Bad Words
Bad Words

Movie spotlight

Bad Words

2013
Movie
89 min
English

Forty-year-old misanthrope, Guy Trilby, enters the National Golden Quill Spelling Bee through a loophole in the rules.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic61/100
Google Users70%
Director: Jason BatemanGenres: Comedy

Plot Summary

A perpetually grumpy and misanthropic man, Guy Tribble, discovers a loophole in the Golden Quill word competition rules that allows him to compete despite not having a proper education. He embarks on a quest to win the competition, fueled by a desire for revenge against the founder and a chance to reclaim a life he feels was stolen from him. Along the way, he forms an unlikely and complex friendship with a precocious 10-year-old contestant.

Critical Reception

Bad Words received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its unconventional humor, dark wit, and Jason Bateman's performance. While some found the premise and humor to be polarizing, many appreciated its willingness to push boundaries and explore darker comedic themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its dark and often uncomfortable humor.

  • Jason Bateman's performance as the curmudgeonly protagonist was a highlight.

  • Some found the premise and character unlikeable, leading to a divisive reception.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be funny and appreciated Jason Bateman's comedic timing, though some felt the humor was too edgy or the protagonist too unlikable.

Fun Fact

Jason Bateman, who also directed the film, chose to wear his own clothes for his character, Guy Tribble, as he felt the character wouldn't care about fashion and would simply wear whatever was readily available.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Reno

Reno

> 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 ...