Movie Review: "The Words" (2.5 Stars)

THE WASHINGTON POST
By Jen Chaney

“The Words” could have been a timely commentary on the aftershocks of plagiarism, a study of literary thievery that might have inadvertently added fresh perspective to the ongoing conversation about why writers like Jonah Lehrer engage in ethical lapses. It isn’t. Instead, “The Words” -- a first-time directorial effort from Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal, who also wrote the screenplay -- is a well-acted but narratively limp indie that’s undermined by a failure to connect emotionally with its audience. It’s a film that intentionally blurs the line between reality and fiction and, as a result, never creates real or fantasy worlds that are remotely believable. [link] ★★★