign for class president against alpha girl Summer (Haylie Duff), and what happens when his older brother's online girlfriend shows up.
Is it any good?
NAPOLEON DYNAMITE's deliriously specific detail, superb use of the Idaho setting, affection for its characters, unexpected developments, and most of all its genuine sweetness keep us laughing with Napoleon, not at him. He may be clueless, but he has a great heart, and we know he will be fine, not just for a satisfyingly happy ending for the movie but beyond.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about adolescence in different times and places. How is life for the teens in the movie like or not like your own experiences of adolescence?
Why do you think Napoleon Dynamite caught on so well even though it's so quirky?
If you've seen the animated series of Napoleon Dynamite, how do you think it compares with the movie?
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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
BEST MOVIE AWARD!
this waz an awsome movie ! this is a family movie i think this should be 8+
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Kid, 10 years old
November 15, 2009
AGE
Perfect for tweens and laughing people, not recommended for nerds
I love this movie sooooo sooooo much. The only words that could be interpreted for a swear would be fricken or 'what the flip'.
What other families should know:
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Teen, 15 years old
April 14, 2010
AGE
Fun, the more I watch it, the more I like it.
That being said, I watched the movie 4 times in theater, and over 20 times total. Don't blame ya if you think its stupid. It is. But it's just as funny. No cussing, lots of "flips", "dangs", and the like.
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Teen, 13 years old
April 13, 2011
AGE
I'll build her a cake.
pretty much plotless, but funny and fun.
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Kid, 9 years old
August 8, 2009
AGE
Be Careful But Watch It!
I LOVE THIS MOVIE! But some of it could be hard for kids under age 8; my brother kept asking me what the heck was going on; and lots of the word 'idiot' but otherwise AWESOME!
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Teen, 13 years old
December 18, 2009
AGE
Loved it. Best comedy I've ever seen.
This movie is one of the best movies made by 20th century fox. Get's lots of laughs. There are some jokes that are inappropriate but will go over kids' heads.
What other families should know:
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Adult
January 24, 2011
AGE
Every child should see this movie before they become teenagers. But be careful with youngsters. They might start saying 'idiot'
Best. Comedy movie. From the 2000's. Ever. My only concern is that little kids will start saying "freakin', flippin, idiot, stupid, retarted" a lot. And the herbal enhancer scene might leave young minds in the dark, prompting an uncomfortable discussion. But other than that, pretty much any kid over 10 would be fine.
What other families should know:
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Kid, 11 years old
January 7, 2010
AGE
i love it its halarious!!!!!!!!!!
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Kid, 10 years old
July 20, 2009
AGE
Perfect for entire family! An all time Favorite!
Love everything about this movie! This goes to show that a movie can be made without using bad language, violence or drinking and still be one of the best movies ever!
What other families should know:
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Parent of 10 year old
January 29, 2010
AGE
Quirky but safe!
This is a quirky movie that may not click with everyone...but there is no harm done in watching it. The strongest words are "frickin" and "What the flip". There are a couple of moments of sexual tension (though brief) and young kids won't get the breast enhancement subject. There is no drinking, sex, overt violence, smoking or swearing - it should get an award just for that because it's so unusual! It's about odd-ball characters who need love and respect too :).
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| Topics: | friendship, high school, misfits and underdogs |
| Studio: | Fox Searchlight |
| Director: | Jared Hess |
| Cast: | Efren Ramirez, John Gries, Jon Heder |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 82 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 11, 2004 |
| DVD release date: | December 21, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic elements and language |
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