Take 4: Viewer's Choice #2

Well, we're back with the second installment of viewer recommendations here at Take 4. So, if you're one of the four folks below...hope you don't think I'm being too harsh!

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Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Recommended to Me By...: Kevin "Bubba" Anderson, video producer and editor extraordinaire, as well as head honcho at bubba productions.

In the Beginning: Introducing Napoleon Dynamite...that kid in school you always kind of looked at weird because he shoved tater tots into his pants pockets during lunch. He doesn't really fit in anywhere...and really kind of oblivious to the fact.

The Plot Thickens: We get to watch as four new faces enter Napoleon's life, each having a different impact on what was otherwise a repetitive (but safe and familiar) existence: His Uncle Rico, who steps in to watch over him and his brother after his grandmother is hospitalized; Pedro, a Latino student just as socially-awkward as Napoleon, but with ambition; Deb, an introspective girl who finds it hard not to step out of her role as a Glamour Shots consultant; and LaFawnduh, his brother's internet girlfriend.

We're Not in Kansas Anymore: But we're flippin' close. Preston, Idaho is the setting of this film...I imagine it looks a lot like Kansas, with maybe more terrain and fewer tornadoes.

The Starting Line-Up: Jon Heder, as Napoleon Dynamite. Heder is very distinctive in this role, and you really can't imagine anyone else pulling it off quite like he did. Going to be interesting to see how he breaks out of this character into others...he gives it a shot in Just Like Heaven, with Reese Witherspoon, out in theaters this fall.

Scenes to Look Out For: Napoleon's dance moves, during the "skit" portion of the student body election speeches. We should require this of our own presidential elections. You give your speech...and perform a skit. Dance, Monkey Face, dance! Also...if you stick through the credits, you get a nice little scene at the end.

Random Trivia: Every plate of food shown during the opening credits is eaten by a character later in the movie. Also, a bonus bit of trivia, Napoleon Dynamite features one of the longest credited cast lists in movie history; all 181 student extras' names are listed in the closing credits.

Great Quotes: Napoleon Dynamite: "Stay home and eat all the freakin' chips, Kip." Kip: "Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter."; Principal Svadean: "Look, Pedro, I don't know how they do things down in Juarez, but here in Idaho we have a little something called pride. Understand? Smashing in the face of a pinata that resembles Summer Wheatley is a disgrace to you, me, and the entire Gem State."; Deb: "Are they still letting you run for president?" Pedro: "Yes. I don't understand... they say you're not allowed to have pinatas that look like real people, but in Mexico, we do it all the time."

Curt's Take: Haven't felt this much pressure to give something a "Must See" in a while. However...this movie is not for everyone. It is definitely one of the most quotable movies I've ever seen, and I would recommend seeing this if only because you likely have never seen any other movie like it. You know that guy in high school who everyone either picked on...or watched get picked on...but who never really seemed to realize why? Napoleon Dynamite is an inside look at that guy's life. And guess what...it's just as odd as you thought it was. Lots of truths about high school in this movie, and a kickin' 80's synth soundtrack. I really enjoyed it...but have to recognize the fact that not everyone would. But...you know what...screw it. It's a "Must See." If only to hate it, you must see it. I mean, if only so you have the social currency to know what's being talked about when people start quoting it.

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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Recommended to Me By...: By buddy Paris Daniell, who is currently overseas in Germany for a year. He's seen this movie 18 times in one week. Live in fear.

In the Beginning: Raoul Duke (aka Hunter S. Thompson) and his lawyer travel to Vegas, ostensibly to report on a motocross race in the desert. Perhaps more accurately, though, they try to haphazardly stumble across the "American Dream" instead in their travels in and around Las Vegas.

The Plot Thickens: See above, add lots of drugs. Repeat.

We're Not in Kansas Anymore: Any guesses on this one, kids? We're in Vegas for most of the film, or the immediate surrounding area (sticklers will point out we're in LA for about five minutes...hush).

The Starting Line-Up: Johnny Depp plays Duke, while Benicio Del Toro plays his lawyer, "Dr. Gonzo." Both were...something else. Also, there were quite a large number of cameo appearances that you might miss if you aren't paying close attention, including Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, Gary Busey, and Cameron Diaz.

Scenes to Look Out For: It's a Terry Gilliam film...so LOTS of bizarre scenes. The portrayal of the hallucinations that Duke goes through during his heavier moments of drug use are vividly portrayed, amazing and terrifying at the same time. Quite brilliant, really.

Random Trivia: Much of the clothing (shirts, hats) worn by Johnny Depp in the movie were actual pieces of clothing that the real Hunter S. Thompson wore in the '70s. Thompson himself let Depp borrow them for the movie, after Depp spent four months with Thompson learning his mannerisms and proper vocal inflection for the role.

