Bad Words (2013) User Reviews

Sad that some people don't get it.

[JR541 · 8/10 · 21 March 2014]

This is indeed racist and it's also misogynistic. Does this mean that a movie with those qualities can't be funny? The movie knows it's racist and (wow this word is overused lately) misogynistic . It's also extremely funny. If you know you can't see past certain things like that then I suggest you don't watch this movie. It's mean and and very crude and hilarious.

I was actually ashamed that I laughed at some of the jokes as I consider myself to be a good person but they are so shamelessly delivered by Bateman I just couldn't help myself. Young Rohan Chand was very likable and held his own with Bateman who knows first hand about what it takes to be a child actor. Turn off your media forced judgment and just enjoy the movie. Even assholes can be funny.

I've got nothing but positive words for this movie.

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 6 December 2015]

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.

Shamelessly funny

[screensquatter · 7/10 · 4 March 2014]

The storyline allowed for a lot of funny moments and the movie definitely ran with it. It was hilarious and didn't stray from the plot to include any unneeded jokes (this is what draws me away from most comedies). The child, Chaitanya (Rohan Chand), was innocent and cute enough to provide a nice contrast to the unscrupulous Guy (Jason Bateman). With some heartwarming moments, this movie is more than just a rude comedy. The comedy is raunchy and vulgar though so it definitely takes a certain sense of humor to enjoy (sad to say that it is mine lol). Also, a little predictable, but that doesn't take away from the movie too much.

Not 'Bad'

[Fluke_Skywalker · 6/10 · 11 November 2014]

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.

Off-color, refreshing, and gutsy

[ganpier218 · 7/10 · 25 June 2014]

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!

G-O-O-D M-O-V-I-E (No, wait! That's a sentence!)

[Dr_Sagan · 26 October 2014]

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.

A decent feel-good comedy flick.

[Spartan_1_1_7 · 7/10 · 5 July 2014]

Another comedy movie like "A Million days to die in the west" this year where the trailer made it out to be extremely funny but the movie itself was clearly not. Hopefully in this case, the movie itself was pretty good.

Directed and Acted by Jason Bateman, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was more of a feel-good drama film instead of a comedy. There are some hilarious moments in it here and there, the movie can be offensive and abusive but hey, its name is "Bad words" so you kinda expect such things in it.

I love Jason Bateman, he is a great actor. And damn he can be one hell of a DICK, like in this movie. He is portraying a character who is ruining spelling bee contests and can't be prosecuted because of a loop hole in the rules. Kind of a unique premise, especially as far as comedies go.

Anyway, it is a decent feel-good comedy film. Worth a try, especially if you're a fan of Jason Bateman.

7.2/10

Solid comedy- incredibly underrated

[aidanratesmovies · 9/10 · 8 August 2021]

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.

Spelling Bee champ

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 10 April 2014]

I have to say that Bad Words was an entertaining film and actor/director Jason Bateman certainly delivered the goods to the audience. Even if it was poaching a bit on Adam Sandler territory, the part suited Bateman who apparently has the sense of humor of a Puck in real life.

Bateman is a 40 something who apparently never had a chance to shine as a child. Checking the rules carefully he finds he can enter a spelling bee, a particular spelling bee organized by educator Philip Baker Hall Bateman has his reasons for entering that particular spelling bee and it's not just because there's no specific age limit so adults aren't necessarily barred.

Every kind of spelling curve imaginable is tossed at Bateman and he's not above a few dirty tricks himself. It's a very funny scene when he psyches out a young girl just reaching puberty awaiting the tell tale signs of same.

However his scenes with young Indian American Rohan Chand are really quite touching. They bond despite the machinations of several adults to split them apart. The finale at the spelling bee is hysterical and more so when you realize in the film it's all going out over television.

Although Bateman descends into realms that Adam Sandler has staked out in the movie-going public, Bad Words is a delightful and charming film and I recommend it highly. Though possibly not for kids.

Bateman is "Murray-esque"

[MrMcMurphy · 10/10 · 14 September 2014]

I was blown away by the surprisingly low "6.7" current rating on IMDb. My theory: The easily offended were easily offended (perhaps the movie should have been called "Bad Words").

(Some of my favorite comedies: Dumb & Dumber, Super Troopers, and Tommy Boy).

Jason Bateman stared in, and directed, this "tightly" constructed DARK adult comedy. There was not a wasted second or single "slow" moment in the entire 89 minutes.

