Bad Words

Its story can be a bit formulaic- but its charm unmeasurable- Bad Word is a hilarious and surprisingly entertaining little comedy that truly belongs in the hands of Bateman. Let me just start off by saying I absolutely loved Jason Bateman in this movie. He is so incredibly cruel and mean-spirited, and yet somehow manages to make his character so enjoyable to watch on screen- and I don't think a single other actor could have done that. Not to mention he also directed the film, which honestly, without his touch, could have been a lot more bland- and I love the way he balanced the script's themes throughout. Andrew Dodge wrote the script for this film and though its structurally a little bland- the dialogue is often genius and I loved every wisecracking minute it showed on screen. The cinematography is also quite unique as well, and the cast is all pretty solid. It may be obvious, but the film also does have a heart in the center of its hard core- and honestly surprised me by how much it was able to make me care for the characters at hand given the subject matter. It's a peculiar concept and a brilliant execution- Bateman makes this film what it is- and i'm so glad I finally gave it the chance it deserved.

My Rating: 9.3/10.

With a premise and character right in his wheelhouse, first time director and star Jason Bateman takes a script that could've been undermined by its clichés in the hands of a lesser talent and delivers an almost-winner with 'Bad Words'.

On paper, Guy Trilby is one of the most unlikeable protagonists in recent film history, but Bateman is so skillful at these kinds of characters that you find yourself liking him despite your self. Talented co-star Kathryn Hahn provides a nice foil, and newcomer Rohan Chand is a dazzling breath of unpretentious fresh air as Guy's rival and eventual protégé.

Though it never quite gels into something special, 'Bad Words' is a solid directorial debut for Bateman, and I look forward to seeing what he does next.

Debuting feature director Jason Bateman stars here as Guy Trilby, a 40 year old former proofreader for product guarantees. One day he gets the bright idea to enroll in a national Spelling Bee. He's found a loophole which he can exploit, so he's off and running, competing against kids a quarter of his age. These include the annoying but endearing Chaitanya Chopra (Rohan Chand), a boy with a demanding, somewhat distant father. Despite being a wise ass and a potty mouth (as well as a man on a mission), Guy finds himself befriending the boy.

"Bad Words" is a gem for this viewer. On the surface, it would seem to be a standard tale of an ageing loser, with much of the raunchiness and vulgarity expected from that sort of thing. Well, the movie doesn't disappoint in that regard, but it also turns out to have a fair bit of heart, without going overboard on sentiment. Guy is an enigma for a long time, confounding the reporter (the sexy Kathryn Hahn) with whom he frequently ends up having sex. (During which she apparently doesn't like being looked at.) And the friendship that develops between the smart alecky adult and the earnest kid was written in an entertaining and convincing way. Not surprisingly, Guy introduces Chaitanya to such grown up delights as ogling breasts, as well as teaching him the joys of practical jokes.

The language is often colourful enough to generate some laughs, although "Bad Words" never does wallow in complete raunchiness or unpleasantness. The words chosen for the spelling bee are pretty damn amusing at times.

Bateman does a creditable job as director, as well as delivering an engaging performance. Hahn, Allison Janney, Philip Baker Hall, Ben Falcone, Steve Witting, Beth Grant, Anjul Nigam, and Bob Stephenson are among a rock solid supporting cast. Young Chand is very likable.

Overall, a smart, funny tale recommended to comedy lovers tired of the predilection towards political correctness in current times.

Eight out of 10.

A gem in the rough. I was really impressed and surprised with how much I enjoyed this movie. Instead of it just being raunchy or empty, it balances itself perfectly. The movie is actually funny at times. It also has some heart-to-heart moments. And you cant help but like Guy. Even though he's supposed to be a loser who has one bad mouth on him. He's likeable. The friendship between Guy and Chaitanya is cute and funny. With the practical jokes and showing him what grown-ups do for fun. I think the really impressive part is that Jason Bateman directed the movie, while being the main star. He did such a good job. I have to give him a round of applause. He managed to deliver a good comedy.

I feel compelled to review this because I believe some took this movie too personally, and thus rated it poorly.

If you are easily offended, you might be shocked or uncomfortable on several occasions. If you understand this is an artistic work of fiction, or if you like dark, sinister comedy, you can laugh at how this movie relentlessly pummels you with awkward moments. My advice is to cast away your moral standings in reality, and try see this movie from another perspective.

To be vague, it turns out there's a method to the madness towards the end. And for me, the underlying message made it worthwhile. Jason Bateman was incredibly convincing in this role!