Admittedly, my tastes run a bit eccentric. I don't enjoy odd films just because they are odd. Maybe I am odd.
Anyhow, I ran across a documentary that I just had to have. It promised thrills, excitement and all the fun that is inherent in a National Spelling Bee contest. For real!
Spellbound is a fascinating and fun film that follows eight children in their quest to become National Spelling Bee Champion. The eight children selected for the film are interesting and quite unique, if not incredibly brilliant spellers.
From the quiet girl from India to the somewhat quirky boy who speaks a mile a minute to the girl with parents reminiscent of Archie and Edith Bunker, each teenager is featured in a mini-biography. We learn a fair amount about their personalities, family life and how they have honed their gift for spelling in pursuit of the big prize. We get to meet their parents, friends and other members of their community, all who are rooting them on to victory.
After the introductions, we get to experience the pressures and roller coaster ride of the actual contest. These poor kids are under a tremendous amount of pressure. You can't help but say "Awwwww" when one of them mispells a word and is eliminated from the competition. All it takes is ONE wrong letter and yer out!
The film is G-Rated and appropriate for all ages. The DVD contains some nice extras including deleted scenes and a "Where are They Now?" feature. Grab the popcorn, take a seat, and get ready for a nail-biting family-friendly experience!
Spellbound is available from Amazon.com for $14.96
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March 1, 2005 10:00 PM
I absolutely love the movie spellbound. My name is Maral and I went to a spelling bee just a month ago i
came in third so i'm gonna try again next time. I really want to win because i am from afghanistan and i know no one has ever won who was an Afghan.