Everything was dead-on: The originality of the storyline, the casting, the acting, the timing, the tone, and THE KID!... I've never been a big fan of the "cute, heart-strings-pulling, kid" cliché, but you don't have to be to appreciate this kid - he takes NOTHING away from the dark humor, and only adds substantially to the film in every way. His authenticity and interaction with Bateman's character is as good as it gets (Roeper compared Bateman's spot-on apathy to Bill Murray's, and I couldn't agree more - you could just as easily picture Murray working his magic with the same degree of unflappability, esp. opposite such a contrastingly upbeat kid).

Bateman is an unassuming Rock Star that let's his talents do the talking, and I'm looking forward to the next film he directs and leads.

Overdone at times, but it mostly remains an impressive big screen directorial debut from Bateman

[jimbo-53-186511 · 7/10 · 5 May 2016]

Guy Trilby (Jason Bateman)is a 40 year old man who never actually graduated 8th grade at school and uses this as a loophole to compete in the National Spelling Bee championships. Despite objections from many of the parents and the director of The National Spelling Bee championships Trilby remains unfazed and continues in his bid to win this tournament. Although seemingly keen to win the tournament, Trilby does have an ulterior motive which explains away his true reason for entering the tournament.

When I looked at the plot line for this film I was unsure about it and wondered how much humour could be derived from a man entering a spelling competition with a bunch of kids??? To me the premise had all the trappings of a 'juvenile' comedy, but thankfully it was much funnier than I expected it to be.

OK first things first; this film does have some 'low-brow' humour and yes it is a bit juvenile at times, but it did make me laugh a lot. I've always said that I don't mind 'low-brow' and 'juvenile' humour as long as it makes me laugh and it did here and that's clearly a big plus for this film.

Bateman is the key here and he plays the role of 'man hating the whole world and the whole world owing man a favour' very well. The best scenes in the film are those which Bateman shares with his young co-star Rohan Chand. Chand had the difficult task of playing a nerdy overly talkative kid who could so easily have become annoying, but he's actually every bit as good as Bateman and as I've mentioned they are a joy to watch together - their opening scene on the plane together was brilliant as were all the scenes where Bateman was trying to get him to man up. True these are the sorts of things we've seen before, but as long as I'm laughing I really don't care if some of what I see isn't particularly original.

Bateman plays an obnoxious character here and again this could have been something that could have grated on me whilst watching the film. However, again, he is a very funny character meaning that his obnoxious nature was something that I was often prepared to overlook. Working from Andrew Dodge's script Bateman is also given some good material to work from (as indeed are many of his co-stars).

Whilst the picture is mostly funny and whilst it also has a mostly original plot line, the film does start to come apart slightly in the final third; Dodge's script starts to become a bit heavy-handed and a tad repetitive. Bateman also loses a little bit of control towards the end with what can only be described as some cheap-jack Jerry Springer type antics going on at the end - clearly it all exists to make a point, but it all felt a bit forceful to me. The twist at the end explaining away Bateman's desire to compete in the Spelling Bee was also a bit lame which was a bit of a shame given that the picture had a fairly original plot line.

Yes there are some flaws here but when looking at the film in its entirety there is definitely more good than bad. Despite losing its way slightly towards the end, the fine performances, humour, and mostly original plot line make it an interesting and very enjoyable picture.

It's not for kids to watch.....or

[lydiajp · 7/10 · 11 February 2023]

Maybe it is. Maybe it something we all need to learn. This man is pretty horrible. I would never want to come across this guy in life. I probably will and I will know what to do. This is hard to watch yet it is truly a lesson. I believe in always having an open mind with people. We can see why the man is so horrible. Compassion is what I got out of this movie. It's just we're I am at. Compassion is an emotion that this man had none. Without making this a spoiler, I cannot say more on the subject. Expect this movie is worth watching. I liked it. It was funny and it has life lessons for those who want to learn. I wanted to give it a 6 but I have integrity so even though I was a little embarrassed I gave it a 7.

Well Done / Wasn't Expected

[michaeltrivedi · 7/10 · 16 December 2019]

Bad Words was a surprise. As Jason Bateman usually plays the office worker type, here he's somewhat of a bum. And the movie centers around him and his friendship with a child. Not what I was expecting, but it was fun. Had it's parts, and dragged along sometimes. But moreso it was thoroughly entertaining.

