Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Bad Words

8

DCEdmondsNov 13, 2014

"Bad Words" 10 Scale Rating: 7.5 (Very Good) ...

The Good: Jason Bateman is fantastic as Guy Trilby, an angry and amoral 40 year old man who decides to win the national spelling bee to stick it to his absent father. Bateman's wit and"Bad Words" 10 Scale Rating: 7.5 (Very Good) ...

The Good: Jason Bateman is fantastic as Guy Trilby, an angry and amoral 40 year old man who decides to win the national spelling bee to stick it to his absent father. Bateman's wit and timing was impeccable and was actually laugh out loud funny at times. Usually playing the straight man or "good guy", it was refreshing to see him play a crass a-hole. The setup is good and is a very amusing idea. The supporting cast was excellent and the film is one of the better dark comedies of the last couple of years. Bateman also directed the film and shows a lot of skill in doing so.

The Bad: At times Trilby is a little TOO crass and for a brief moments becomes difficult to root for. Films like this work when there is a fine line between being a rude jerk and having something more underneath. This film, for the most part, succeeded but came dangerously close to crossing that line.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

4

LynDec 28, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jason Bateman is his usual droll self and the young Indian actor is adorable. But you can't just add some F-words and vulgar side trips to a kids' spelling bee tale and make it into smart entertainment for grown-ups. Worst of all, there's no payoff. You suspect that there's some weird reason Bateman's character is going through this whole charade, but when that reason is slipped in at the end, it just seems senseless and pathetic.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

7

Trev29Aug 12, 2014

Bad Words goes for outrageous comedy with some real dramatic moments, and it works. It is short and effective. While Bateman did fine with his directorial debut, the movie's strength is in the screenplay.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

6

LeZeeJul 8, 2015

Good lie, bad words and ugly truth.

I thought it was Cliff Curtis' movie because that's whom I saw in one of the posters. Anyway, it's Jason Bateman's movie, which is also his first directional venture. A refreshing theme because only aGood lie, bad words and ugly truth.

I thought it was Cliff Curtis' movie because that's whom I saw in one of the posters. Anyway, it's Jason Bateman's movie, which is also his first directional venture. A refreshing theme because only a very few movies were made based on the spelling bee contest, but this one was a bit messed up story narration. Most of the narrative looked so pale and dull. It is supposed to be an exciting storytelling with blistering pace.

You know, stories in the movies happen with a backdrop of the reasons. Like a piece of uninteresting wood carved into a something that attracts everybody. Some movie holds it till the end to reveal that beauty in the form of a twist, but some won't mind explaining it along the way. In this movie, what they had for the twist was lifeless, boring one, more like a cliché from the older days flick.

The boy from the movie 'Jack and Jill' was decent. I felt some material in the movie was inappropriate regarding a minor in one of the lead roles. But I know the title clearly suggests it is only for adults. Understandable that the writer wanted to give something new, but he could not get it right. Maybe lacked to bring some interesting and inspiring elements. What surprised me was, it was not either for commercial benefit nor a fine art piece.

All the way I knew something was not clinching and finally found out the approach to portray the main character in the negative mode had to do with something. They wanted the viewers to go against him and well, they got it in a way. Interestingly the screenplay was from the 'Black List' which was untouched for almost 10 years. Unfortunately Bateman decided to give it a try and the result is,... Here I'm with not satisfied fully, but okay-okay movie for being at least something different.

6/10… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

5

BradySmithOct 18, 2014

Sometimes amusing, almost always vulgar, and extremely immoral; Bad Words contains shock value by the ton, but it won't stick with you very long, and it's rarely laugh out loud funny. Bateman's character is one outrageously unrestrainedSometimes amusing, almost always vulgar, and extremely immoral; Bad Words contains shock value by the ton, but it won't stick with you very long, and it's rarely laugh out loud funny. Bateman's character is one outrageously unrestrained person. You can't really think of anyone who'd play him better. Most of his schemes though are too mean spirited to be funny. Instead they just make you angry. The movie ends alright, and the young Indian kid who serves as Guy's sidekick is a funny character, but there's simply no boundaries with this movie. Soon Guy is taking him to bars, sneaking him alcoholic drinks, and having him cavort with prostitutes. The movie throws away all of its potential trying to shock out laughs, when it is merely being disgusting instead.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

7

BrianMcCriticJul 9, 2014

While struggling to make an all round great movie, Bad Words has some extremely funny moments. The film does have a standard type ending, though Bateman is at his best. B+

