I had avoided this movie! Particularly because Starbucks had it all over the place and they talked up how it was such a family film, etc. Usually, I find such films pretty smarmy when the advertising makes a great effort to get that point across.



I finally saw it and have to say I am impressed with the film. It actually drew me in and I found myself hoping for Akeelah to win.



Overall, the story is pretty well crafted. Akeelah has a talent for words and yet she is ashamed to use it. Her environment frowns on success and as she states she will get picked on. Eventually, she decides to try the spelling contests after the Principle and her friend talk her into it.



One thing she will need is a tutor. Enter Laurence Fishburne. I have liked him for awhile and he does not disappoint as the Professor of English who came up from the ghetto. He is hard on her as he impress' on her that he will not take anything but a serious effort to learn. In time their relationship grows as they end help helping each other. Some would argue a cliche but I found it done well as I didn't feel the need to "roll my eyes."



There are references to life's issues such the dead father and the brother trying to join a gang. However, they don't distract from the movie as they are to add to the story rather then create sub stories to fill movie time. Through all this Akeelah seems to keep the desire and rises above it all. Some would argue Cliches and they do exist but as I mentioned; I did not find them over blown as it happens so many times these days.



The final bee was well done as I never thought I would find myself getting slightly tense over as the words were offered. There is even a creative way for the films villain to find redemption.



Even though I find the phrase trite, I will say the film is indeed a "feel good" film.