Napoleon Dynamite (PG, 2004)

common sense media says

One-of-a-kind high school comedy for the family.

parents & educators say

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.

Positive messages: Nonconformity is celebrated in Napoleon Dynamite. Underneath the silliness and deadpan behavior of its main characters is the premise that even the lowliest members of a social order can succeed. Everyone has something to offer, no matter how offbeat or unconventional. Dignity and respect are possible by creating friendships and forming a community of people with whom one shares values and goals.

Positive role models: Over the course of the film, reluctant respect is given to dysfunctional individuals who seem at first to be only objects of scorn. Laughing at the characters becomes laughing with the outrageously geeky as they win the day. All of the authority figures and adults are portrayed as either clueless, self-serving, or both.

Violence: Teens ineptly wrestle, slap, and fight. School bullies torment the social misfits but inflict no injuries. Some animal cruelty is shown, and a man appears to have been beaten up by a jealous husband.

Sex: Other than numerous scenes that include comical efforts to sell an herbal breast-enhancing product (using flyers and "straight-talking" sales pitches), sexuality is limited to mild kissing, embracing, and exaggerated attempts at seduction, all with humorous intent. No nudity.

Language: Insults and substitutes for obscenities only: multiple uses of "idiot," "frickin'," "retarded," "crap," "sicko," and "flippin'." One character is described as "still wets the bed."

Consumerism: Dodge van, Tater Tots, Gossner Milk.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Themes

friendship, high school, misfits and underdogs

Movie Details

Studio: Fox Searchlight
Director: Jared Hess
Cast: Efren Ramirez, John Gries, Jon Heder
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 82 minutes
Theatrical release: June 11, 2004
DVD release: December 21, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: thematic elements and language

This review was written by Nell Minow

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

slovesdogs2000
kid, 11 years old

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!

Movie Details

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Napoleon Dynamite (PG, 2004)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Napoleon Dynamite

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Movie themes & details

Themes

Movie Details

Review It

Review Napoleon Dynamite

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Be Careful But Watch It!

Loved it. Best comedy I've ever seen.

Every child should see this movie before they become teenagers. But be careful with youngsters. They might start saying 'idiot'

Fun, the more I watch it, the more I like it.

Quirky but safe!

Perfect for entire family! An all time Favorite!

I'll build her a cake.

Perfect for tweens and laughing people, not recommended for nerds

BEST MOVIE AWARD!

hylarious

Really Funny and Well Written

good for 8 year olds and over

Good movie for tweens of any age

Tween humor Movie!!

Ah, Napoleon... One of the world's favorites

Great Family Movie!

My Review

so funny it hurts

All time favorites

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