Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Reviewed: 02.06.2005

Oppressed by the hiarchy of highschool? Held down by lack of 'skills'? This movie is for YOU!!

Like no movie I've ever seen. Virtually no plot unless you consider Napoleon Dynamite (John Heider) surviving his own life the plot. Alienated at high school and dealing with a bizarre family life, you can't help but root for him.

The supporting cast steals the show. There's not one that doesn't bring Napoleon's new friend Pedro (Efren Ramirez) is freaking hilarious especially as they team up to win the class presidency for Pedro. Kip (Aaron Ruell), Napoleon's 32-year old brother cruises the chatrooms for girls and eats all the chips. Lafawnduh, Deb, and Uncle Rico round out a side-aching movie.

I sat enthralled. Laughing hysterically and unfortunately, relating at times. The dialogue is like the best. Not for everyone, though. If this doesn't do it for you...

Pedro: Do you think people will vote for me?
Napoleon Dynamite: Heck yes! I'd vote for you.
Pedro: Like what are my skills?
Napoleon Dynamite: Well, you have a sweet bike. And you're really good at hooking up with chicks. Plus you're like the only guy at school who has a mustache.

... then don't watch this movie.

Ringers: Lord of the Fans (2005)

Reviewed: 01.16.2006

I consider myself a big fan of The Lord of the Rings. After watching, Ringers: Lord of the Fans, thank God, I'm normal!

Ringers is a documentary mainly about how LOTR has influenced pop culture in the past 50 years. Only a die-hard fanatic would enjoy this doc. The film-makers interview ordinary and celebrity fans of the books and movies. Although it's interesting to see what effect they have on people, you can't help but feel sorry for them. They are finding meaning for their lives in a movie?! Merry (Dominic Monaghan) narrates.

It's a fun look at an obsession if nothing else.

Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (2005)

Reviewed: 02.19.2006

Tim Burton, the saving grace of stop-motion animation, has created a simple charming story in Corpse Bride.

On the eve of his arranged wedding to Victoria Everglot (voiced by Emily Watson), the future wife he has just met, Victor Van Dort (Johnny Depp) takes off into the woods to practice his tricky vows. After a successful delivery of his lines, Victor is horrified to realize he's accidentally married to the Corpse Bride (Helena Bonham Carter), who is rapturously happy to have found love at last. The Bride takes Victor to her underworld home of the dead and looking forward to a new life with her very living husband. Victor, scared out of his wits, tries to rejoin the living, but soon discovers himself caring for his rotting corpse of a wife, while an evil suitor (Richard E. Grant) tries to muscle in on the bride he left behind.

Director Burton throughly indulges his peculiar story telling with obvious love and devotion. The exaggerated character design is a real treat for the eyes. Chins like footballs, hair like beehives, legs as thin and brittle as toothpicks, and eyes like billiard balls, the attention to minuscule detail is amazing. Burton plays both worlds, contrasting them well. The land of the dead upon introduction is grotesque, but becomes a delightful place vibrating with color and energized souls. The land of the undead, devoid of color, bleak and cold, lifeless shades of grey is were life ends.

The voice talent found in this movie is phenomenal. Along with Depp, Watson, and Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee, Tracy Ullman, Joanna Lumley, and Albert Finney lend their voices.

Rounding out the entertaining bit of animation is a delightful score by music genius Danny Elfman. The skeleton revue is not at all what I had expected- it's a treat. But my favorite is the haunting theme sequence with Victor at the piano.

While the ending suffers a bit (I would have liked it taken a bit further), all is quickly forgiven, thanks to an otherwise gem of a movie.  This film doesn't suffer from anything other than a gross lack of fan base.