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Word Wars
Seventh Art Releasing

Word Wars reviews
Critic Score
Metascore: 61 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
7.0 out of 10
based on 17 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 2 votes
Read user comments
Rate this movie

MPAA RATING: Not Rated

Starring Joe Edley, Matt Graham, and Marlon Hill

This documentary examines the obsessive world of competitive Scrabble.


GENRE(S): Documentary  
DIRECTED BY: Eric Chaikin
Julian Petrillo
 
RELEASE DATE: DVD: April 5, 2005 
Theatrical: June 11, 2004 
RUNNING TIME: 80 minutes, Color 
ORIGIN: USA 

Director's Choice Award (Best Documentary), 2004 Sedona International Film Festival; Nominated, Grand Jury Prize (Documentary), 2004 Sundance Film Festival

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.
Read Full Review
75
Christian Science Monitor David Sterritt
Light, lively, informative, fun.
Read Full Review
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?
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
70
Chicago Reader Joshua Katzman
Word Wars does a better job of capturing the players' various idiosyncrasies.
Read Full Review
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

Vote Now!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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