Jared Hess doesn’t have a ‘Napoleon’ complex Nov 8, 2009
Director Jared Hess wasn t expecting much when Napoleon Dynamite was submitted to the Sundance Film Festival against his will in 2004. But the little indie film that could was picked up by Fox, and took in more than $44 million on a roughly $400,000 budget. (Boston Globe)
Not destined for cult status Nov 7, 2009
"Gentlemen Broncos," from the maker of "Napoleon Dynamite," attempts to reach an audience who is in on the joke, but this time we're all in on the joke, and it's not much of a joke ... He's taking the wrong lesson from the success of "Napoleon Dynamite." But he's only 30 years old and has plenty of time to figure out what he wants to say. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Remove this splinter Nov 7, 2009
It's been a long time since I didn't laugh watching a com edy, as with "Splinterheads," a lame "Napoleon Dynamite" wannabe ... It's been a long time since I didn't laugh watching a com edy, as with "Splinterheads," a lame "Napoleon Dynamite" wannabe. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Movie review capsules Nov 7, 2009
Gentlemen Broncos The third movie from Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess runs his Middle American-gothic schtick into the ground. Michael Angarano plays a nerdy teen hero whose science fiction epic is stolen by a preening celebrity writer (Jemaine Clement, the best thing in the movie). (Boston Globe)
Entertainment Nov 6, 2009
The official student newspaper of Villanova University since 1916. Advertising/Classifieds. (The Villanovan, PA)
Dynamite formula fizzles in ‘Gentlemen Broncos’ Nov 6, 2009
Napoleon Dynamite barely got by on the novelty of its ticked-off nerd hero and flattened sense of Middle American gothic, and it was genial enough to pick up a cult of school kids and adolescents who are always on the lookout for weird stuff, the better to peck it to pieces ... In other words, it looks a lot like Napoleon Dynamite. (Boston Globe)
All quirk and no play Oct 30, 2009
BASHING "Gentlemen Broncos" feels like taking a bat to a bag full of kittens, so I'll try to be gentle about the latest geekfest from the husband-and-wife team that gave us "Napoleon Dynamite" and "Nacho Libre." ... The film centers around the ultra-passive Benjamin, who makes Napoleon Dynamite look like a bundle of energy by comparison ... BASHING "Gentlemen Broncos" feels like taking a bat to a bag full of kittens, so I'll try to be gentle about the latest geekfest from the husband-and-wife... (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Gentlemen Broncos Oct 30, 2009
Anyone interested in checking this out in the theaters would be better served by revisiting Napoleon Dynamite or and waiting to catch Hess' latest on NetFlix ... Check out the new comedy from the makers of Napoleon Dynamite ... The director of Napoleon Dynamite is at it again. (IGN FilmForce)
JoJo in LaLa Land Oct 30, 2009
Director not all a Twitter Unlike, say, Jason Reitman, who tweets his every move, Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess (above) has no use for social networking sites Twitter and Facebook. No, man, I don t do that, said Hess, who was in town yesterday hyping his new movie. (Boston Globe)
Kooky Conchord comes clean Oct 30, 2009
The first time I came to the States, a friend took me to see [Jared Hess' first film] "Napoleon Dynamite," and when I saw it I was almost in shock ... The first time I came to the States, a friend took me to see [Jared Hess' first film] "Napoleon Dynamite," and when I saw it I was almost in shock. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
'Gentlemen Broncos' fails to kick up laughs Oct 30, 2009
In Gentlemen Broncos and also to a lesser extent in Napoleon Dynamite characters exist solely to be objects of derision ... A motley crew of uninteresting and unsympathetic misfits parade through, lacking even the eccentric appeal of the oddball cast in Napoleon Dynamite. (USA Today -- Life)
Gentlemen Broncos: A condescending comedy Oct 28, 2009
Latest from Napoleon Dynamite creator offers familiarity and contempt ... Napoleon Dynamite' director helms this story of a teenager who attends a fantasy writers' convention only to have his book stolen by an established writer ... Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess has once again dived to the bottom of the bins at Goodwill to make the costumes and dcor of his new comedy, Gentlemen Broncos, as eye-assaultingly unpleasant as possible. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Oct. 26 celebrity birthdays Oct 26, 2009
Actor Jon Heder (Blades of Glory, Napoleon Dynamite) is 32. Singer Mark Barry of BBMak is 31. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Best bets: Jackson fans will flock to This Is It Oct 26, 2009
From the director of Napoleon Dynamite comes Gentlemen Broncos, the story of a teenage writer (Michael Angarano) who attends a sci-fi convention only to have his idea stolen by an established novelist (Jemaine Clement). The film contains versions of the boys fantastic story from both his point of view and that of the novelist, so expect some wild visuals. (MSNBC -- News)
