A spelling bee loser sets out to exact revenge by finding a loophole and attempting to win as an adult.A spelling bee loser sets out to exact revenge by finding a loophole and attempting to win as an adult.A spelling bee loser sets out to exact revenge by finding a loophole and attempting to win as an adult.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 4 nominations total
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Featured reviews
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.
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.
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.
This a good movie. Ignore other reviews that want you to believe is bad.
I'm not a fan of Jason Bateman. I don't even like him. And seeing that he is not only the star but also the director and producer of this, makes it even worst.
Surprisingly enough this is a movie worth seeing. I'm with the professionals critics (Entertainment Weekly, Chicago Sun-Times) who gave it 3.5/4 stars or A- . I wasn't too hasty to hate it, and believe me, by the end of it, the chances are that you might actually like it.
The star of this is an anti-hero. A man who lacks the conventional heroic attributes. This movie isn't about idealism, or courage or morality. Basically it's a movie about bitterness.
The main protagonist has his own reasons to be bitter and a cynic. In a way the whole movie is his little revenge. But in his little voyage to that dark destination, he does find the good in his heart, plus an unlikely friend.
Although it starts like a comedy (and with some crude humor), the movie builds in emotions especially towards the end.
Overall: Check-it out.
I'm not a fan of Jason Bateman. I don't even like him. And seeing that he is not only the star but also the director and producer of this, makes it even worst.
Surprisingly enough this is a movie worth seeing. I'm with the professionals critics (Entertainment Weekly, Chicago Sun-Times) who gave it 3.5/4 stars or A- . I wasn't too hasty to hate it, and believe me, by the end of it, the chances are that you might actually like it.
The star of this is an anti-hero. A man who lacks the conventional heroic attributes. This movie isn't about idealism, or courage or morality. Basically it's a movie about bitterness.
The main protagonist has his own reasons to be bitter and a cynic. In a way the whole movie is his little revenge. But in his little voyage to that dark destination, he does find the good in his heart, plus an unlikely friend.
Although it starts like a comedy (and with some crude humor), the movie builds in emotions especially towards the end.
Overall: Check-it out.
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.
My Rating: 9.3/10.
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!
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!
Did you know
- TriviaDirectorial debut of Jason Bateman.
- GoofsThe definition for "Infinitesimally" is wrong. The word is an adverb; the definition given is for the adjective.
- Quotes
Guy Trilby: [to a mother who swore in the presence of Chai] Why don't you take your potty mouth, go locate your pre-teen cock-sucking son and stuff him back up that old blown-out sweat sock of a vagina and scoot off back to whatever shit-kicking town you came from!
- ConnectionsFeatured in Chelsea Lately: Episode #8.38 (2014)
- SoundtracksSymphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21, 1. Adagio Molto; Allegro Con Brio
Performed by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic
Written by Ludwig van Beethoven
Courtesy of Sony Masterworks
By arrangement with Sony Music Licensing
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Bad Words
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $10,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $7,779,614
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $113,301
- Mar 16, 2014
- Gross worldwide
- $7,804,337
- Runtime
- 1h 29m(89 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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