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

7

LamontRaymondMar 16, 2014

Bad words is a really fun little movie, one that I laughed very hard in. Bateman is absolutely hilarious with his deadpan insults, and I enjoyed his interaction with a little Indian kid. As always Kathryn Hahn is awesome, but I wish herBad words is a really fun little movie, one that I laughed very hard in. Bateman is absolutely hilarious with his deadpan insults, and I enjoyed his interaction with a little Indian kid. As always Kathryn Hahn is awesome, but I wish her character and her motivation were flushed out a bit more. Her sex scene is by far the best in the movie. For an uproarious movie of this kind, it seemed that the basic plot underpinnings, the reason he went through with this spelling bee, is just a little bit strained and depressing and I think the writers probably could've been a better job in providing him with motivation.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

All this user's reviews

9

Compi24Apr 6, 2014

Unfathomably well-trained direction and unceremoniously entertaining all throughout, Jason Bateman's directorial debut "Bad Words" is an ingenious, hilarious, and even occasionally heartwarming masterwork.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

6

TVJerryMar 31, 2014

Jason Bateman has always been good at dry delivery, so he's gone desert with this mean-spirited character (he also directed). He's an unhappy grownup who finds a loophole that allows him to enter middle-school spelling bee, which he wins.Jason Bateman has always been good at dry delivery, so he's gone desert with this mean-spirited character (he also directed). He's an unhappy grownup who finds a loophole that allows him to enter middle-school spelling bee, which he wins. This serves as a vehicle for him to drive verbally vicious insults, going for laffs by being outrageous to kids. Luckily, one charmer (Rohan Chand) manages to get thru. While there are some amusing moments, much of the effort is spent trolling for laffs by being shocking, which isn't as successful.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

4

GreatMartinApr 5, 2014

Jason Bateman makes his directorial debut along with starring in and producing, “Bad Words”. He plays Guy Trilby, a 40 years old man, who never finished the 8th grade which makes him eligible to compete with 10 year olds in a spelling beeJason Bateman makes his directorial debut along with starring in and producing, “Bad Words”. He plays Guy Trilby, a 40 years old man, who never finished the 8th grade which makes him eligible to compete with 10 year olds in a spelling bee eventually winding up in the national finals.

“Bad Words” is a comedy that makes fun of kids such as a 40 year old man giving a 10 year contestant the finger or taking the kid Chaitanya, played by Rohan Chand, to a prostitute so she could show him her boobs. How about eliminating a contestant by making her think she is ‘becoming a woman‘ then and there where she has to get up in front of a crowd to spell a word? And then how could he not help pick on a fat kid before the boy’s turn in the spelling bee?

Bateman gets a certain sympathy in any film because of his persona but here it is the screenplay by Andrew Dodge who gives the actor sharp lines that will make you laugh even when you know it is wrong. The interplay between Guy and the reporter, Jenny Widgeon, played by Kathryn Hahn, looking to find out what is behind the story, is also funny though at times in a cruel way.

Dr. Deagan, played by Allison Janney, as the director of the spelling bee, has nothing but disdain for Guy and makes it quite clear by giving him a supply closet for his hotel room. The Golden Quill’s spelling bee founder, played by Philip Baker Hall, attempts to keep everything on an even keel turns comedy to drama on a dime.

Anyone who has been going to the movies knows where the story is heading but Bateman handles the actors, and himself, with a lightness that makes what is said and shown on film almost funny. The relationship between Guy and Chaitanya is the meat of the story and if the kid can forgive the adult so can we.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

8

PimpinpakmanMar 28, 2014

This movie will easily offend anyone and everyone so dont go watch it if you are offended by racist and misogynistic jokes because they will be there in great numbers. But if you can stomach the jokes and take it as comedy then you will haveThis movie will easily offend anyone and everyone so dont go watch it if you are offended by racist and misogynistic jokes because they will be there in great numbers. But if you can stomach the jokes and take it as comedy then you will have yourself a good time. We laughed a lot in the movie and most of the jokes are actually targeting south asian people (like me lol) but like i said, if you take it as a comedy and not personally then you will have yourself a good time. If not, then avoid it.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

0

H4lo_K1llerMay 12, 2014

It is desperately trying to be funny and does not care about the story at all. The laughs in this film are all mean-spirited or just frat-boy gross. Last but not least the movie gives some of the most annoying characters on the big screen.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

3

MovieReviewsJun 14, 2014

Not a really good movie behind all that hype. Silly, trying to be serious but plays for laughs that hardly exist. Entertaining? Sure it is, but completely forgettable with positive messages that manage to not be fully delivered.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

7

AllenReviewsMar 28, 2014

Jason Bateman's directorial debut, Is a fun, Rude, Comedic adventure that is sure to entertaine fans of the genera, All though I did find that this movie was just too fast paced.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