Filmmaker aims to bolster independent film industry Oct 17, 2009
Other recent examples include Napoleon Dynamite which cost $400,000 to make and grossed more than $46 million in theaters worldwide; Little Miss Sunshine, which cost $8 million and grossed more than $100 million; The Blair Witch Project, which cost less than $1 million and grossed $249 million; and My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which cost about $5 million and grossed $369 million. That s not counting the many other revenue streams for a movie, including cable, DVD and on-demand outlets, which have... (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Daily TV and radio guide Oct 10, 2009
Napoleon Dynamite 10 p.m. (COM). Absurd, disarmingly funny comedy about a high-school nerd (Jon Heder). (Boston Globe)
Fame 2009 vs. Fame 1980: What changed? Sep 25, 2009
You just cant get that sort thing outside of Napoleon Dynamite anymore. 4. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Celebrity birthdays for Sept. 27-Oct. 3 Sep 24, 2009
Actor Efren Ramirez ("Napoleon Dynamite") is 36. Singer LaTocha Scott of Xscape is 36. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Fall 2009 movie preview Sep 18, 2009
Gentlemen Broncos -- Just when you thought "Napoleon Dynamite" was the ultimate in nerd films, director Jared Hess returns with another outcast -- this one, a science fiction geek who gets his idea swiped by another writer. The Messenger -- Ben Foster plays a soldier assigned to tell families their sons and daughters have died. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Japan inspires director again Sep 18, 2009
His character, Jimmy, is as eccentric and in his own world as Napoleon Dynamite. "He's one of those guys that just pops onscreen," Boyle said. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Premiere eateries on board for Restaurant Week Sep 18, 2009
For the second course, dine on the sunset strip and Napoleon Dynamite or Captain Crunch and whoop bass. Finish with cheesecake or key-lime calypso. (AZCentral -- Business)
A look at this fall’s movies Sep 13, 2009
From the writer-director Jared Hess ( Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre ). 35 Shots of Rum From France s Claire Denis ( Beau Travail ), another cool, insightful drama about the ties that bind families and lovers. (Boston Globe)
Fall movies: New Moon, other anticipated flicks coming to theaters soon Sep 4, 2009
The Sierra Vista Herald. Last updated on Thursday, Sep 03, 2009 - 02:18:28 am MST. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
The PG's Fall Movie Preview Sep 3, 2009
" Oct. 9 "Couples Retreat": Comedy about Midwesterners who head for a tropical island resort so one pair can work on their marriage and the others vacation but they learn participation in couples therapy is not optional. Oct. 16 "The Road": Esquire magazine called it "the most important movie of the year," and Western Pennsylvania residents are certainly looking forward to it. Based on the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name, it features Viggo Mortensen and young Kodi Smit-McPhee as father... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Family unplugs electronic devices for a long day's journey into the past Sep 1, 2009
into the heavens, and my children would miss the drama outside the car windows for their 23rd viewing of "Napoleon Dynamite.". I wanted to correct that, if only for a day. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
“Bandslam” is Napoleon Dynamite meets Juno meets High School Musical Aug 16, 2009
Bandslam is Napoleon Dynamite meets Juno meets High School Musical ... Published: Saturday, August 15, 2009 8:19 AM MDT Filled with top notch music, great actors and a good story Bandslam may be one of this summers' best movies combining the best elements of films like Napoleon Dynamite, High School Musical and especially Juno ... Similar to movies like Napoleon Dynamite and Juno, you immediately love the characters because they feel real. (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
Hawaii lands film based on Isle novel Aug 15, 2009
Hemmings optioned her book to Fox Searchlight, a production company and distributor that previously worked with Payne on "Sideways" and has produced such movies as "Little Miss Sunshine," "I Heart Huckabees" and "Napoleon Dynamite." It was the U.S. distributor for "Slumdog Millionaire.". "The Descendants" will be Payne's first directorial work since "Sideways," according to show-biz newspaper Variety, which reported on plans for the film earlier this week. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Herding Squirrels: The package deal Aug 11, 2009
You know, Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite ... You know, Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Slumdog comedian Aug 5, 2009