Great Quotes: Raoul Duke: "Few people understand the psychology of dealing with a highway traffic cop. Your normal speeder will panic and immediately pull over to the side. This is wrong. It arouses contempt in the cop-heart. Make the bastard chase you. He will follow."

Curt's Take: I am actually writing this about three days after I first saw the film...I had no idea what to make of it. I was considering giving it anything from a "Must See" down to a "Not a Priority." I just really did not know what to make of it. So...in the end, it gets a "Worth Considering." Part of it is, yes, the fact that I just "didn't get" some things...but that's to be expected from a Terry Gilliam film (let alone one that features heavy drug use). Or maybe it was just too deep for me...regardless, it just misses the "you HAVE to see this" mark. The acting is great, if not bizarre, and the cinematography is stunning...if not bizarre. Pretty good writing, too. So, if you want something that is trippy...wow, this will deliver it in spades. And diamonds. And hearts, clubs and both jokers. On a side note, this makes me VERY hesitant to go to Vegas with my friend Paris, if this movie is what he expects the experience to be like...

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Old School (2003)

Recommended to Me By...: Kim Becker, fellow movie fan, Lost watcher and co-worker

In the Beginning: After breaking up with his girlfriend, 30-year-old Mitch moves into his own place just off the campus of Harrison University. The Dean of the University...an old classmate who has it in for Mitch...has different plans in mind, and goes through with having the land on which Mitch's house stands declared University property.

The Plot Thickens: In order to remain in the house, Mitch and his friends form a campus social club: a fraternity, to be exact. However, they must still contend with the Dean's further plans to evict them all.

We're Not in Kansas Anymore: As mentioned above, we're at Harrison University. I was trying to figure out where exactly this was, but the movie didn't give many clues. I would have to gues somewhere in California.

The Starting Line-Up: Luke Wilson plays Mitch, our hero. Also heading up the cast are his well-meaning friend Frank (played by Will Ferrell) and his trouble-making friend Beanie (played by Vince Vaughn). If you liked Vaughn's character in Swingers (Trent), then you'll see lots of similar elements in Beanie.

Scenes to Look Out For: A pledging initiation that you won't soon forget. Ouch. Oh...and a great rendition of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and Frank's wedding reception. I actually heard a guy and girl sing that version of it at karaoke once...was hilarious.

Random Trivia: When Mitch, who the campus students have given the nickname "The Godfather," comes home early, there is a bowl of oranges on the table. In The Godfather (1972), oranges are in scenes where something bad is about to happen. In this case Mitch is about to discover his girlfriend is cheating on him.

Great Quotes: Beanie: "You think I like avoiding my wife and kids to hang out with nineteen year old girls everyday?"

Curt's Take: Wow...um...Kim is going to think I'm crazy, here. So this is what all the hype has been about? I chuckled a few times, sure...and even had the unrated version...but I really wasn't that impressed. The plot was a little weak and there were a lot of story arcs that just kind of ended abruptly. The characters are likeable...but hard to sympathize with. I mean...just move out of the house, dude. Anyway, although I feel VERY pressured to give this a "Worth Considering," going to have to end up with "Not a Priority." See one of the other two movies above, instead.

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Layer Cake (2004)

Recommended to Me By...: Meg Way, my boss and fellow geek

In the Beginning: We meet our protagonist (who we'll call Mr. X, as you never learn his name)...a distributor of illegal drugs (largely cocaine). He's got a system for keeping everything easy to manage and is planning on getting out of the business soon...very soon.

The Plot Thickens: Mr. X's boss/supplier calls upon him to ask him for one...last...favor. Of course, this last favor ends up having many more layers to it then there at first seems...and there are many more players representing many more interests in this game than is at first apparent.

We're Not in Kansas Anymore: The movie takes place in various locales in England, but mostly London. Subtitles will likely help with this film.

The Starting Line-Up: Daniel Craig plays Mr. X...he was also apparently in the first Tomb Raider movie. Mostly a British cast, so not a lot of well-known faces here.

Scenes to Look Out For: Any scene starring Sienna Miller (as Tammy). She's a hottie. Also...interesting little twist at the ending.

Random Trivia: In one of the final scenes at the county club, Mr. X and his fellow drug dealers are in fact eating a "layer cake".

Great Quotes: Eddie: "England. Typical. Even drug dealers don't work weekends."

Curt's Take: I've seen British films before that I've really liked and gotten into. For some reason, though, it was very tough with this one. I think that was largely because I had a hard time following the twists and turns of the plot. I also had a hard time keeping the characters' names straight...and they refer to each other a lot. I don't know...going to have to give this one a "Worth Considering," because although it was interesting to watch...I did come out at the end feeling a little lost.