Marval Movie

Bad Words is rudely funny. It’s rated R and not for kids even though it is about the national spelling bee designed for middle school age kids. However, Guy Trilby (the irrepressible Jason Bateman) at age forty has figured out a loophole that allows him to participate in the spelling bee. He wins his regional and is onward to the national spelling bee much to the chagrin of the directors played by Allison Janney and Phillip Baker Hall.  Kathryn Hahn is the reporter following Guy and trying to figure out his motive. What’s his mission? 

Trilby hurls insults at kids and parents alike. He appears to be a miserable soul with an axe to grind. But this makes for a hilarious movie with plenty of cringe worthy scenes and laugh out loud moments. And he’s winning. Guy’s biggest competition comes from the ten year old played by Rohan Chand. This kid with his liquid brown eyes, slight cowlick, joyous smile, and infectious chatter seeks out Guy as his best new friend. Guy in turn can’t help but fall for the kid. He treats him to dinner, wrongly gives him some whiskey, and takes him for a wild spin in his car. Both are perhaps pulling a con over the other one, but it’s zany to watch.  

Over three days, the clock ticks, the syllables are sounded out, and competitors are dinged by the failure bell. But not Guy or Rohan. What the  (bleep) is going to happen? Bad Words is not for delicate ears, but it truly works as a ninety minute comedy.  Jason Bateman is spot on, and Rohan Chand steals the show. You’ll come out of the theater or finish streaming -  spelling, smiling and shaking your head.

I was the only adult in the theater for Zootopia without a kid in tow, and I think I laughed the loudest.  This is a clever animated film with plenty of plot, fully developed characters, and a message too. Like the concept of utopia, the Zootopia metropolis attempts to have every animal get along.

In regards to Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin with enthusiasm) she achieves her goal as first bunny on the police force. But alas, she’s shoved into a meter maid role by the chief. However, she’s determined to be the best at writing tickets and enforcing the law. She meets Nick Wilde (sly snarky Jason Bateman) a conniving fox who seems to work hardest at beating the system. Nonetheless, the pair are drawn into a mystery.

Why are some animals reported missing? Why are some predators going “berserk” after so many years of “no attacks”?  Judy and Nick slowly work together, despite his reluctance, and uncover corruption in Zootopia. Per stereotype, a bunny and fox should not be a team, but in Zootopia diversity is applauded and the message in this story shows we should all get past assumptions.  It’s a good message in this day and age and the film is very clever at pointing fingers and making fun too. The scene with the sloths at the DMV is hysterical.

Zootopia is high energy and a blast. It’s fast paced and brims with activity – lots of animals to enjoy and characters to remember. Stay to the end and dance through the credits with the star gazelle (Shakira). Maybe someday we can achieve a zootopia utopia. Enjoy!