Spellbound
User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22

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  1. DavetheWave
    Jan 30, 2004
    9
    A terrific little movie. I'm amazed that a film about the National Spelling Bee could grip me for 97 minutes. It's definitely worth seeing.
  2. KevinB.
    May 1, 2003
    9
    One of the most well-made and entertaining documentaries I've seen.
  3. RogerG.
    May 3, 2003
    9
    It began as a movie about a spelling bee, and became a movie about America. Who thought a movie about a spelling bee could be enthralling?
  4. JeanR.
    May 9, 2003
    10
    Simply amazing.
  5. [Anonymous]
    Jul 26, 2003
    9
    I was spellbound by this movie. Didn't blink at all.
  6. JohnH.
    Sep 8, 2003
    9
    Obviously, Michelle P. didn't get it...she should go rent Star Wars: Attack of the Drones for the 3rd time.
  7. RandyW.
    May 20, 2003
    10
    Brillantly edited, paced, and compelling. A documentary with drama and suspense - this is a fine piece of work.
  8. ChadS.
    Jul 15, 2003
    10
    "Spellbound" won't lose anything if you choose to see it on home video or cable in terms of visual impact. The reason to see this doc at your local theater is to be part of a rooting section. You'll hear genuine laughter, a smattering of claps, and when a child misses, a chorus of gasps. "Spellbound" is not a passive moviegoing experience. It's not the best movie of 2003, but it might be the most fun. … Collapse
  9. lolawonderly
    Jan 22, 2012
    9
    This movie completely changed my outlook on life. I was 7 when I first saw it in theaters, and I was completely blown away. I was very impressionable, as so many 7 year olds are, and for the first month or so after I watched it, I had it decided that I too, was going to be a spelling bee kid. Obviously I didn't really stick with my plans of being a nationally ranked speller, but, a year ago, when I watched the movie again, I realized the impact this film had on me had just about nothing to do with spelling. Spellbound provides revealing insight on being the best, regardless of what hobby, sport, or subject you're trying to excel at. Surprisingly compelling, Spellbound ranks near the top of my list as far as documentaries go.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Sarah Hepola
    89
    As good, old-fashioned dorkfests go, it doesn't get much better than the National Spelling Bee, with its arcane words, bespectacled competitors, and stinging little bell.
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  2. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Joe Morgenstern
    80
    More to the point of this marvelous film, who knew there were kids as heroic, in their various ways, as these valiant super-spellers?
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    70
    Entertaining documentary.
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