Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Bad Words (2013)

What is it about?

A forty-year old adult finds a loop-hole in the rules of the national spelling bee to avenge personal reasons from his childhood. 

Who is in it? 

Jason Bateman - Guy Trilby

Kathryn Hahn - Jenny Widgeon

Rohan Chand - Chaitanya Chopra

Favorite Scene:

While on the flight to the national spelling bee, Chaitanya turns around and immediately attempts to become friends with Guy who wants none of it. 

Favorite Quote: 

"Your chair called me for help. It was like, 'help me...he's so heavy'"

Review: 

Going into viewing Bad Words, knowing it was directed by Jason Bateman, I expected lots of crude and graphic humor. The trailer was in fact pretty funny, especially the line regarding the chair and the overweight kid. Bad Words lends itself to more of this type of humor throughout the movie as Bateman, in the role of Guy Trilby, carries the film. 

Bad Words is exactly what you would expect. It's funny, it has it's uncomfortable moments of comedy that feel like it crosses the line, and it tells a decent story. Not the greatest story, but it's simply and basic enough for interest, and for replay purposes. There are a few moments. at least for me, where hearing a child being either cursed at or using foul language, just felt uncomfortable. Especially, when that child is Rohan Chand, who I just recently saw in the super serious role in Lone Survivor. 

Regardless of the moments of ill-comfort, Bad Words is just entertaining enough to watch, but one of those films you save for a rainy day, or to simply catch (edited) on TBS, FX, or some other cable channel. 

Grade: 2/5

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se