Worth a watch

7 stars

Profane and Dryly Hilarious Tale of Revenge

[EUyeshima · 7/10 · 25 September 2022]

Jason Bateman's 2013 directorial debut is one of the darkest comedies I've seen in ages as he plays an embittered fortysomething who vengefully worms his way into entering the fictitious Golden Quill Spelling Bee and manipulates his juvenile competitors into submission. Unsurprisingly no one gets in the way of his underhanded Machiavellian means including the by-the-book organizers and the disgusted parents. The relentless malevolence is offset by the cutting humor provided by screenwriter Andrew Dodge and delivered by Bateman with his trademark dry wit. The expert cast includes the late Phillip Baker Hall, Kathryn Hahn, and Allison Janney. Probably not for everyone.

If you think this movie is "racist", you aren't smart enough to watch this film

[stuart-dong01 · 10/10 · 23 March 2014]

Thank you to Jason Bateman and all involved in making this film. It is sad that movies like this are such a rarity . We live in a world of idealism and of the studios putting out all of their god awful PG-13 movies or just plain god awful movies with solely profit in mind. It is such a treat to have a movie that is not politically correct, and done well. Nobody takes any risks. How can everyone stand for all of this sanitized entertainment. Bateman was great like he always is, this movie is hilarious!! To say this movie is racist is to say you have no brain, there was no hate in this movie. Jokes and stereotyping is not hate. People just love to ruin good entertainment for others. Thank you for this movie!!!! We are lucky to get 1 movie a year that is as good as this.

Classic bateman beauty

[glr-27122 · 7/10 · 13 March 2021]

I'm a little biased cuz i can't remember ever seeing a bad Jason bateman movie, and this over did not disappoint either. His usual quick wit and incredibly one liners that catch you so off guard. Definitely a must see.

CUTE WORDS

[MadamWarden · 6/10 · 15 March 2020]

A cute movie with a great performance from Rohan Chand. Not much to it but a few amusting feel good moments.

Jason Bateman's delightfully bad taste directorial debut features a committed against type performance from Bateman and is uncomfortably funny

[IonicBreezeMachine · 7/10 · 10 October 2022]

Guy Trilby (Jason Bateman) is a 40 year old man who enters a children's Spelling Bee to the ire of the students, educators, and parents due to Guy's exploitation of a loophole that he dropped out of school before completing Eighth Grade making him technically eligible for competition. Accompanied by his sponsor, Jenny Widgeon (Kathryn Hahn) of the online newspaper Click and Scroll, Guy wins his Spelling Bee setting his sights on the National Golden Quill Spelling Bee while Jenny tries in vain to understand why Guy is doing this. En route to the Golden Quill, Guy meets a precocious young spelling prodigy in Chaitanya Chopra (Rohan Chand) who tries to befriend Guy despite his lack of interest, as the Golden Quill administrators Dr. Deagan (Allison Janney) and founder William Bowman (Phillip Baker Hall) try in vain to get Guy removed from the competition which is also the first time the event will be televised nationwide on public television.

Bad Words written by screenwriter Andrew Dodge first appeared on the 2011 Black List of best unproduced screenplays. The screenplay came to Jason Bateman who'd been interested in venturing into directorial work and Bateman soon signed on to direct the film refining the script with Dodge by toning down some of the edgier parts of the material and removing references to real life organizations such as the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Upon release the film received mixed if slightly more positive skewing reviews praising Bateman's performance and direction as well as the performances of Hahn, Hall, Janney and especially Chand while other critics criticized the film's mean-spirited humor and protagonist as "unlikable". As is the case with most dark comedies (an inherently challenging genre), Bad Words is designed to evoke feelings of discomfort for the purpose of humor and when it comes to the question of whether it uses that discomfort to its advantage, I can safely say yes.

