Fabulous, f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s, fabulous

The new documentary from director Jeff Blitz peers long and hard into one of America's most time honored competitions; a grueling battle of wits, intelligence, guile and cunning, it could be none other than--the spelling bee! To put this monumental event into focus Blitz dives into the lives of eight of the contestants of the 1999 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee. These sometimes touching, silly and even critical character vignettes give a wide angle look at the youth of our country. While they provide the backdrop for what will become a rigorous battle of wills and knowledge, these shorts play as abbreviated biopics that speak volumes about their subjects.

There's Harry, the elementary school wizard whose antics light up the screen; Ashley, the daughter of a single mom growing up in the D.C. projects; and Ted, the overgrown Midwesterner whose intelligence makes him an outsider. There's also the high spirited Angela and the pessimistic April. Then there are the three hardened vets, Emily, Nupur and Neil, all returning from trips to previous National Bees with one goal on their minds.

Through these brief glimpses we learn also of the supporting casts that have gotten each competitor to where they are today. In bringing the stories of these families, and in some cases these towns and schools, to the forefront, Spellbound breathes humanity into an otherwise mechanical, monotonous competition.

Maybe the most difficult part of watching the film is that--while each contestant pours out his hopes, dreams and aspiration--we know that only one can walk away a champion. It is in the failures of its characters, however, that Spellbound makes it's most powerful statement. When compared to other spectra of televised, competition the spellers' easy-going demeanor and down-to-earth attitudes are reinvigorating. Somehow, when Angela, the daughter of Mexican immigrant farm workers who can't speak English themselves, intones, "I'm just happy to be here," we believe her. To the kids, the bee isn't the be-all-end-all, and they realize that the lessons that they have learned from merely participating will serve them well down the line. Spellbound has something it can teach everyone; it stands as a testament to the fruits to be gained from simple hard work and determination.

Grade: A