What's Happening in Merced, CA…

The Merced Theatre is hosting a special screening of Napoleon Dynamite this September.

While a normal movie-viewing experience usually entails the audience remaining silent once the opening credits roll, this screening is billed as a “Quote-A-Long” event, which means talking is allowed.

The free screening encourages people to dress up as the characters in the film, with a designated area available to take photos.

Napoleon Dynamite follows the titular character, played by Jon Heder, who is a listless teenager whose unique style remains relentless, despite being an outcast. He makes friends with other teens who are similarly anything but the popular kids, helping them out along the way in any way he can.

While the movie is thin on plot, it is famous for its dry humor and one-liners centering on teenage apathy and awkwardness. Over the years, it has become famous for how quotable it is.

While the Merced Theatre’s “Quote-A-Long” screening of Napoleon Dynamite has been held for years, director Jared Hess unintentionally made the concept mainstream when his latest film, A Minecraft Movie, inspired a “Block Party Edition,” with talking allowed in theaters.

Interactive film screenings like this may choose to use brochure printing to create audience programs.

The Napoleon Dynamite Quote-A-Long screening is happening on September 4 at 7 pm, with doors open at 6 pm, at the Merced Theatre at 301 W Main St in Merced.