Watch Word Wars

Word Wars is a documentary film released in 2004 that delves into the world of competitive Scrabble. Directed by Eric Chaikin and Julian Petrillo, the movie follows the journey of four American Scrabble players- Joe Edley, Matt Graham, Marlon Hill, and G.I. Joel- as they prepare for and participate in the 2002 National Scrabble Championship in San Diego.

The movie is a fascinating portrait of the intensely competitive subculture of Scrabble, and the lives of the people who inhabit it. The four players profiled in the movie are all highly skilled and deeply committed to the game, each bringing their unique style and personality to the board.

Joe Edley, a three-time National Scrabble Champion, is the intellectual heavyweight of the group. He is a former mathematician and computer programmer, and his analytical approach to the game is well-suited to his sharp mind. Matt Graham, a former child prodigy who learned to play Scrabble at the age of six, is the brash young gunslinger of the group. His aggressive playing style and quick thinking have made him a force to be reckoned with on the tournament circuit.

Marlon Hill, the lone African-American player featured in the film, is a former drug dealer who found solace and purpose in competitive Scrabble. He is a passionate and emotional player, whose quick temper is often his Achilles' heel. And finally, G.I. Joel, a quirky and eccentric player, is a surprisingly strong competitor despite his unorthodox methods and unusual behavior.

The movie chronicles the players' intense preparation for the National Championship, which includes studying word lists, practicing against top-tier opponents, and analyzing previous games to identify weaknesses and strengths. We also get a glimpse into the players' personal lives, as they struggle to balance their love of the game with their other responsibilities and relationships.

As the tournament gets underway, we are treated to some thrilling and nail-biting matches, as the players battle it out over each letter and word. The sheer intensity and seriousness of the players is palpable, and it's clear that this is far more than just a game for them.

Throughout the movie, we also learn about some of the intricacies and strategies of competitive Scrabble- from the importance of learning obscure two and three-letter words, to the art of making challenging plays that will leave your opponent with few options.

One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is the contrast between the players' personalities and playing styles. Joe Edley, for example, is calm and deliberate, while Matt Graham is high-energy and impulsive. Marlon Hill is passionate and emotive, while G.I. Joel is quirky and unpredictable. These differences make for some compelling drama as they clash on the board, and it's fascinating to see how each player adapts to the styles of their opponents.

Overall, Word Wars is a compelling and entertaining movie that offers a rare glimpse into a little-known subculture of competitive gaming. The film is expertly crafted, with beautiful cinematography and a powerful soundtrack that heightens the drama of each match. Most importantly, it's a movie that will appeal not just to Scrabble aficionados, but to anyone who loves a good story of passion, drive, and dedication.

Word Wars is a 2004 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 61.