Rating: 
Summary: On the road to the National Spelling Bee Competition
Review: This clever documentary follows eight young contestants of the National Spelling Bee Competition held in Washington, DC in 1999. Although they are competing for the same prize, each contestant is as individual as two strangers walking down the street. Several are second generation Americans who possess their parents' work ethic while others are born competitors. Some maintain a rigorous study schedule while others are more relaxed. They each come from such diverse and socioeconomic backgrounds. The cameras follow each contestant from the regional spelling bees to Washington as they confront fear and nervousness while they spell words that the average American has never heard of before. Sometimes the parents are more nervous and anxious than the contestants! Not all make it past the first round, but I couldn't help cheering for each to spell the word without hearing the dreaded bell. In a more abstract sense this film portrays how spelling bees represent a sense of belonging to America and is a "community process" that highlights how the role of education is a stepping-stone in leading a successful life in America. Whether one accepts the intended political undertones of this film is up to the individual but I found it a little too simplistic for my own taste. Regardless, as someone who has never participated in spelling bees to any extent such as these eight contestants I can now better appreciate the determination and hard work that goes into spelling bees. Don't forget to watch the "Where are they now?" segment in the special features as you can see how each contestant has moved on into the next segment of their lives. SPELLBOUND is an interesting look into the lives of eight spelling bee contestants. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Oh Sweet Irony
Review: Apparently "Former Speller" ZONGIRL never was asked to spell "behavior" in any competition...
Rating: 
Summary: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Review: You will fall in love with the story of each of the 8 kids whose paths to the bee are followed. Humor, drama, suspense. Who could ask for anything more.
Rating: 
Summary: Good But Not Great
Review: I don't know what that Amazon reviewer is talking about..."Suspenseful as a Hitchock thriller"? You must be joking. Don't get me wrong. It will hold your attention and it has strong moments, but there are so many other BETTER documentaries out there like "Go Tigers" for example. I think this would be best appreciated if you go in with low expectations. Otherwise you are going to come out of this very dissapointed. My wife and I were anyway.
Rating:
Summary: How do you spell splendiferous?
Review: Spellbound is a humane masterpiece. The children are endearing and fascinating, and their families are so revealing. This film could be profitably used in the junior high or high school classroom as a springboard for discussion of any number of things--individual learning styles, the value (or not) of competition, goal-setting and the drive to be the best, accepting those who are different, what it means to be an immigrant, etc. The film should also be seen by any person who is or intends to be a language arts teacher for this age group, because for many of these students, the teacher was very involved in the process, and we get to meet several of them as the film progresses. Great, great documentary.
Rating:
Summary: I saw this film with my daughter and we both LOVED IT!
Review: I saw this film with my 15 year old daughter and we absolutely loved every moment. We were riveted to the screen!!! It is rare that mother and teen-age daughter can both feel the same way about a film. This film is hilarious, touching and extremely interesting. I couldn't wait for the DVD to come out because this is something you can watch again and again.
The whole family can watch this together and everyone will find something to enjoy in it.
Rating:
Summary: MOST ENDEARING FILM AROUND!
Review: This documentary is the sweetest and funniest I have ever seen! If you're feeling a tad blue, or just in the mood to laugh - this is a MUST SEE! The filmmaker tracts the trials and tribulations of brilliant children and their families in search of the National Spelling Bee championship. You'll be amazed at the effort and dedication these children put forth as they make sacrifices to be the best speller they can be. If children in our country are truly this earnest and talented - our world is surely in very good hands!
Rating: 
Summary: You don't know the real story...
Review: Though many people who watch this movie knowing absolutely nothing about the NSB and its spellers may be deceived into thinking it's a great, true-to-life story, take my advice and know that: IT IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK IT IS. Being a former speller myself, I can truthfully testify to the fact that it is all a bunch of ridiculous baloney. There is SO much behind-the-scenes info. that is NOT mentioned at all, such as how "certain" spellers got "certain" books and study guides that were not known to all spellers...In the end, please don't think that these kids are geniuses (though a small percentage may really be), they are just great memorizers. Why, anyone could go through thousands and thousands of words in these booklets for a whole year (or more) and know virtually every word out there. After all, how many different words can the NSB ask??It is a waste of money to see this film because it is unfortunately, a silly, false documentary that chronicles the "good" side of the Spelling Bee, with no mention whatsoever of the real truth. It is just so absurd and horrid to see that this movie has gotten rave reviews and five stars all-the-way because these people just don't know how washed-up this film is. Also, I personally find some of the kids' personalities just plain annoying and irksome. (i.e. Neil's pushy Dad, Nuper's pridefulness, Harry's freshness) Though they may viewed upon as "cute," I remain true to my humble opinion. The only exception I find is George Thampy; one can tell that he is truly a hard worker and does not care for the fame that all the others get wrapped up in. He is a very humble lad and deserves praise for his behavior. (Take THAT copperblue17--what are you talking about??)
Rating:
Summary: MOST AMAZING MOVIE EVER!
Review: In one word- STELLAR! This movie has changed my whole outlook on life, and it can do the same for you... Musical robots and the fate of a million starving people in India resting in one child's spelling abilities... What more could you want from a movie? I'm not gonna lie, I may be in love with Georgie Thampe...
Rating:
Summary: Honestly, one of the funniest movies...
Review: This is really one of the funniest movies I have seen - although I'm not sure it's meant to be. Harry, one of the kids in the competition, is an absolute riot. This is worth every penny! It has everything you need in a couple hours of entertainment.
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