Fresh
Spellbound is not a great piece of filmmaking, but it is more entertaining than you might expect from a story whose heroes are all brainiacs.
Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic
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Spellbound
Overview
This documentary follows 8 teens and pre-teens as they work their way toward the finals of the Scripps Howard national spelling bee championship in Washington D.C.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
97%
Tomatometer
Fresh
Spellbound finds its thrills with nary a chase scene nor a quick cut; it's a simple and utterly gripping story about kids, words and a microphone.
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
Fresh
When a child stands at the microphone and frantically writes invisible letters on her hand, we can't help but love each and every one of these people.
Michael Booth, Denver Post
Fresh
A genuinely charming and often funny documentary about the high-pressured world of competitive spelling.
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News
Fresh
Whatever else it may be, this is also a film about being young, hopeful and focused.
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
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