Such a great piece my friend--as usual. Immediately: PLEASE write about your Ginsu-era. (as a paid subscriber I would "buy you a coffee" for that). Okay, got that out of the way. I think I was also more dialed into Napoleon and his weird little crew because I identified with that weird when I was that age and still, to be honest. But considering Uncle Rico, especially if you are in the 40+ bracket, I think his character and story hits harder and deeper. He's not delusional as much as he's willfully stuck. Letting go of that specific image of himself means making room for something else, right? And whatever that might be is terrifying even though, as we see near the end, it is liberating. I can definitely relate to holding onto some part of my identity way, way past the expiration date. That might be a bigger form of existential, middish-life dread than chasing after whatever a person considers an "impossible" dream. GREAT! SO HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE! JUST GOING TO BE OVER HERE LISTENING TO SOME CURE AND READING SOME SYLVIA PLATH.
Such a great comment! I think you exactly hit on his deal -- he's willfully stuck in the past, and that is keeping him from doing anything with his life. Is he stuck because he truly thinks he could've been a great QB, or because he's terrified of having to find out who Uncle Rico truly is? We'll never know but I could see it being either (or both!).
As for the knife salesman saga... Marmi seconded your request so I guess it's happening lol
YESSSSSSSSS! I am almost more excited for the Ballad of Eric KNIVES OUT Pierce than I am for the next Deadwood drop! :) Napoleon Dynamite is a beautiful movie precisely because the characters are all so real in their simple, relatable vulnerabilities. I remember the first time I saw it whispering a little “Please don’t let anything bad happen to Kip” mantra. He takes a chance leading with his real self and look where it takes him? I think that’s the hint we get for Uncle Rico at the end…at least I like to think so. :)
YES!! Uncle Rico fanfic is exactly what this miserable gas ball of a planet needs!!! Think we can get a Nobel or a Pulitzer out of this? Ok! We’ll take both. Sounds good! 👍🏻
I can't really be said to "identify" with the fictional characters I admire in visual media most, since we often aren't of the same gender and/or species....
I like this take. And good call on that ribeye he slung at Napoleon. Free country or not, that was some crazy good accuracy to hit him on the move like that.
It was a good tone choice to dial up how delusional Uncle Rico was. If that had been say, a 7 or 8, instead of the 11 it was, it might have been too sad. The filmmakers caught some lightning in a bottle with this movie— plot? But they also knew what they were doing in many ways. The vague and comical treatment of time was great, the way they set the story in current time but in a place that was remote and innocent and still very much stuck in an earlier, simpler time. They go back to that well repeatedly over the entire movie. Uncle Rico’s antics adds to the comedy of reaching for or clinging to youth and keeps the sentimental at arm’s length.
Well stated! I loved Uncle Rico the first time I saw the movie, but that was entirely because he was a lovable goofball. This time I found myself understanding him on a deeper level, which felt weird and gave rise to this. :)
Excellent piece. Napoleon Dynamite is a gem, and Uncle Rico is also a character I relate to a little at times. After all, 1982 was a bloody good year for me.
But to the heart of this piece: Yes, the older I get, the more I identify with older side characters. Including the villains, at times.
Side note: I love One Day. The novel is a major favourite of mine, and the Netflix version is actually a good rendering of it. :)
Loved this piece. There’s a mini-wave of shows and movies with older women in them and it makes such a difference. (Related, yesterday we published a piece about the portrayal of Gen X men in TV now and I’d be so curious what you think)
I love the 8yo's comment about going up and down hills and immediately thought of One Day since I did Arthur's Seat like Dex and Em and it totally kicked my ass. Then lo and behold you launched right into discussing One Day like you were reading my mind ☺️
Btw I second Sheila's request for a piece about your Ginsu era! 🔪
I remember all the infomercials for Ginsu back in the day, so for me it's just really nostalgic! Then I got more into good quality knives in my twenties when I assisted a cooking teacher. The selling door to door aspect is also very interesting, I seem to recall that's how Mark Cuban got his start!
Every once in awhile, I take a crowbar to the crypt that is my FB timeline and am reminded that a huge chunk of people I grew up with are now basically Uncle Rico. They might not be whipping steaks at their nephews, but they've built their entire personality around the words "if only."
Such a great piece my friend--as usual. Immediately: PLEASE write about your Ginsu-era. (as a paid subscriber I would "buy you a coffee" for that). Okay, got that out of the way. I think I was also more dialed into Napoleon and his weird little crew because I identified with that weird when I was that age and still, to be honest. But considering Uncle Rico, especially if you are in the 40+ bracket, I think his character and story hits harder and deeper. He's not delusional as much as he's willfully stuck. Letting go of that specific image of himself means making room for something else, right? And whatever that might be is terrifying even though, as we see near the end, it is liberating. I can definitely relate to holding onto some part of my identity way, way past the expiration date. That might be a bigger form of existential, middish-life dread than chasing after whatever a person considers an "impossible" dream. GREAT! SO HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE! JUST GOING TO BE OVER HERE LISTENING TO SOME CURE AND READING SOME SYLVIA PLATH.
