Word Wars
Release Date: June 11, 2004 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
61
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 17 Critic Reviews
Positive:
10
Mixed:
7
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
San Francisco ChronicleJohn McMurtrie
A thoroughly entertaining and hilarious look at a board game that's an occasional amusement for some -- and a serious obsession (or disturbing addiction) for others. Read full review
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Light, lively, informative, fun. Read full review
75
New York PostV.A. Musetto
Cool graphics and music, combined with jittery camera work, keep the film's energy level high. Who knew Scrabble could be so exciting? Read full review
75
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
Amusing and slightly alarming documentary. Read full review
75
Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean Axmaker
Though it's hardly as uplifting or inspiring, it's hard not to appreciate these driven men who know they've found their calling when they start to anagram in their dreams. Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Compellingly watchable. Read full review
70
Film ThreatPhil Hall
Quirky, entertaining documentary. Read full review
70
Chicago ReaderJoshua Katzman
Word Wars does a better job of capturing the players' various idiosyncrasies. Read full review
70
L.A. WeeklyKim Morgan
Charming documentary. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesKevin Crust
The film stands up well to the inevitable comparisons to "Spellbound," a riveting documentary about young spelling bee contestants. Read full review
60
The Hollywood ReporterJames Greenberg
Lacks the urgency and significance of a great docu but still offers a diverting entertainment. Read full review
60
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
If the idea of playing Scrabble conjures up dreary images of dull evenings with aged family relatives, you haven't met the subjects of Eric Chaikin and Julian Petrillo's irresistible documentary. Read full review
50
VarietyJoe Leydon
There's a pronounced lack of emotional pay-off that likely will derail any attempts to position Word Wars as an aud-friendly crowd-pleaser with breakout potential comparable to "Spellbound." Read full review
50
Village VoiceDennis Lim
Even the fast-motion effects and flashy graphics can't make this a spectator sport. Read full review
50
The New York TimesNed Martel
The film demands patience with grainy photography, garage-band power chords and eye-straining alphabetic jumbles. It's neither easy viewing nor easy living: the game has worn these men down to a childlike state, which makes them ultimately compelling. Read full review
50
Boston GlobeWesley Morris
Only occasionally do the thrill of the game and the passion of its players come together. That said, these guys' nakedly neurotic enthusiasm keeps the movie from being a total jumble. Read full review
50
The A.V. ClubNoel Murray
Ultimately as fascinating as it is frustrating. Read full review
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