4

TJK22Apr 7, 2014

Bad Words might offer a few laughs, but it also gives us some of the most annoying characters ever put on screen, and a weak story. Like I said the humor can have its moments, but it's mostly racist or mean jokes. I can't give Bad Words anyBad Words might offer a few laughs, but it also gives us some of the most annoying characters ever put on screen, and a weak story. Like I said the humor can have its moments, but it's mostly racist or mean jokes. I can't give Bad Words any more credit then that.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

4

csw12Apr 4, 2014

Even with the movie only being 89 minutes, it felt repetitive and unnecessary most of the time. There are moments that are funny but not enough to make up for the bland story and messy climax.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

4

geedupJun 24, 2014

Was surprised this was Bateman's first film he has directed. None the less the story line is pretty uninspired and predictable. Old man vs 10 year old in spelling bees......they develop a feidnship of sorts..........gee, what will happen. WasWas surprised this was Bateman's first film he has directed. None the less the story line is pretty uninspired and predictable. Old man vs 10 year old in spelling bees......they develop a feidnship of sorts..........gee, what will happen. Was looking forward to over the top things by bateman's character but left disappointed. So whats the upside of this flick, the 10 year old. although he doesn't act much he adds an element worth seeing......once.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

7

NightReviewsMar 28, 2014

It’s very rare that I find myself lost in narrative, characters, and comedy, that I forget altogether that I am watching a movie intent on criticizing it. Jason Bateman’s (Horrible Bosses, Up In the Air) directorial debut Bad Words did justIt’s very rare that I find myself lost in narrative, characters, and comedy, that I forget altogether that I am watching a movie intent on criticizing it. Jason Bateman’s (Horrible Bosses, Up In the Air) directorial debut Bad Words did just that. It allowed me to lose myself in laughter and the evermore outrageous moments, so much so that I almost forgot I had to review the film.

Bad Words is a short, sweet, and unexpectedly dark comedy with instances of pure vulgarity and vileness that is at the same time, heartwarming–yes, you read that right.

For one, Bad Words was the first ever straight-up comedy I have ever experienced at TIFF. Of course, so many movies have heavy comedic instances, but I can assure you, Bad Words will have you laughing so hard, that at times, you’ll find it hard to hear the next bit of dialogue (I’m warning you from experience).

The film opens with unexplained genius Guy Trilby (Jason Bateman) entering himself in a Regional Spelling Bee, with a brief flashback explaining how he has been able to register legally. From the moment the movie starts, Bateman has the audience in tears and on the floor laughing as he progresses to the National Spelling Bee, in hot pursuit of all the angry parents and students who he beat at the regionals. Once Bateman makes it to the super bowl of spelling bees, The Golden Quill, along with his travelling documenting reporter Kathryn Hahn (We’re The Millers), hilarity and vulgarity ensue.

The mystery throughout the film centres on uncovering the reason for Trilby’s anger with the world, constant bitterness and his obsession with winning the bee. The blend of Bateman’s dark direction and stylistic choices, along with screenwriter Andrew Dodge‘s fiercely morbid dialogue allow for the experience to be natural and so unexpected.

I have no idea if either Bateman or Dodge were inspired at all by Bobcat Goldthwait (World’s Greatest Dad, God Bless America) and his darkly satirical body of work, but if I was told that this film is indeed another addition to that large list of his black comedy of work, I would not doubt it.

Bad Words is a film that constantly pushes the evelope. Each character Trilby interacts with, whether it be for an extended period of time, or just shortly, Bateman nails each and every scene with a natural sense of arrogance. Trilby’s scenes with “slumdog” (Rohan Chand), a lonely prostitute on the street, or a victimized man going into a bathroom stall, are some of the best in the film. Chand, who was seen earlier this year in the taught war drama Lone Survivor, shares some of the best scenes with Bateman and the two make for an unlikely, yet completely adoring dynamic duo. Watch out for this young and truly talented up-and-comer to make a name for himself in whatever genre he sees fit.

Bateman undoubtedly has a keen eye for comedy. Rude, crude, and sometimes completely uncalled for, Bad Words was a pleasant change of pace during TIFF and was surely one of the most memorable comedies of the year.

