Yes, for all the pomp and broo-hah-hah surrounding last year's "serious" films like "Million Dollar Baby," "The Aviator," "Ray" and "Finding Neverland," this little quirky comedy made its way on to my personal 10 best list when none of the aforementioned films did. It's small, personal and definitely not to everybody's tastes, but it's also hilarious and even rather touching. Overall, it really is just a goofy comedy with low aspirations, but there is a slightly sober tone underlying the goofiness, whether intended or not. This movie is for anyone who's ever felt the unfairness of being labeled a dork or nerd simply for being different, or having interests outside of the mainstream. Napoleon is weird, and his sullen manner doesn't win him any admirers (though it does provide the film with countless laughs), but there's something noble about his refusal to change himself to accommodate the whims of the popular, acceptable crowd. I loved this movie because all of the outcasts have happy endings on their own terms, but the film avoids any dopey life-affirming lessons.
But lest you think I'm taking the movie too seriously, let me repeat that it is first and foremost a silly, goofy, stupid comedy, and on those terms it's a classic.
Grade: A
But lest you think I'm taking the movie too seriously, let me repeat that it is first and foremost a silly, goofy, stupid comedy, and on those terms it's a classic.
Grade: A