This is the unassuming style that made and "Napoleon Dynamite" -- not to mention -- sleeper hits. "Bollywood Hero" doesn't exactly provide a volley of nonstop laughs, but it has its When Kattan unexpectedly breaks out into song, lost on the streets of Mumbai, the results are truly befuddling. (Salon)
Herding Squirrels: I'm number two! Aug 4, 2009
You know, Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite. The once almost football hero that lives in a trailer on the edge of town, reliving his glory days over, and over, and over. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Aliens vs. Pearsons: A clever, exciting matchup Aug 1, 2009
And though Tom is not very likable, and bit boring, Austin Robert Butler (playing Jake Pearson, Tom s cousin, who looks like Napoleon Dynamite s little brother) is a wonderful sidekick. Following Tom and Jake are twins Art and Lee Pearson (Henri and Regan Young) and Tom s little sister Hannah (Ashley Boettcher). (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
POP CULTURE: Grid: 4 athletes' picks Jul 23, 2009
The Pop Culture Grid - Extra Mustard - SI.com. Pop Culture Meets Sports Culture on Extra Mustard. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
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It seems like we have been waiting forever for the obvious sequel from Heder - Napoleon Dynamite Goes To College - so this will have to do during the interim. Meanwhile, teenagers could stand to learn a thing or two or 12 from new U.S. senator from Minnesota who pulls out the this week. (Washington State Sports -- Rivals.com)
Mobile phone apps worth a look Jul 17, 2009
avalorestudios: Pocket Napoleon - Napoleon Dynamite Soundboard. kbray: Tweetie is the best Twitter client for iPhone. (BBC News -- Technology)
(500) Days of familiar melancholy romance Jul 15, 2009
We think of the generation gap in Hollywood movies as a quaint relic of the era when films like Easy Rider and The Graduate split the culture, but as recently as Napoleon Dynamite, it remains evident that the under-25/over-25 divide is alive and well among moviegoing demographics. So while I found the charming and inventive (500) Days of Summer ultimately familiar and rehashed, I could sense that its the kind of romantic tragedy thats distinct and empathetic enough... (MSNBC -- Movies)
COMEDY CENTRAL Orders Groundbreaking New Jon Heder Sitcom From Debmar-Mercury Jul 11, 2009
VANCOUVER, British Columbia and NEW YORK, July 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Employing the same unique formula used for the launch of Tyler Perry's two successful sitcoms, Debmar-Mercury, the television distribution and syndication arm of Lionsgate (NYSE: - ), announced that COMEDY CENTRAL has ordered an initial run of 10 episodes of a new, untitled sitcom starring Jon Heder ("Napoleon Dynamite," "Blades of Glory") from Gary Sanchez Productions and Debmar-Mercury ... Heder, 31, who came to fame... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Studio Hopes Hispanics Find 'Nacho' Tasty Jul 8, 2009
Brought in to direct was Jared Hess, who was not only fresh from his success on the quirky hit "Napoleon Dynamite" but also is a fan of lucha libre who spent time doing Mormon missionary work in Latin America. Wall Street Journal Video. (Yahoo News -- Latinos & Hispanics)
Menounos: producer, star, trash picker Jul 1, 2009
Think Napoleon Dynamite meets Superbad meets Dexter, says Maria Menounos, talking about her new movie, Serial Buddies, which she and fellow Medford homey Keven Undergaro shot this week in Woburn. Undergaro (above left) wrote and directed the comic caper about a couple of serial killers, and Menounos (above right) took time off from Today and Access Hollywood to produce and star. (Boston Globe)
Local producer Andrea Ajemian, 33, has high hopes that her fourth indie film, We Got the Beat, will open wide Jun 28, 2009
Think Footloose meets The Full Monty in the indie style of Napoleon Dynamite, with some Judd Apatow-type humor and a lot of music and dancing. When will we get to see We Got the Beat. (Boston Globe)
PAT DODDS: Father, son make memories with travels Jun 27, 2009
In other years, we've spent one night in Boise, one night in Las Vegas (no shows, no gambling, just walking from one enormous casino to another) and three nights in Salt Lake City, with a side trip to the home of Napoleon Dynamite in Preston, Idaho. Our only conflict is usually over the car radio -- John wants it on, and I want it off so that I can give my full attention to driving around a strange city. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
• Events Calendar Jun 19, 2009
Happy Hands Club benefit concert, presented by Rupert Elks Lodge No. 2106 and Kings Fine Arts Center, 7 p.m. at the center, 2100 Park Ave. The group from Preston was featured in the movie "Napoleon Dynamite," performed at Disneyland and Disney World, and with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Performances consist of American Sign Language combined with choreography set to music. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
• Happy Hands group coming to Rupert Jun 5, 2009
