Napoleon Dynamite is one of my favorite movies. The scene where Uncle Rico whips the steak right into Napoleon's dome has to be my favorite scene in all of "cinema". That said, I have reservations about this recently announced Napoleon Dynamite cartoon series, to be produced by Fox.
I feel like this is a prime example of something that sounds good on paper, but when thought about throughly could lead to some gaping flaws. Like many good films, the subtleties of the location and actors lead to a great amount of the comedy, something that is easily lost and could be impossible to convey in animation. The hilarity and desolateness of Napoleon's dreary existence would be a great challenge to portray correctly. Sure, they could go for a different style of comedy, but it just wouldn't be the same as the fantastic source material.
I would hate for this project to join the morbid crew of Fox's "Animation Domination" shows. The decrepit Simpsons, with barely an ounce of life or originality left in it's shriveled figure, and Seth McFarlane's freak show of unfunny animated sitcoms would be a place where Napoleon could go to be purged swiftly or twisted and gnashed horribly into the slop they feed the horrible man-children they market this wretched shit to. Let's hope upon it's release it is at least treated with some dignity.
That being said, nothing has been released as to who will be directing the show. Thankfully, the main characters will be returning to voice their respective roles, and writers / directors of the film, Jared and Jerusha Hess, will be involved in the show's creation in some capacity. This is a good sign in what seemed like a dismal idea to start off with. Perhaps the show has a chance at being a success? I place my hope in the Hess brothers to make the transition from film to cartoon as easy and seemless as possible.
I'd be clapping giddily for a sequel. I'd be hesitantly excited for a live action series. However, the cartoon we've been now promised seems a bit too distant to muster up anything worthwhile. Granted that the degree of creator and actor involvement remains the same throughout the production and development, I think that the show may have a chance, if it can play it's cards right. You won't see me placing any bets on the night of the premiere, but you will definitely see me tuning in.
Sidenote: I'd just like to say again, Napoleon Dynamite, if you haven't seen it, is an absolutely magnificent film and required watching for any self-respecting hipster. I won't waste any more of your time, go watch it immediately!
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