Documentary Movie Reviews

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Spellbound (2002)

Rate: 7
Viewed: 6/05

6/05: Compelling but somewhat long-winded, Spellbound is a documentary about the participants of the National Spelling Bee competition.

A couple of people are likeable: Neil's father and Nupur. Ashley and her mother seem real, but the rest aren't. If there's a hall of fame for the absolutely obnoxious pipsqueaks, then a plaque should be made ready for Harry Altman. What a fucking idiot he is.

Thinking about the contest, I'm impressed with the high level of sportsmanship displayed. It isn't about the contestants trying to one-up each other in dirty ways. On the contrary, they understand that failure will happen but strive to be the best as they can.

Of course, the whole thing looks hard. But I think these participants wasted too much time memorizing the dictionary when they should have fun being kids. Childhood only lasts so long. Who even speaks these ridiculous words in daily conversations? Many aren't English. It's just useless trivia, making the spelling bee an exploitative contest.

All in all, Spellbound is nice and all, but the National Spelling Bee needs to go permanently.

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