I decided to participate and heard about this from Cherdo (on the Flipside) who is co-hosting and picked the first film for all of us to watch and review. The film she picked:
This film came out in 2004 starring Jon Heder and written by Jared and Jerusha Hess and directed by Jared Hess. Poor John was paid a whole $1,000 for the role! The film cost $400,000 but it grossed over $46 million and has reached cult status. Jon renegotiated and he ended up getting a percentage of the profits (good boy).
I actually thought this film was made in the 1970's because of the look. I mean, grandma's house has wood paneling-who didn't have this! The sets were the nightmares of 70's chic. Now I am not a wondrous reviewer to talk about the twists and turns and the mise-en scene(I think that's how one spells it but I don't have the French accent over the E).
This was nerd paradise! There are many laugh out loud moments (grandma flies through the air, the llama, the pro wrestling woman (woman??)) that it caught me off guard. The lead is quite dorky and I am never sure if he has his eyes open. I am not even sure I like him all that much but he is still endearing...somehow even though I wanted to punch him the face.
There are some classic lines in the film but, at this moment I can't remember them(sorry) but one about being fat made me laugh. The lines in the film, the characters, the setting are all awkward and it works because he is a true nerd. He helps out his friend by dancing and actually could be on Dancing with the Stars-he is pretty good.
I enjoyed it. Is it not an amazing film that leaves one wanting more and I would not collect the film but I did find it funny and weird which I like.
Thanks for joining us, Brigit! I hope you will consider joining us for March, too: a pick-your-own affair this time.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to like Napoleon. He does very little to endear himself to anyone. Even the lead cool-kid boy is never exactly mean to Napoleon. He's mystified by Napoleon and, really, who can blame him? Other kids are outright cruel for the usual self-gratifying bully reasons but most are just puzzled.
I will join you again:) This film is just weird and I wanted to punch him
DeleteI'm so glad you're up for more! I look forward to seeing what you choose.
DeleteI admit I've never watched this one.
ReplyDeleteIf you see it on TV, watch it but it is not a huge thing to miss
DeleteThat was interesting what the actor got originally paid for this movie; glad he re-negotiated a better deal. I remember son went through a time where he watched this movie over and over and over again which meant sometimes I watched it over and over again. And now for the life of me, I too can't remember much of it, other than "Vote for Pedro".
ReplyDeletefun blog hop to do though!
betty
In an interview, Jon Heder said he was so excited to get $1000 to be in this film. Like you, I'm elated that he re-negotiated.
DeleteI think this film was for that time it came out because it is a small quirky movie
DeleteYeah it was a weird one that was okay for a watch, but I wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again
ReplyDeleteIt's one of those things that you love, hate or just look at questionably....ha ha.
DeleteI am with you...both! I won't watch it again but most will either love it or hate it
DeleteBirgit, thank you so much for being a part of our Mock Squid Soup. I loved your review and I'm glad you watched it. It's always more fun to do it with friends. Love ya!
ReplyDeleteSee you on the Flipside!
This was fun and great to do so can't wait for the next one:)
DeleteIt's so cute that everyone watched the same movie and great that you all enjoyed it. I think choosing a comedy film was a good choice. Have a great weekend, and Happy Valentine's Day! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was fun and it is like a book club but with film instead:) Happy Valentine's Day
DeleteThat's precisely how I felt, Birgit, when I saw the movie when it came out. I thought it was set in the 1970s, too, because of the clothing. But, I think the characters shopped at thrift stores. It's one of those movies where none of the characters were endearing, but yet I watched it. Kind of like slowing down to see the accident as you drive by it on the freeway.
ReplyDeleteThat is funny to view like an accident. The writers must just love the 70's
DeleteLoved hearing your thoughts. I have heard so much about this movie, but I have never seen it. Thanks for sharing. Happy Valentine's Day. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Thank you so much:) Have a Happy Valentine's Day too
DeleteI sat down and watched this when it was the big thing among the high school set (everyone had a Vote for Pedro T-shirt), and I just didn't get it. I didn't find it funny. I found it annoying and obnoxious. I guess I don't get this generation's humor. Ah well, there are plenty of other movies out there...