Bad Words creates a uniquely despicable character in Guy Trilby whose characterization of casual insults, foul mouth, and unapologetically graphic language in lesser hands could've resulted in an intolerable experience (see the 2012 "comedy" Project X for example), but with Bateman's inherent likability as a screen presence coupled with his willingness to sink into this role you do find yourself engaged by this character wondering what possessed him to do this and the vitriol, humiliation, and conniving he inspires in fellow contestants, spelling bee administrators, and parents leads to some very funny set pieces that ooze with bad taste in the best possible way. Aside from Bateman, the movie features a talented supporting cast with the likes of Kathryn Hahn, Phillip Baker Hall, and Allison Janney being but a few who bring their comic friction to Bateman's Guy, but stealing every scene he's in is Rohan Chand as Chaitanya Chopra whose seemingly endless optimism coupled with his endearing delivery makes him a solid counterpart to Guy's endless reserves of bitterness and snark. This movie is a very subjective experience as I've seen those who think the film tries a little too hard to excuse Guy's actions towards the end while others just think the concept is inherently flawed and I can really only give my personal take on the material so your mileage may vary. With not only its title but also its tone and secondary protagonist being a child, Bad Words does invite comparisons with fellow "Bad" title Bad Santa with Guy and Chaitanya's dynamic having some parallels to the dynamic we saw of Willie and Thurman in that film, because the movie tries to make Guy less abrasive as a protagonist in the end it doesn't quite reach the level of Bad Santa, but for what it is it's a solid attempt at tackling similar themes and ideas.

Bad Words for my money is what solid dark comedy should be: uncomfortable and eliciting laughter from that discomfort. The movie won't be for everyone with its profanity laden script and raunchy humor juxtaposed against an elementary to middle school aged spelling bee, but for those who aren't ashamed of feeling a little unclean after laughing it's a fun ride.

TIFF Review: Bad Words, Night Film Reviews www.nightfilmreviews.com

[lucasnochez · 9/10 · 21 September 2013]

It's very rare that I find myself lost in the narrative, characters and the comedy that I forget altogether that I am watching a movie intent on criticizing it. Jason Bateman's (Horrible Bosses, Up In the Air) directorial debut Bad Words did just that–allow me to lose myself to laugh so hard with such shocking moments that I almost forgot I had to review the film.

Bad Words is a short, sweet and unexpectedly dark comedy with instances of pure vulgarity and vileness that is at the same time, heartwarming–yes, you read that right.

For one, Bad Words was the first ever straight-up comedy I have ever experienced at TIFF. Of course, so many movies have heavy comedic instances, but I can assure you, Bad Words will have you laughing so hard, that at times, you'll find it hard to hear the next bit of dialogue (I'm warning you from experience).

The film opens with unexplained genius Guy Trilby (Jason Bateman) entering himself in a regional spelling bee, with a brief flashback explaining how he has been able to register legally. From the moment the movie starts, Bateman has the audience in tears and on the floor laughing, winning the regional bee sending him off to the national bee, in hot pursuit of all the angry parents and students who he beat at the regionals. Once Bateman makes it to the super bowl of spelling bees, The Golden Quill, along with his travelling documenting reporter (Kathryn Hahn, We're The Millers), hilarity and vulgarity ensue.

The mystery behind Trilby's anger with the world, constant bitterness and his obsession with winning the bee is at the centre of the film, along with his inability to allow anyone get close enough for him to care, drive the narrative. The blend of Bateman's dark direction and stylistic choices, along with screenwriter Andrew Dodge's fiercely morbid dialogue allow for the experience to be natural and so unexpected.

I have no idea if either Bateman or Dodge were inspired at all with the work of Bobcat Goldthwait (World's Greatest Dad, God Bless America) and his darkly satirical body of work, but if I was told that was another addition to that list of black comedy, I would not doubt it. The envelope is constantly being pushed in Bad Words. Each character Trilby interacts with, whether it be for an extended period of time, or just shortly, Bateman nails each and every scene with a natural sense of arrogance. Trilby's scenes with "slumdog" (Rohan Chand), a lonely prostitute on the street, or a victimized man going to a washroom stall, are some of the best in the film.

Bateman undoubtedly has a keen eye for comedy. Rude, crude and sometimes completely uncalled for, Bad Words was a pleasant change of pace during TIFF and surely one of the most memorable comedies of the year.

Expect Bad Words in a theatre near you. And the only thing bad about it, is how much you will find yourself laughing at the most inappropriate things, da*#it!

Night Film Reviews: 7.5/10 Stars

Quite better than people give it credit for.

[manostheodosis · 7/10 · 7 September 2014]

Well, this movie isn't necessarily your typical Sunday night comedy. It's a little bit darker. However, Jason Bateman's acting is amazing. He's pretty much 90% of the film, fair and square, and he pulls off his character perfectly. There are some pretty funny scenes, and his cynicality won me over. The kid is actually pretty likable, unlike other child actors who make watching certain films unbearable (a quality that should not be overlooked, given that he has decent screen time). All and all, it's a pretty intriguing story, has quite a few funny moments and makes time pass rather enjoyably. I would suggest watching this film.

