Review of Bad Words (2013) by Lane Z — 23 Sep 2014
Jason Bateman turns in a pretty enjoyable performance as both director and star in 'Bad Words'. It's nice seeing something a bit different with the spelling bee being the main environment for this film.
It offers up new comedy bits and jokes we haven't heard before, but unfortunately, Bateman also relies heavily on the bad words, pun intended, to move most of those jokes. Hearing it from the little kid provokes a chuckle, and the relationship between the kid and Bateman is nicer than you think it would be.
Kathryn Hahn, Allison Janney, and Philip Baker Hall add a little heft to the cast, which is nice that it wasn't all no names or filled entirely with children. Some of the pranks were pretty good, but there was a fine line between being downright evil compared to mean but still laughable.
Overall, most may think this is a knock on the institution of spelling bees in general, but other than making fun of the idea, it really didn't seem like the overall point of the film.
This review of Bad Words (2013) was written by Lane Z on 23 Sep 2014.
Bad Words has generally received positive reviews.
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