S. T. Karnick and colleagues at The Reform Club are discussing Napoleon Dynamite. Hunter Baker likes it, but suggests that the film is driven by “early 80's nostalgia . . . It's a lot like moving through a really interesting museum.” Karnick himself suggests the film is worth watching since it “does a wonderful job of showing how conservatism works to create social order but ultimately can suppress the creative urges that are the lifeblood of any society and any economy. For a society to function well and create a truly rich environment, there must always be a balance between conservative forces and those for reform.” Sounds promising.
Speaking of liberalism and conservatism, Karnick also has a new piece up on Tech Central Station that is a reassessment of The Bells of St. Mary’s, which he says has undeservedly lost its reputation as a great film. He views the film through the lens of its treatment of fathers and sons, quite effectively. Makes me want to go and see the film again.