Short Versions, Take 7

Napoleon Dynamite, The Village, Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Jam, Arrested Development.

	Napoleon Dynamite First things first. This is not art cinema. It's absurdist comedy. Don't go to see this film looking for deep meaning or well-constructed plot--the vague semblance of a plot is as artificial as they come, and seems inserted mostly to give the film structure and to permit the audience a somewhat 'happy' ending. It's a highly ironic, self-mocking, merciless run of sight gags and one liners with no apparent purpose other than to get laughs at the expense of its main characters, especially the eponymous Napoleon, a fit stand-in for everyone who's ever felt like a socially inept outcast trapped in the hell of high school.
	The Village Business as usual. As with most of Shyamalan's films, the less you know about the plot going in, the better. And if you didn't like his previous movies (Unbreakable, The Sixth Sense), you'll probably hate this one, too. But if you appreciate character-driven, well-acted mysteries with a twist, this one might appeal to you.
	Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgundy It's easy to dismiss "Anchorman" as another "American Pie"-like no-brainer performed by a bunch of 30 year old slackers. Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell etc. are usually not really a guarantee for intelligent comedy. But wait a second! Ferrell is not just another SNL idiot whose comedy-shtick is all about being loud and obnoxious. Here he is refreshingly farcical and earnest as the narcisstic newsreader. Add talking bears, flamboyant jazz flute performances, a dog being punted off a bridge by a deranged biker, and you have one of only a few good comedies of the last years.
	Jam How to describe "Jam"? The tag-line calls it "300 minutes of disgusting bliss", and who are we to disagree? This sketch-show is like the deformed love-child of David Lynch and Monty Python, it's Bunuel meets John Waters, something unique, shocking and ultimately hilarious. If you care about your reputation don't laugh too loud.
	Arrested Development According to some this show takes a few episodes before you *really* GET it. And once you get it, you'll realize why everybody thinks it's one of the best sitcoms ever. If you like outrageous humor a la "Family Guy", you won't be disappointed. And thank God, it doesn't have a stupid laugh track!