PHOTOS: ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ cast live at F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, 01/12/19
When Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, and Jon Gries were asked what they think about “Napoleon Dynamite” when they watch it nearly 15 years after its theatrical release, they all responded in unison: “We don’t!”
While the actors who portrayed Napoleon, Pedro, and Uncle Rico, respectively, might not think of the 2004 cult comedy hit much these days, it’s clear that fans still do as they attended a screening at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, Jan. 12 complete with a moderated discussion and Q&A with the cast.
Taking place in “small-town Preston, Idaho,” the often-quoted movie tells the story of “awkward teen Napoleon Dynamite,” who “has trouble fitting in. After his grandmother is injured in an accident, his life is made even worse when his strangely nostalgic uncle, Rico, shows up to keep an eye on him. With no safe haven at home or at school, Napoleon befriends the new kid, Pedro, a morose Hispanic boy who speaks little English. Together, the two launch a campaign to run for class president.”
Among the highlights of the evening, Ramirez told a story about dressing in drag for a role in Jason Statham action movie “Crank.” At first, a few guys catcalled him when he was walking the streets before recognizing him as Pedro even through his outfit and makeup, a role he can’t seem to get away from.
One fan asked Heder if he still remembered how to do the famous dance Napoleon pulls off at the end of the movie but, unfortunately, he does not. It may have been just as amusing, however, watching him stand up and attempt half-assed versions of the funny choreographed moves for the audience as the trio laughed and joked throughout the evening.
