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Word Wars

EMAILPRINTSeventh Art Releasing

Word Wars reviews
61
7.0 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 17 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 2 votes
Read user comments
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Movie Info

Genre(s): Documentary

Written by:

Directed by: Eric Chaikin
Julian Petrillo

Release Date:
Theatrical: June 11, 2004
DVD: April 5, 2005

Running Time: 80 minutes, Color

Origin: USA

Summary

RATING: Not Rated

Starring Joe Edley, Matt Graham, and Marlon Hill

This documentary examines the obsessive world of competitive Scrabble.

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

San Francisco Chronicle John McMurtrie

A thoroughly entertaining and hilarious look at a board game that's an occasional amusement for some -- and a serious obsession (or disturbing addiction) for others.

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75

Christian Science Monitor David Sterritt

Light, lively, informative, fun.

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75

New York Post V.A. Musetto

Cool graphics and music, combined with jittery camera work, keep the film's energy level high. Who knew Scrabble could be so exciting?

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75

New York Daily News Jami Bernard

Amusing and slightly alarming documentary.

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75

Seattle Post-Intelligencer Sean Axmaker

Though it's hardly as uplifting or inspiring, it's hard not to appreciate these driven men who know they've found their calling when they start to anagram in their dreams.

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75

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

Compellingly watchable.

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70

LA Weekly Kim Morgan

Charming documentary.

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70

Los Angeles Times Kevin Crust

The film stands up well to the inevitable comparisons to "Spellbound," a riveting documentary about young spelling bee contestants.

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70

Chicago Reader Joshua Katzman

Word Wars does a better job of capturing the players' various idiosyncrasies.

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70

Film Threat Phil Hall

Quirky, entertaining documentary.

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60

The Hollywood Reporter James Greenberg

Lacks the urgency and significance of a great docu but still offers a diverting entertainment.

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60

TV Guide Ken Fox

If the idea of playing Scrabble conjures up dreary images of dull evenings with aged family relatives, you haven't met the subjects of Eric Chaikin and Julian Petrillo's irresistible documentary.

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50

Variety Joe Leydon

There's a pronounced lack of emotional pay-off that likely will derail any attempts to position Word Wars as an aud-friendly crowd-pleaser with breakout potential comparable to "Spellbound."

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50

Village Voice Dennis Lim

Even the fast-motion effects and flashy graphics can't make this a spectator sport.

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50

The New York Times Ned Martel

The film demands patience with grainy photography, garage-band power chords and eye-straining alphabetic jumbles. It's neither easy viewing nor easy living: the game has worn these men down to a childlike state, which makes them ultimately compelling.

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50

Boston Globe Wesley Morris

Only occasionally do the thrill of the game and the passion of its players come together. That said, these guys' nakedly neurotic enthusiasm keeps the movie from being a total jumble.

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50

The Onion (A.V. Club) Noel Murray

Ultimately as fascinating as it is frustrating.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this movie is 7.0 (out of 10) based on 2 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Leeroy gave it an 8:
I had to see this movie twice and would see it again. I would rather watch real people struggling with their lives that all the Hollywood fulff in the world. I have never been good at games - maybe this is one reason why I find these expert-level characters interesting. I also have a high tolerence - nay, even a liking for nerds. I loved Marlon - tell it like it is, man! I got the book it was based on - it makes a great read - I laughed out loud several times. If you like the movie you'll enjoy the book.

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