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Word Wars
  • Release Date: Jun 11, 2004
Metascore
61 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: John McMurtrie
    100
    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.
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    Compellingly watchable.
  3. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    75
    Light, lively, informative, fun.
  4. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jami Bernard
    75
    Amusing and slightly alarming documentary.
  5. New York Post
    Reviewed by: V.A. Musetto
    75
    Cool graphics and music, combined with jittery camera work, keep the film's energy level high. Who knew Scrabble could be so exciting?
  6. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Sean Axmaker
    75
    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.
  7. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Phil Hall
    70
    Quirky, entertaining documentary.
  8. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Kim Morgan
    70
    Charming documentary.
  9. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Crust
    70
    The film stands up well to the inevitable comparisons to "Spellbound," a riveting documentary about young spelling bee contestants.
  10. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Joshua Katzman
    70
    Word Wars does a better job of capturing the players' various idiosyncrasies.
  11. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: James Greenberg
    60
    Lacks the urgency and significance of a great docu but still offers a diverting entertainment.
  12. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    60
    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.
  13. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Wesley Morris
    50
    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.
  14. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Noel Murray
    50
    Ultimately as fascinating as it is frustrating.
  15. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Dennis Lim
    50
    Even the fast-motion effects and flashy graphics can't make this a spectator sport.
  16. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Ned Martel
    50
    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.
  17. Variety
    Reviewed by: Joe Leydon
    50
    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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