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 & 3 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

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 USA:

$5,613, 25 June 2004, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$60,802, 27 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

References Night of the Living Dead (1968)

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Soundtracks

Do You Want New Wave (or Do You Want the Truth)
Written by Mike Watt
Performed by Minutemen

User Reviews

Great and Funny Documentary - A Must See!

I was one of the lucky few people to see WORD WARS at the 2004 Sundance Documentary Film Festival. Besides being a huge fan of documentary film, who hasn't played Scrabble once in their lives?

WORD WARS follows the lives (but I use that term loosely as you will see) of 4 top Scrabble players as they head to the National Scrabble Championships in San Diego, CA. To become a top Scrabble player, you pretty much have to give up all semblance of a normal lifestyle. >From shots of players practicing while driving, to the rooms filled with piles of books, the film gives a detailed, but humourous, look into these player's Scrabble obsessions.

My favorite character was Marlon Hill - the dude from the rough part of Baltimore, who waxes poetic on the injustices heaved upon the African-American community, while smoking a ton of pot, ALL while destroying his competition.

From the tight editing, excellent cinematography, and great use of The Beatles "Across the Universe", WORD WARS will leave you scrambling for more. Even if you have never played a game of Scrabble in your life - and who hasn't - this film is thoroughly enjoyable!