Bateman's Id

[Victreebong · 10/10 · 6 August 2016]

We all know Bateman. He's won us over as the only sane person in Arrested Development, we've sympathized with him wanting to kill his boss in Horrible Bosses, we've pitied his life in This is Where I Leave You. Jason Bateman is the official face of the Middle American male. A leading protagonist, half in, half out, great hair, voice of reason, and still wants to get laid. A mild underdog.

Well now we get to know Jason's dark side! Not only does Bateman lead in Bad Words, he directed it, and it is a glorious debut.

Enter Jason Bateman's Guy Trilby, an acid tongued Joe Schmoe savant with a knack for completely obliterating words in the English language. A true linguist. Wronged by several forces in his life, he seeks revenge on a national spelling bee championship for the title, to satisfy his personal motives which play out through the movie. As passive aggressive and self-serving lone wolf as Guy is, he's followed by two accomplices on his quest; a prying floozy reporter eager to divulge Guy's mysterious agenda, and a fellow competitor in the bee who's been overburdened by stifling parents. Naturally, the sparks fly when organizers and parents of the bee's competitors watch in discern as a 40 year old man out-compete their aspiring pedigree children.

This is a dark comedy through and through. Thrilby is a bear getting poked from every stick in the park. But it's important to mention that Thrilby generally acts out on people who wrong him first; only twice does Thrilby pick victims who are undeserving. You have never laughed so hard at the misfortunes of Jason Bateman. At least this time he gets back, with an evenness that we all wish we had a week to think of and execute.

If you have a pension for watching antiheroes, Bad Words is for you. If you liked the hijinks of Bad Santa, Bad Words is for you. If you have a deep seeded obsession with Katherine Hahn (like I do), Bad Words is for you. If you like voluptuous black women, Bad Words is for you. If you have an appreciation for unreal instances of people spelling insane words that they seemingly pulled out of their a*ses... Bad Words is for you. And finally, if you love the comradery of a big brother meets little brother bonding story (ala Shane Black), Bad Words is MOST DEFINITELY FOR YOU. Channel your inner grievances and revel in the accomplishments of one man's trials to overcome advisories, with Bad Words.

Jason Bateman is good

[billcr12 · 7/10 · 12 July 2014]

Jason Bateman is forty year-old Guy Trilby, a single man competing with kids in spelling bees. Bateman is smooth and makes the movie worth watching. His counterpart, a ten year-old Indian boy and he have excellent chemistry. A reporter follows him around the country in order to write a human interest story. Some of the humor is in bad taste, but is funny nonetheless. Bateman looks like a big kid when he is on stage sabotaging his fellow competitors. One scene, in particular, involving a pair of panties, is hilarious. The soundtrack is diverse and well chosen to match the mood of the film and Bateman does an efficient directing job, keeping the pace quick and wrapping things up in an hour and a half. A well done comedy.

Somewhat Offensive, but Funny too

[bob-rutzel-1 · 7/10 · 7 August 2014]

Guy Triby (Jason Bateman), an adult, finds a loophole in spelling bee competition rules and enters much to the dismay of parents who want their children to win. His sponsor, Jenny (Kathryn Hahn), is also a reporter who cannot seem to get a handle on why Guy is entering these competitions, but she continues to dig around.

This is somewhat offensive, in places, but truth be told, it is also funny in places too. This works because of Jason Bateman's timing and also because of Rohand Chand as Chaitanya Chopra who is also a competitor and can easily go toe-to-toe with adults.

Let's back up: offensive because of the F-bomb language and some sexual verbiage one should never hear by Guy with that mother who berated Guy in the restaurant. This would still have been funny without that sexual verbiage, but it was out of our hands. But, truth be told, that sexual verbiage linked with Bateman's timing made it work because it's referenced later in the movie. In the past, Jason Bateman has shown he can do drama quite well, but in comedy he has good instincts and timing, which is everything and truth be told: he does it better than most.

Bateman directed this and I think he did well in that everything moved along smoothly. Perhaps a seasoned director could find flaws. I couldn't. He did good. Kudos.

