Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.
out of 100
Metascore®Generally favorable reviewsbased on a weighted average of allcritic review scores.
Docu dispassionately examines this strange phenomenon of anachronistic Americana, created as a newspaper promotion in 1925.
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Casts a potent spell.
As we watch them drilling with flashcards and worksheets, we hope they will win, but we're not sure what good it will do them.
More to the point of this marvelous film, who knew there were kids as heroic, in their various ways, as these valiant super-spellers?
Boasts all of the drama and suspense of any reality TV show, but it actually stars smart people. And they're kids.
Enough drama, humor and unfiltered nail-biting suspense to put all the thrill-mongering screenwriters in Hollywood to shame.
At a time when so many in this country are at odds about what represents America at its best, it's refreshing and then some to see a film that everyone can agree is an example of exactly that.
Thrilling little epic set in the bewildering arena of the English language.
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OK for kids 9+
Families should see this m-a-r-v-e-l-o-u-s film.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this documentary has some tense and sad scenes. Children are upset when they lose (they are escorted onstage to a "comfort room"). One child uses a mildly bad word.
Messages: Determination, hard work, and following your goals and dreams are great take-aways here.
Violence: Tense scenes of competition.
Sex: Not an issue
Language: One very brief word.
Consumerism: Not an issue
Drinking, drugs and smoking: A parent possibly impaired by drugs or alcohol at one point.