The Preston club, set to perform in Rupert this month, is best known for its appearance in the movie "Napoleon Dynamite.". The movie's writer and director, Jared Hess, is a former member of the group, which travels to perform in venues ranging from Disneyland to Mormon devotionals and does benefit concerts to raise money for Make-A-Wish. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Five memorable Spelling Bee moments Jun 1, 2009
In 2005, the then 13-year-old Dominic Ranz Errazo confounded crowd-members, judges and commentators with his dead-on, albeit out-of-context impression of Napoleon Dynamite. After hearing the definition of "chinook," Errazo asked in a mock-baritone voice: "Do chickens have large talons?" After an awkward moment of silence, he correctly spelled the word and walked back to his seat. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Film festival lures out of town visitors May 21, 2009
The 2008 Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Prize-winning movie Anywhere USA had Jacksonville audiences roaring from their seats as filmmaker Quentin Tarantino said it would, but the film proved to be nothing more than another Napoleon Dynamite. The film follows a trailer park couple engaging in a terrorist conspiracy and scheduled beatings, an 8-year-old girl who eats adult brownies and searches for the true identity of the tooth fairy and a wealthy white man who comes to the realization he... (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
• COLUMN: It happened in Hollywood, Idaho May 8, 2009
"Napoleon Dynamite" (2004): In the summer of 2003, Preston High School graduate Jared Hess took over his home town to film the story of the ultimate nerd. The movie cost 400,000 to make; it earned 44. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Rogen more Dirty Harry than teddy bear in 'Observe and Report' Apr 10, 2009
While it incorporates the shallow, gag-oriented style of "Napoleon Dynamite," "Observe and Report" becomes increasingly dark, and the movie struggles to balance the whimsical and the psychotic. The result is a tone-deaf black comedy that in the 1970s would have been a grisly thriller - "Dirty Harry" or "Taxi Driver" - and by the 1980s would have been "Rambo." Ronnie is as reactionary as Harry Callahan but as delusional as Travis Bickle. (Boston Globe)
Tuxedo? Check. Hormones? Check. Date? Apr 3, 2009
Danny's '70s wardrobe looks like it came from the same thrift shop that supplied "Napoleon Dynamite," and, rummaging through other decades, the filmmaker has thrown in references to "Goodbye, Columbus" and "Portnoy's Complaint.". Though ostensibly set in the present day, "Bart Got a Room" takes place in a charmingly goofy world all its own, complete with flamingos crossing the road. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
More quirks than risks in 'Adventureland' Apr 3, 2009
In an interview from 2007, Mottola described "Adventureland," which he planned to make after "Superbad," as "indie comedy." That description epitomizes what's wrong with both his movie and most so-called indie comedies, from "Napoleon Dynamite" to "Juno," movies that neutralize life with comedy as opposed to looking for the comedy in life. Race is made safe. (Boston Globe)
Celebrities and Their Not-So-Famous Twins Mar 29, 2009
After Jon became famous for his role in the 2004 film "Napoleon Dynamite," he and Daniel became partners in their own production company, "Greasy Entertainment." And while Jon was off shooting "Just Like Heaven" and "The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang," Dan worked as an animator on the movie "Monster House.". Isabella and Isotta Ingrid Rossellini: The daughters of silver screen icon Ingrid Bergman and legendary Italian director Robert Rossellini, fraternal twins Isabella and Isotta Ingrid Bergman took... (Fox News)
Putting the cool in uncool Mar 24, 2009
Movies like "Napoleon Dynamite," "Step Brothers" and "The Benchwarmers" depended on an audience falling in love with characters who aren't necessarily status quo. Page 1 of 2. (Daily Orange, NY)
'Slumdog' strikes it rich with 8 Oscar wins Feb 23, 2009
Fox Searchlight has enjoyed an incredible run with its festival acquisitions, buying the teen comedy "Napoleon Dynamite" for $3 million (it grossed $44. 5 million) and the beauty pageant comedy "Little Miss Sunshine" for $10. (Los Angeles Times)
Looks play a role in life's outcomes Feb 17, 2009
His response was "Napoleon Dynamite.". I think he heard me shudder. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Help! I'm under the bus! Feb 12, 2009
Seen the movie Napoleon Dynamite. Remember Uncle Rico. (ESPN -- Outdoors)
Mohawk Follies salutes Hollywood Feb 12, 2009
Vote For Pedro from the film Napoleon Dynamite, Blake Lybbert. Hooray For Hollywood Let s Go To The Movies, Hooray For Hollywood, The Polar Express, The Addams Family, SpongeBob SquarePants, The James Bond Theme, Stayin Alive, Eye Of The Tiger, Flashdance, What d I Say, Love Song, That s Entertainment, Concert Choir. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
