Word Wars (2004)

A look at the obsessive world of competitive Scrabble.

Directors:

Eric Chaikin, Julian Petrillo

Stars:

Joe Edley, Matt Graham, Marlon Hill

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Joe Edley	...	Himself
Matt Graham	...	Himself
Marlon Hill	...	Himself
Joel Sherman	...	Himself (as 'G.I.' Joel Sherman)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Mike Birbiglia	...	Himself
Brian Cappelletto	...	Himself
Aldo Cardia	...	Himself (as Aldo)
Chris	...	Herself
Lynn Cushman	...	Herself
Jan Dixon	...	Herself
Stefan Fatsis	...	Himself
Uncle Harrison	...	Himself - Marlon's Uncle
Hattie Hill	...	Herself - Marlon's Mother
Jimmy	...	Himself
Joe	...	Himself

Storyline

The classic board game, Scrabble, has been popular for decades. In addition, there are fanatics who devote heart and soul to this game to the expense of everything else. This film profiles a group of these enthusiasts as they converge for a Scrabble convention where the word game is almost a bloodsport.

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Plot Keywords:

scrabble | board game | marijuana | tournament

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Genres:

Documentary | Comedy

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Official Sites:

Official Website

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

January 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tiles and Tribulations on the Scrabble Circuit

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$5,613 (USA) (25 June 2004)

Gross:

$60,802 (USA) (25 June 2004)

Company Credits

Production Co:

E-Wolf, Seventh Art Releasing

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The last line in the credits reads "This film is rated 1900" - a reference to the National Scrabble Association rating system (1700 and above is considered an expert rating; typically only elite players get to 1900 and up).

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Crazy Credits

This film is rated 1900.

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Connections

Features Today (1952)

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Soundtracks

"Across the Universe"
Written by John Lennon (as Lennon) & Paul McCartney (as McCartney)
Performed by Andrew Chaikin and Austin Willacy
Also performed by Joel Sherman

User Reviews

Word Wars is an amazing, exhilarating, and interesting film!

Word Wars, a comical documentary that traces the lives and study habits of four Scrabble enthusiasts, is fun and interesting from the beginning. Eric Chaikin, the brilliant writer and director, uses awesome, eye-catching graphics in the opening credits. From there, we are introduced to the "characters", each of whom has a unique, intriguing lifestyle. The film teaches the Scrabble basics, and draws the audience into the fun and competitiveness on the Scrabble circuit. We see the players as they train for the National Scrabble championships. Whether studying by means of meditation, or by means of playing endless games of Scrabble and memorizing volumes of words, all the players share a profound love for the game. I absolutely loved Word Wars. I loved the intense competition, and I loved the comical presentation of the Scrabble Circuit. Word Wars is a must see!