Review of Gentlemen Broncos (2009) by Jason J — 19 Apr 2011

So far, all of Jared Hess' movies have been about likable weirdo losers who become likable weirdo heroes with a little help from their likable weirdo friends. "Gentlemen Broncos" which sees Michael Angarano playing an awkward teenage sci-fi writer whose work is plagiarised by an arrogant celebrity author, is no different.

If you've seen "Napoleon Dynamite" you know the drill. The movie is a comedy with a small joke quota, but a consistently retarded tone. It works, but Hess' loving assembly of misfits and oddballs aren't as interesting this time around, and his attempts at being heart-warming and uplifting feel schematic and predictable.

If "Napoleon Dynamite's" victory ending worked, it's only because the movie was self-consciously tapping into your typical teen movie finale. In contrast, "Gentlemen Broncos'" ending is just lazy.