Napoleon Dynamite

| 2004

Directed by: Jared Hess

Main Plot

"Napoleon Dynamite" is a quirky comedy directed by Jared Hess that revolves around the life of its titular character, Napoleon Dynamite, a socially awkward high school student in rural Idaho. The film captures Napoleon's mundane and offbeat daily life as he navigates the challenges of adolescence. He lives with his grandmother and his 32-year-old brother, who is constantly online chatting with women. The plot thickens when Napoleon befriends Pedro, a new student from Mexico, who decides to run for class president against the popular girl, Summer. Napoleon supports Pedro's campaign with his own unique brand of help, including drawing posters and showcasing his unexpected dance skills. Meanwhile, Napoleon's brother Kip is seeking love and their Uncle Rico, obsessed with his past football glory, gets involved in various schemes to make money and relive his high school days. The film is a series of comedic and poignant moments that highlight the importance of friendship, self-acceptance, and the courage to be oneself, culminating in an iconic dance scene that becomes a defining moment for Napoleon.

Characters

  • Jon Heder plays Napoleon, an awkward teen navigating high school dynamics and helping his friend win the class presidency.
  • Efren Ramirez plays Pedro Sanchez, a transfer student who runs for class president with the help of his friend, Napoleon.
  • Jon Gries plays Uncle Rico, a disillusioned former athlete who sells Tupperware and dreams of reliving his high school football days, impacting Napoleon's life and schemes.

Ending Explained

At the conclusion of "Napoleon Dynamite," a 2004 comedy directed by Jared Hess, the film wraps up with a series of events that affirm the characters' developments and relationships. After enduring various social mishaps and awkward encounters throughout the movie, Napoleon Dynamite, the protagonist, helps his friend Pedro win the class presidency by performing an impressive dance routine at the school assembly, which earns him the admiration and applause of his peers. Following Pedro's victory, the film jumps to a scene occurring one month later, showcasing how life has progressed for the characters. Napoleon's brother, Kip, marries LaFawnduh in an outdoor ceremony, after which Napoleon is seen riding a horse to a field where he meets his new friend, Deb. The two playfully tether a toy to a string and toss it for Napoleon's llama, Tina, to chase, symbolizing a moment of contentment and simplicity in their lives. This ending highlights the themes of friendship, acceptance, and self-expression that permeate the movie. It shows the characters finding happiness and fulfillment in their unique ways, suggesting that embracing one's quirks and supporting others in their endeavors leads to personal growth and community harmony.

Jared Hess Comedy Jon Heder Efren Ramirez Jon Gries