Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Anita' & 'Bad Words'
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "Bad Words," actor Jason Bateman's directorial debut, in which a disgruntled man (Bateman) finds a way to enter a youth spelling bee. Hijinks ensue. Also reviewed is "Anita", a documentary about the life and legacy of Anita Hill.
KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:
Jan Wahl Movie Reviews: Bad Words & Anita
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BAD WORDS (R)
Get ready for one rude comedy about children's spelling bees! KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "Bad Words", starring and directed by Jason Bateman (Arrested Development). This is the story of an angry man who finds a loophole enabling him to enter a national spelling bee.
Bateman has long been a favorite, known as a sweet, heartfelt man against the tide. Here he is totally against type: naughty, cruel and sarcastic. He bullies kids, has a very foul mouth and engages in ethnic stereotypes. A good cast includes Allison Janney and young Rohan Chand. Humor in films like these is subjective. Some will enjoy this edgy, gasp producing, outrageous dark comedy, whereas others will find it offensive and even disgusting.
Three hats.
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ANITA (NOT RATED)
Oscar winning documentarian Freida Mock brings us the story of Anita Hill, her life and legacy. The year is 1991 and Hill, the law professor, from Oklahoma is determined to tell her truth about Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas.
We witness the trial, the context and Senators from both sides (including now Vice President Joe Biden and Orrin Hatch) who were clueless about sexual harassment and were uninterested in learning about it from a black-female confirmed witnesses or anyone else.
Behind the headlines is the quiet, dignified Hill whose actions changed the national conversation. No matter what you believe, it's a stimulating, beautifully made documentary.
Four hats.
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Movies To See Right Now: Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Ciercq & The Grand Budapest Hotel
Home Viewing/DVD: Frozen, American Hustle, Saving Mr. Banks & Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom
You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.