Such a great comment! I think you exactly hit on his deal -- he's willfully stuck in the past, and that is keeping him from doing anything with his life. Is he stuck because he truly thinks he could've been a great QB, or because he's terrified of having to find out who Uncle Rico truly is? We'll never know but I could see it being either (or both!).
As for the knife salesman saga... Marmi seconded your request so I guess it's happening lol
YESSSSSSSSS! I am almost more excited for the Ballad of Eric KNIVES OUT Pierce than I am for the next Deadwood drop! :) Napoleon Dynamite is a beautiful movie precisely because the characters are all so real in their simple, relatable vulnerabilities. I remember the first time I saw it whispering a little “Please don’t let anything bad happen to Kip” mantra. He takes a chance leading with his real self and look where it takes him? I think that’s the hint we get for Uncle Rico at the end…at least I like to think so. :)
I couldn't work it in here but I love ghetto Kip 🤣
Same. One of the most satisfying character arcs!
OMG yes him too!!
I think y’all need to write a spinoff of the N Dynamite universe….an Uncle Rico origin story
YES!! Uncle Rico fanfic is exactly what this miserable gas ball of a planet needs!!! Think we can get a Nobel or a Pulitzer out of this? Ok! We’ll take both. Sounds good! 👍🏻
I would like to "third" it. Also worth noting that outfits like Cutco are still recruiting recent HS grads.
The people have spoken. Thy will be done. 🫡
I’d insert an “excited” gif here if the buzzkills at Substack would let me
I can't really be said to "identify" with the fictional characters I admire in visual media most, since we often aren't of the same gender and/or species....
I like this take. And good call on that ribeye he slung at Napoleon. Free country or not, that was some crazy good accuracy to hit him on the move like that.
It was a good tone choice to dial up how delusional Uncle Rico was. If that had been say, a 7 or 8, instead of the 11 it was, it might have been too sad. The filmmakers caught some lightning in a bottle with this movie— plot? But they also knew what they were doing in many ways. The vague and comical treatment of time was great, the way they set the story in current time but in a place that was remote and innocent and still very much stuck in an earlier, simpler time. They go back to that well repeatedly over the entire movie. Uncle Rico’s antics adds to the comedy of reaching for or clinging to youth and keeps the sentimental at arm’s length.
Well stated! I loved Uncle Rico the first time I saw the movie, but that was entirely because he was a lovable goofball. This time I found myself understanding him on a deeper level, which felt weird and gave rise to this. :)
and less impressed with the he-man on the back cover
of Donald Duck comics…
How did I know this was gonna end with you watching MORE Star Wars? 🤣
It's the will of the Force
Excellent piece. Napoleon Dynamite is a gem, and Uncle Rico is also a character I relate to a little at times. After all, 1982 was a bloody good year for me.
But to the heart of this piece: Yes, the older I get, the more I identify with older side characters. Including the villains, at times.
Side note: I love One Day. The novel is a major favourite of mine, and the Netflix version is actually a good rendering of it. :)
I admit your insights here.
I realized from this that I'm the opposite. I seek out
Movies and tv about lives that are not like my own--
teenage angst and coming of age, sci fi, gangsters,etc. Napoleon was one of my favorites, along with Weird Science,
Ferrous Bueller, Animal House, Bridesmaids, Godfather. Big range.
Am I hiding from myself with these? You made me think about this.
OUT DAMNED SPOT!
Loved this piece. There’s a mini-wave of shows and movies with older women in them and it makes such a difference. (Related, yesterday we published a piece about the portrayal of Gen X men in TV now and I’d be so curious what you think)
Thanks so much, Cheryl! I'll go look for your piece right now! :D
I love the 8yo's comment about going up and down hills and immediately thought of One Day since I did Arthur's Seat like Dex and Em and it totally kicked my ass. Then lo and behold you launched right into discussing One Day like you were reading my mind ☺️
Btw I second Sheila's request for a piece about your Ginsu era! 🔪
lolol why is the knives stuff so interesting?
I remember all the infomercials for Ginsu back in the day, so for me it's just really nostalgic! Then I got more into good quality knives in my twenties when I assisted a cooking teacher. The selling door to door aspect is also very interesting, I seem to recall that's how Mark Cuban got his start!
Really enjoyed this piece Rico! ❤️. Have a great weekend!!
Thanks Mom!
Every once in awhile, I take a crowbar to the crypt that is my FB timeline and am reminded that a huge chunk of people I grew up with are now basically Uncle Rico. They might not be whipping steaks at their nephews, but they've built their entire personality around the words "if only."