Spellbound
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Movie Reviews of Spellbound
Movie Review: Excellent educational movie about traditional spelling bee
Summary: 5 Stars
Could you spell arcane and abstruse words like kookaburra and logorrhea? The young teenagers in this movie (between the ages of 8-12) could.
This movie is about the American tradition of the spelling bee, which most of us have nostalgic memories of. This movie is about the National Spelling Bee, where the stakes are much higher and the words are much tougher.
This movie inspired me because it was a movie that showed the great potential that the young people have. These kids in the movie were truly amazing and dedicated. They were all unique and very intelligent. There was the Indian kid who's father drilled him into studying very hard for the Spelling Bee. There was the shy girl who studied the dictionary all day and shunned going to shopping malls. There was the young 8-year old Indian boy who was home schooled and very smart. There was the girl from a small town in the country who's parents immigrated to this country with humble beginnings. This movie follows the lives of eight children who dreamed of being the National Spelling Bee champions-it's really a great movie.
In an age when most of the movies being produced for children are tacky action thrillers devoid of any educational value and relevance, here's a movie that is rated G and shows children that they should be interested in reading and learning. All of these kids in the movie were diligent and persistent, and that's a lesson that can help any child today.
Movie Review: Wow! Great family fare and perfect for wordaholics, too!
Summary: 5 Stars
A film focusing on kids who are trying to make it to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. - doesn't exactly sound like anything exciting, does it? But when I took it out of the DVD case and put it in our player, my son walked into the room, sat down for a second and didn't move for the rest of the movie. He was more riveted by this film than most of the action movies and flicks aimed at kids..and I think I know why. This movie features real kids from various parts of the United States, all trying to become the winner of the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. They aren't practiced actors and yet (surprise, surprise) they are totally engaging. You can't help but root for them although you may find yourself (as my son and I did) with a particular favorite or two that you hope makes it to the winner's circle.
The kids featured here come from all walks of life and quite different parts of the United States...and they all have various systems and techniques for learning their spelling words. Their parents run the range,too, from bemused to straightforward and disciplined.
Who'd have thought this would make the stuff of high drama, excitment and suspense? Kudos to the filmmakers for figuring it out - and producing such a wonderful result!
Special features:Information about what the students are doing now, an interactive Hangman game, info about the makers of the film, more.
Movie Review: E-x-c-e-l-l-e-n-t movie
Summary: 5 Stars
This well-made documentary traces the backgrounds and preparation of 8 kids who made it to the National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. The movie-makers did a good job of choosing participants who were from a variety of places and backgrounds. The eight who are featured include the religious daughter of a black single mother, the son of an Indian father who hires a spelling tutor, the Hispanic daughter of a Mexican immigrant who doesn't speak English, as well as several affluent, well-supported children. The dedication of these youngsters is remarkable and the hours they put into studying are impressive. Some of the families do a better job than others at encouraging their child to be well-rounded instead of focusing totally on spelling. Some of the students are introspective, some are outgoing, but all are dedicated to winning the big prize. The film-makers do an excellent job of showing the interaction of the families and giving viewers insight into what it takes to succeed at the Spelling Bee. They pace the film well and create real suspense before the final winner is crowned. The parents of the students handle their child's defeat well and all are encouraging. The students themselves vary as to their adjustment after defeat. This is a fascinating look at the inside of an old, honored event which manages to be efficient and compassionate at the same time.Movie Review: wonderful documentary with excellent dvd features
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a terrific and engrossing documentary about eight kids who have won their regional spelling bees and are now preparing for, and later participating in, the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Each teenager is profiled and then the end of the film is the big bee -- and you find yourself wishing that each one could win, and you realize that all 249 contestants have a unique story to tell, and family and friends supporting them. This is a superb film, and the dvd extras are great too. The commentary track is very interesting, including a lot of insight into the editing process, which was quite a task with 160 hours of film to work with. Also, there are profiles of three kids that had to be cut when the first print of the film was 3 hours long -- these are just as interesting as the eight left in, so don't miss them! "Where Are They Now?" lets you know what each of the kids is currently doing. "About the Filmmakers" tells you about director Jeff Blitz (Wonderland) and his two colleagues. Also included are trailers and interactive web links to a game and an educational guide.
This is a great film about the American Dream, about each family's unique experience in this country, about the powerful diversity we share, and about kids and their families. Highest recommendation.
Movie Review: Makes spelling exciting!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit that I didn't think a movie about the National Spelling Bee would be all that entertaining. I was wrong. This is a great movie that will have you on the edge of your seat. You'll be surprised (as I was) by what goes into preparing for a spelling bee. I was truly amazed at how dedicated these kids are. They spell thousands of words EVERY DAY, and some even have TUTORS who help them. Some of the kids have to overcome some pretty daunting obstacles in order to get to the big event. In fact, the father of one of the contestants speaks little, if any, English. When I watched this, I didn't realize that the events of the movie took place some years ago. It wasn't until I watched the "where are they now" extra that I realized most of the kids are now in college and all grown up. On a sad note, I read that the contestant from Washington, D.C. is now a single mom who had to put her dreams of college on hold. I think (if I'm remembering correctly) that someone read about her plight after watching this movie and is serving as a kind of benefactor for her. I hope she succeeds. She, along with the other youngsters spotlighted in this movie, deserves it. Even if the closest you'll ever get to the National Spelling Bee is watching coverage on ESPN, don't be afraid of this movie. It's F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C!