Bad Words 2013
"The end justifies the mean."
In the razor-sharp comedy *Bad Words (2013)*, Jason Bateman delivers a deliciously dark performance as Guy Trilby, a cynical forty-year-old who exploits a loophole to infiltrate the National Golden Quill Spelling Bee—a stage where child prodigies sho...
Director: Jason Bateman
Cast
Jason Bateman
Guy Trilby
Kathryn Hahn
Jenny Widgeon
Rohan Chand
Chaitanya Chopra
Philip Baker Hall
Dr. Bowman
Allison Janney
Dr. Bernice Deagan
Ben Falcone
Pete Fowler
Steve Witting
Proctor at Spelling Bee
Beth Grant
Bedazzled Judge
Gwen Parden
Brace Faced Girl
Anjul Nigam
Sriram Chopra
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bad Words (2013) about?
The film follows Guy Trilby, a disillusioned 40-year-old who exploits a loophole to enter the National Golden Quill Spelling Bee, a competition meant for children. His disruptive tactics and sharp tongue turn the contest into a playground for chaos, testing the limits of ambition and morality.
Who directed Bad Words?
Jason Bateman directed *Bad Words*, marking his debut as a feature film director with a sharp eye for comedic timing and satirical storytelling.
Who stars in Bad Words?
The film stars Jason Bateman as Guy Trilby, alongside Kathryn Hahn, Rohan Chand, Allison Janney, and Ben Falcone in key roles.
Is Bad Words (2013) worth watching?
With its clever script and standout performances—especially from Bateman and young Rohan Chand—*Bad Words* is a comedy that delivers laughs without sacrificing its bite. Fans of dark humor and underdog stories will likely find it a refreshing and entertaining watch.
How long is Bad Words?
The runtime of *Bad Words* is 89 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Bad Words (2013) — A darkly hilarious battle of wits at a competitive spelling bee
In the razor-sharp comedy *Bad Words (2013)*, Jason Bateman delivers a deliciously dark performance as Guy Trilby, a cynical forty-year-old who exploits a loophole to infiltrate the National Golden Quill Spelling Bee—a stage where child prodigies showcase their linguistic talents. Guided by the film's biting tagline, *The end justifies the mean*, Trilby weaponizes sarcasm and subterfuge to outmaneuver his pint-sized competitors, sparking chaos that blurs the line between ambition and outright sabotage. Directed by Jason Bateman, the movie blends sharp wit with underdog energy, turning a seemingly wholesome contest into a playground for moral mischief.
With a cast that includes Kathryn Hahn as the exasperated Bee coordinator and Rohan Chand as the fierce young contender who challenges Trilby's antics, *Bad Words* balances irreverent humor with heartfelt moments. The film's tone is a mischievous cocktail of satire and slapstick, where every mispronounced word feels like a victory and every rule-bending move fuels the chaos. Audiences will find themselves laughing at the absurdity while questioning who's truly playing whom in this high-stakes battle of wits.
