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.
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Light, lively, informative, fun.
75
New York PostV.A. Musetto
New York PostV.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?
75
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
Amusing and slightly alarming documentary.
70
Film ThreatPhil Hall
Film ThreatPhil Hall
Quirky, entertaining documentary.
60
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
Lacks the urgency and significance of a great docu but still offers a diverting entertainment.
60
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
TV Guide MagazineKen 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.
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."
50
Village VoiceDennis Lim
Village VoiceDennis Lim
Even the fast-motion effects and flashy graphics can't make this a spectator sport.
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.