How to meet Napoleon Dynamite, Pedro and Uncle Rico at Jefferson City screening
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Vote for Pedro. The Happy Hands Club. A llama named Tina, and an uncle named Rico.
For viewers of a certain generation, these moments are forever burned in their brain, part of the surprisingly rich world of "Napoleon Dynamite." Director Jared Hess' 2004 film focused in on a group of incredibly awkward, ultimately sweet teens who could live just about anywhere at just about anytime.
Fans of the film can relive its particular glories next month, and hear from several key original cast members during a special screening in Jefferson City.
Stars Jon Heder (Napoleon), Efren Ramirez (Pedro) and Jon Gries (Rico) will appear at a screening Oct. 23 at Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater. The event description promises a "conversation" with the three actors in addition to a viewing of the film.
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Made on a budget of approximately $400,000 the cult comedy eventually grossed over $44 million and supplied viewers with a long line of catchphrases and treasured scenes. Some critics loved the film; some didn't.
Writing from across an ocean, the BBC's Adrian Hennigan said the film "revels in its own kookiness and is the most engaging teen movie to emerge from the States for many a year." No less a figure than the late Roger Ebert thought "Napoleon" trafficked in "a kind of studied stupidity that sometimes passes as humor."
The Jefferson City event is one in a series of similar screenings taking place across the country.
"Napoleon Dynamite" is rated PG. The event begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 23. Tickets range from $30-$40. Visit https://www.crmuamphitheater.com/ for more information.
Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. Find him on Twitter @aarikdanielsen.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Meet Napoleon Dynamite, Pedro and Uncle Rico at Jefferson City screening