Expect Bad Words to knock your socks off, because the only thing bad about it, is how much you will find yourself laughing at the most inappropriate things, da*#it!… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

9

TheQuietGamerAug 15, 2014

Jason Bateman's character is a rude and mean person who's mad at the world and the humor does a great job of capturing this. It's honestly a laugh riot and the motivation of the goofy plot idea ends up turning into some emotional stuff.Jason Bateman's character is a rude and mean person who's mad at the world and the humor does a great job of capturing this. It's honestly a laugh riot and the motivation of the goofy plot idea ends up turning into some emotional stuff. Bateman does a great job as the director and as the main character. His chemistry with the almost too young for this type of movie Rohan Chand is excellent and adds a little more emotion and humor to the mix. Perhaps the conclusion of the spelling bee is a little obvious and predictable, but the rest of the movie feels fresh and most importantly hilarious. For that I give it a 9.8/10.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

3

chrisjones914Jul 17, 2014

Bad Words is truly one of the unfunniest films I've seen since Ride Along, and the sad part is that it had so much potential but it just ends up coming off as a film that's trying too hard to get a laugh out of you. Bateman is a funny guy andBad Words is truly one of the unfunniest films I've seen since Ride Along, and the sad part is that it had so much potential but it just ends up coming off as a film that's trying too hard to get a laugh out of you. Bateman is a funny guy and definitely has some talent as far as directing goes, but when it comes to writing both he and his team need to be more picky about the scripts that they choose; because this was a huge miss!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

0

Tone01Dec 26, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There's certainly plenty of room for comedy in our lives; whether a co-worker telling a joke, a TV show or film. Some comedy is universal. Some highly personal. That's why some comedians prosper in lengthy careers while others flounder and take that long, lonely trip to obscurity.

Then there's edge. In the right hands it is quite effective (like "Bad Santa" and most of "Bad Grandpa"). In the wrong hands - like these filmmakers - the result is gratuitous wallowing in ego with the belief you're right and everyone else doesn't know what's funny; The 'I Hate Myself But You're Not Cool If You Don't Like This School.' Edge without an equally effective counterbalance results in pure vileness. There you have it!

To the point. "Bad Words" is a cringe-inducing, the opposite of funny, misogynistic, misanthropic, self-loathing, racist piece of crap not suitable for human consumption presented to potential viewers on an ugly platter as a comedy.

The ubercontrived story, if you care, follows an 8th grade dropout seeking a spelling bee prize in competition against wunderkinds seeking same. His agenda lies in reaching the father who abandoned him, and who just happens to hold office as head of the spelling bee. You were spared 90 minutes of time you could have used watching paint dry - a more amusing pursuit.

High, or more appropriate, low points include: placing ketchup on a young girl's chair then congratulating her for menstruating to shame her out of the contest; leading a 10 year old kid to a bar and sneaking drinks to him under the bar then hiring a prostitute to expose her breasts to him; calling a fellow Indian contestant (the Bar kid) every possible racist term used for the race; whispering to another contestant that panties Bateman hides in his pocket belong to his mother and are a post-coital gift; telling off an angry mother by noting the flexibility of her vagina - in front of the kid. And that's just a bit of the awfulness.

Jason Bateman's co-conspirator is Kathryn Hahn; a reporter filing a story on why a 40 year old is in a kid's competition. Her portrayal of repulsion/attraction to this Peter Pan (she allows him to have sex with her but doesn't allow him look at her) is creepy. The funny she brought to the (at least) semi-bearable "We're The Millers" was wrung from her every cell here. And she's the best thing in this alleged film, one that can not be elevated even by the venerable character actor Philip Baker Hall and the wonderful Allison Janey (who is accused of being Gay and asked who wears the strapon).

Indie film has moments of brilliance. Outside Studio constraints courageous stories sometimes flourish. Some might call "Bad Words" courageous as it's unapologetic. Perhaps, but it is just not funny. More disturbing is the targets of this particularly nasty humor are pre-teen children. But, if schadenfreude is your thing... watch "The Three Stooges." (It's doubtful those who enjoy "Bad Words" have a clue about either.)

Bateman is a funny guy. His work on "Arrested Development" and other TV shows and films is excellent. The best one could hope is no one will ever let him Direct again, and that the screenwriter suffer some experience leading him to an epiphany to reflect on what he's dumping on the world.

Actually, the best outcome is all traces of this film are E-X-P-U-N-G-E-D from the planet.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

8

DQ_SlotkinsAug 16, 2014

Good comedies are rare these days. Really, you can count the good ones from the last several years on your fingers with room to spare. This is good mainly because it avoids the pitfall of most of the lousy comedies out there today — itGood comedies are rare these days. Really, you can count the good ones from the last several years on your fingers with room to spare. This is good mainly because it avoids the pitfall of most of the lousy comedies out there today — it refuses to go down the dreaded easy path of "goofy."
Bad Words follows the lead of another under appreciated film, Young Adult (2011) with Charlize Theron. Both are centered on deeply damaged characters who quit the life that is no longer offering them anything and revert to a period that they (wrongly) assume to be a safe haven. In Young Adult Charlize Theron returns to the small town where she once was Queen of it all. Bateman's character in Bad Words steps back into the shoes of his 8th grade self that he's now much more prepared to handle.… Expand