ReplyDeleteHahahaaa-Most of these people are annoying and obnoxious:) I didn't even realize how big it was but I did have to laugh at granny and her dirt biking
DeleteWe tried to watch it not long ago and I couldn't get into it. I do remember when it came out--there were all these T-shirts with lines from the movie and I never got it when I saw them!
ReplyDeleteI don't remember the T-shirts at all:) I think it came out at the right time. I found some parts quite funny and others just shaking my head. Did I mention I just wanted to punch the lead actor in the face?:)
DeleteI saw this movie and all I can remember is that there were quite a few geeks and oddballs in it. Maybe I need to watch it again to appreciate the laughs.
ReplyDeleteOh I think there is nothing but geeks and oddballs in this film but there are some funny moments
DeleteIt's cool that you liked, not loved, this movie. It's not for everyone, but it does have a huge cult following.
ReplyDeleteNo this movie is not for everyone-it speaks to the nerds and I can be one of them:) It was a great choice to view. I tried to leave a comment on your blog but I didn't know how to
DeleteThere are six episodes of an animated TV spin-off, if you really didn't want to end (for a few more hours).
ReplyDeleteYes I had heard about this animated show but I am not one to watch that:) I will watch X-Men or Gargoyles instead
DeleteHuh, hadn't heard of this one. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI never did either but if you like nerd then watch this flick:)
DeleteAfter such a glowing review, I have got to watch it. Funny, weird.... yep, right up my alley. Hope you're having a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeletehugs, Asha
It is not for everyone but I did enjoy it and it grew on me
DeleteThe first time I watched this, the only thing I could think was "What the hell? That's it?" It had been talked up so much, I didn't realize it was.... well, pretty stupid. But after watching it a second time and knowing that, I got more of a kick out of it. It's intentionally stupid and weird... and if you can look past that, it's not bad. Like you said, it's not amazing, but it's funny and weird and at the very least worth the watch.
ReplyDeleteI also just thought..WTF??? I had to laugh at the things the writers came up with.
DeleteI need to see this movie because I have wood paneling in my dining room. I really do, Birgit! Doesn't everybody? Smiles. I like my funky apt.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I'm glad the nerd got more than $1,000, especially since it did so well.
Oh my...wood panelling? I hope you don't have a shag carpet:) I put my foot in my mouth last week and talked about how horrible I think shag is and that it has come back and why only to find out my co-worked just bough a shag carper
DeleteI've heard this is a funny movie but I've never seen it. I'll add it to my list :)
ReplyDeleteYes and enjoy the nerd experience
DeleteLove films that are off beat and quirky. This one sounds like that.
ReplyDeleteIt most definitely is
DeleteLOL, I love that you reviewed this. My brother-in-law used to pretty much do his Dynamite impression all day long.
ReplyDeleteFor me, this is the kind of movie you have to watch with the right people, otherwise it's just not that funny. If they don't laugh with you and just stare at you like you're an idiot, then you feel like you are and the film starts to look dumber and dumber, but if you are with people who can embrace this for what it is, it's hysterical!
Yes that is true but I can laugh when no one else is laughing and I have had people stare at me but, thankfully, I don't care:)
DeleteI do own a DVD copy of this film and I absolutely love it. This is one of those stories to which I can so easily relate and cheer on the heroes. In the same camp as films like Revenge of the Nerds or Pretty in Pink it's the kind of film that praises being different and I like that message.
ReplyDeleteWonderful film in my estimation.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
He does beat to his own drummer and has nor probs standing up for himself which is always great. We must embrace our nerdness
DeleteHello dear Birgit
ReplyDeleteMy iPad froze up and would not let me finish my last comment. You would be happy to know you inspired me to be creative again. I made Valentines for my 14 grands, their parents, my hubby and several friends. You are a good example to me. Hugs
ReplyDeleteOooh-I hope you post your creations as I would love to see them! I am so happy you found your creativity again and I am humbled by the fact that I inspired you. That is the sweetest thing. Thank you:)
DeleteHappy Tuesday, Birgit. How's the weather your way?
ReplyDeleteCold, cold Cold!
DeleteAmazing it cost so little and made so much. Never heard of it!
ReplyDeleteThis movie shows it has no budget but that doesn't matter as long as you can get into the nerdness of it.
Delete