Aaron Ruell Movies
Writer/director JJ Lask adapted his darkly comic satire On the Road With Judas from his best-selling 2002 novel of the same name. Set in the early 1990s, the story follows a seemingly conservative New York businessman (Napoleon Dynamite's Aaron Ruell) who moonlights as a cutthroat computer thief. Lask employs an eclectic combination of formal elements in his creation of the film, including fictional narrative, pseudo-documentary, and several additional storytelling modes. Leo Fitzpatrick, Kevin Corrigan and Eddie Kaye Thomas co-star. P.S. 260, the production shingle founded by Lask, oversaw production of the project. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
The producers of Napoleon Dynamite return with this comedy about four geeky friends determined to save their favorite local hangout by reinventing the game of pool. Having already achieved some level of notoriety for their first invention, four ambitious inventors form an exclusive club of MENSA wannabes knows as the "Think Tank." The hangout of choice for these big-brained innovators is Jon's Pool Hall, a modest local gaming facility that is likely to be put out of business when the monolithic "Palace of Pool" opens its doors. Perhaps if these brainstorming geniuses can finally perfect the game of "frictionless pool" there may be a glimmer of hope for Jon's Pool Hall after all. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
The directorial debut of filmmaker Jared Hess, who also co-wrote the screenplay, Napoleon Dynamite is a quirky, offbeat comedy set in the small Idaho town of Preston. Jon Heder stars in the titular role, a carrot-topped oddball with a decidedly eccentric family that includes his llama-loving, dune-buggy enthusiast grandmother. The story centers on the local high school's race for class president. Using some nontraditional means, Napoleon is determined to help his pal Pedro (Efrem Ramirez) run a winning campaign and defeat popular girl Summer (Haylie Duff). Also starring The Drew Carey Show's Diedrich Bader, Napoleon Dynamite premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
