BAD WORDS (2014)

Directed By: Jason Bateman 
Written By: Andrew Dodge 
Cinematography By: Ken Seng 
Editor: Tatiana S. Riegel 

 Cast: Jason Bateman, Rohan Chand, Kathryn Hahn, Philip Baker Hall, Alison Janney, Ben Falcone, Beth Grant, Rachel Harris


A spelling bee loser sets out to exact revenge by finding a loophole and attempting to win as an adult. --It follows formula but at least it's a fun ride.

Jason Bateman directing this film, I will admit it is what intrigued me Initially. I can see why he choose this for his directorial debut. As well as this being a Black List script finally being made. The Black List are screenplays which is a list devoted to the best unproduced screenplays voted on by studios and development executives. This has been hit or miss in the past, but at least usually have solid creativity.

Now I can say this is the BAD SANTA of spelling bee movies, or this is the best spelling bee movie you will see all year, In fact ever.

Definitely Jason Bateman's best directed film. He handles the duty amicably

Those statements are if the ad's need some quotes by some guy on the internet.

The film lives up to the title and while it's not a film of exquisite visuals or even noteworthy ones. That isn't the films point. It seems to be more about words and dialogue. The power of them and the right use of them. They can always be used as weapons.

The film feels like what the film DEATH TO SMOOCHY should have been. Strangely though aged out I kept thinking this would have been a perfect role for Robin Williams though he would have to be more subdued half the time. Maybe more of an Ed Norton role at least more suited for a dramatic actor doing comedy. As this film seems to bring about more of an idea of the lead actor playing a role out of their element or a role we haven’t seen them play before

Even the advertising for the movie is more minimal. I think hoping for a word of mouth hit. More than anything else. With a good reputation. Rather than plastering ads and posters with Jason Bateman and a cute kid. Then have audiences upset with the actual subjects and matter of the film. After bringing their kids. Maybe hoping the stark ads that really have no information will work against most marketing rules and intrigue people to find out more ad actually investigating making me believe the film is aimed at more adventurous and smart audiences.

I can see the films flaws, but I can't deny the amount of fun I had watching the film. If not easily offended this is also a crowd pleaser. It reminds me of the little dark comedies of the 70's with it's main actor or star, As it's anchor and he's not all that sane. As most of the characters in this film seem normal, but are a bit warped.

Just the scenes of him psyching out the other competitors is worth the admission alone.

While his performance isn't anything new from his playhouse. It does present Jason Bateman away from his usual straight man role. He has more of a commanding presence. Here he also gets to let loose and be more the wild card. Which he has only approached before in the film THE SET-UP and was one of the few entertaining aspects of that movie. I have always liked him as a screen presence usually the average guy in extraordinary circumstances. I have followed his career ever since SILVER SPOONS and seen him and his career grow. I was excited when he began his comeback with appearances in films like THE SWEETEST THING and DODGEBALL. While many times he takes high concept comedies that in the end aren't really that different from one another. Not his roles and by his performances too much.

I even noticed him giving a role to Steve Witting who used to co-star on THE HOGAN FAMILY with him playing one of his best friends on the show. Which was a fun private joke as a fan.

While Alison Janney is always a welcome presence and one of my favorite actresses. Here she is given nothing to do and hardly noteworthy in the film other than for being in the cast.

The main problem with this film is that it is predictable for the most part. The only time it is surprising is when you watch the scenes wondering how far they will go with the jokes and humor. Questioning are they really going to go there?

Understand it's not a bad movie. It just never really brings anything new to the table. It has it's conventions and twist them somewhat, but still have those moments most comedies have. That just is tweaked to keep it's darkly comedic voice while being still conventional and have a happy ending.

While at first the film seems to be an offensive comedy just to be offensive. Instead of it being vital to the actual story. It is still here as the story isn't that deep, but at least it's a fun journey hat is not that vivid. It more has to do with character.

The film is no BAD SANTA which it will be compared to by most. That film at least had the character be the same person he was at the beginning of the film, not really softening too much and that character was more dark and unrepentant. Here the
character changes bit by bit and at the end isn't totally changed but is more well rounded.

I would have liked it a bit more if the film kept him more of a mystery through most of the film. Where at certain points you can guess most of his past. While the film only gives glimpses and a big reveal. I felt it would have been something different with just the big reveal. This film talks tough and has some bite, but isn't as dangerous as it makes itself out to be. That isn't the films fault as even the trailer hints at it a bit.

Though I would really either see more films like this made. Mid budgeted film and comedies that are mostly character pieces to a degree at least as far as rooting strong characters in what might be high concept films. Rather than by number studio films that build and build and build trying to top one scene to the next with huge budgets.


 Grade: B