Rohand Chand was a breath of fresh air needed to hook up with Bateman's timing. I cannot say enough about Bateman's timing - as you can tell - but this is crucial to the whole story. Their banter was pure gold and kept us in our seats. Rohand Chand is a natural and will be a star in time, if not already.

Supporting cast members: Kathryn Hahn as Jenny, Phillip Baker Hall as Dr. Bowman, and Allison Janney as Dr Deagan were very good as they always are.

Yes, offensive in parts, but you will find yourself laughing at many things even if you feel you shouldn't. But, if truth be told you will. I did. (7/10)

Violence: No. Sex: Yes, 2-times. Nudity: No. Sexual verbiage: Yes. Language: Yes.

Jason Bateman ditches Mr.Put-Upon-Nice-Guy but you'll need to remember him to make it to the end of this crude, funny but empty comedy

[The_After_Movie_Diner · 7/10 · 6 March 2014]

Jason Bateman makes his directorial debut with this R Rated indie comedy that sees him attempting to drop his Mr.Put-Upon-Nice-Guy persona while starring in a film that doesn't exactly work without it. Bateman plays Guy Trilby a foul mouthed, negative, man-child with a savant way with words who has, through a loop-hole and with the support of reporter Kathryn Hahn, entered the Golden Quill spelling bee much to the chagrin of it's organisers Allison Janney and Philip Baker Hall and the parents of the children, the other participants.

The film is a short, well acted and competently directed, verbal, indie comedy. The humour is, at times, very rude, crude but pleasingly inventive and Bateman, especially, seems to be relishing the role. Good thing too as he holds the whole thing together. Which is more than can be said for the script. The tagline to the film is 'the end justifies the mean' and the fact of the matter is, it really doesn't. Whether you find spelling competitions important or not, nothing really justifies the cruelty Guy Trilby unleashes on, not only, the people directly involved in the competition but just general people in the world, funny though a lot of it is. His personal vendetta effects way more people than the actual, solitary focus of it and I guess it's just down to Bateman's like-ability as an actor, the genuinely funny dialogue and the fact that we are stuck following him for the whole movie that keeps us, the audience, dubiously 'on his side'.

There is a sub-plot about his befriending a child, a fellow contestant, and 'tearing up' the town with him in the evenings which, I suppose, is intended to endear him to us a little and play to the rebel in all of us but some of the things they do, including causing a stolen lobster to lacerate a man's genitals, seem a tad cruel for no reason, as well.

Now before you think I am taking this all too seriously, let me explain. The film IS funny. Taken on face value, if you find vicious, dark, crude humour for the sake of it funny, then you are going to love it and there was much about it I did enjoy. Films, however, whether people like it or not, have to have characters, plots and motivations that make relative sense within their presented frame work and while "it's just a comedy" may excuse a lot of illogical or unforgivably cruel behaviour, the fact that the film, ultimately, asks us to give a hoot about this selfish, arrogant arse hole of a man means that we have to, at least, buy into the story and care a little, when it doesn't give us a lot of satisfactory reasons to. Had he participated in the contest without cheating and eliminating some of his opponents in humiliating ways or had he befriended the kid, torn round the town but not hurt a man's penis with a large clawed sea creature then his character might have been a little more redeemable, while being no less funny.

There are echoes of Wes Anderson in the characters and the plot, especially Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums without, of course, it being anywhere nearly as charmingly presented or stylish.

A worthy debut, though, for Bateman as a director and interesting to see the R Rated comedy given the mumble core indie treatment.

F-U-N-N-Y and R-A-U-C-O-U-S and F-R-A-B-J-O-U-S

[bn229 · 10/10 · 26 April 2021]

I watch a lot of films. A lot. (Except for horror, which I just cannot abide). And I have to say that this is the first film in a long time that has had me laughing out loud with uncontrolled bursts of laughter in moments of such raw and unbridled hilarity that my own laughs kept catching me by surprise.

Except for the basic premise, I had no idea what awaited me in the film. Of course, I knew that with Jason Bateman as both lead actor and director that it was going to be a fun ride. And I wasn't disappointed.

Bateman's characters wears his calm exterior like a suit of armour. But underneath, you can sense the tangled mess of emotions and psychological issues and unfulfilled promise. He plays the character well.

And Rohan Chand as his top rival in the competition is a B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T blend of innocence and inchoate badassness. He played the part perfectly.

A fantastically enjoyable film.