Opinion

‘Dynamite’ ignites pop culture blast

Indie film's appeal most apparent in collegiate atmosphere

By Nate Katz

Posted on Jan. 18, 2005, at 12:00 a.m.

It’s award season already. Honestly, this is probably one of the most exciting times of the year for me. I like to think I’m a pretty good judge of film, and there’s nothing I like more than sitting down and seeing which of my favorite movies from the past year are realized as the masterpieces they are. I think what we’re all saying to ourselves right now is, “Where’s the flippin’ “Dynamite?” Never before have I heard something quoted so much. This movie easily surpasses “Chappelle Show” for the “lines I hear at a bar-party-class-library” award.

Can a movie so beloved be passed over like this? Johnny Depp was up for an Oscar in “Pirates of the Caribbean” last year. Isn’t it an unwritten rule that Disney movies can’t win awards? Except for “Robin Hood” – that movie was boss.

What I’m saying here is if that movie can make the big dance, why not “Napoleon?” I haven’t even seen this movie and already I know it’s the best ever. I feel like I know Napoleon and all of his quirky habits and phrases and I’ve only seen his glorious picture on the box at the Orono Pharmacy and Ice Cream parlor where I’ve been waiting for the one copy to be returned. On a side note, if you’re the person responsible for stopping me from seeing what is obviously the greatest movie ever you need to get that back. Honestly, you’re like two weeks overdue.

Regardless, I could cast my vote right now and be happy with my choice. Everywhere I go, people are more than willing, often unprovoked, to share their dead-on impersonations of these mythical characters: Napoleon, Kip, Pedro and Uncle Rico. What a colorful cast they are.

And wow, how about “Garden State?” Another big snub from the Hollywood elite. Again, I haven’t seen this movie but I know it’s amazing. The soundtrack? Please. Everyone’s talking about how good it is. It’s like “Indie Rock for Dummies.” I plan on seeing this movie just as soon as who I can only assume is the same person holding Napoleon returns it. One might say, “Oh Nate, you should go to a movie place that has more than one copy of a movie.” To those people I say, “Forget you. Orono Pharmacy and Ice Cream parlor rocks, and Nate doesn’t let himself buy into the corporate system overrunning this country. Support your local merchants.”

After chastising these fools, I plan on watching both these movies because, like everyone’s saying, they’re the quintessential movies of the year. Possibly, our lives.

So take it from me, don’t be fooled by the phony-baloney suits in Hollywood. The year’s best movies are in Idaho and Jersey. I don’t need to tell you these things, though, because if you’ve left your room at all in the past two weeks, which I certainly have, you’ve heard the buzz.

I don’t know if it’s possible for a movie to get any better than when I hear it being recited by a hilariously drunk guy in a bar, but if either one comes even close, well I’m sold.

Can I throw an idea out there? “Napoleon” party? Somebody run with it. That’s a freebie. Thanks for your time; you’re all beautiful on the inside.

Vote for Pedro.

Nate Katz is a senior broadcast journalism major.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 18th, 2005, 12:00 am. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.