Adult movies about spelling bees - one had to arrive in a format that made it accessible and visible outside the current dominant demographic of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Renaming it the "Scribbs" event didn't even fool this Caucasian Australian.
First of all, don't be fooled into thinking this is a kid's film just because it opens with our Scribbs National Champ on her victorious media tour, including a starring turn standing next to Levar Burton (Australian Trekkies have been denied regular access to Levar's reading & educational career post TNG). The adult orientation kicks in pretty quick.
The story of someone who had super-early super-success - essentially peaking before they turn 10 - is familiar to quite a few of us. Definition Please works through the strain this kind of prodigious early start places not only on the performer, but also in those close to them. Mixing in family crises with the ongoing search for self-acceptance makes this a film that is entirely relatable, even if you've never been past the local rounds of a school spelling/maths/writing/poetry/art/music (anything but sport, essentially) competition.
It's a film for us oddballs, use weirdos who ran for school council, went to those regional education seminars, had meetings with the school principal that didn't involve your parents *nor* discipline.
Definition Please
2020
Action / Comedy / Drama
Definition Please
2020
Action / Comedy / Drama
Plot summary
A former Scribbs Spelling Bee champion must reconcile with her estranged brother when he returns home to help care for their sick mother.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Rises above it's potentially cringe-making central topic
Low budget Desi Film
This a low budget film that deals with the dynamics of a Desi family. It's slow moving and coupled with terrible acting, fails to engage. It will probably find a niche among its intended target Desi audience.
Nice Indie Gem
Was pleasantly surprised with this film. Although it was certainly made on a budget and no one is going to get a best actor award here, I enjoyed the story, characters, and the brief look into the second generation Indian family dynamic. It could have gone more into the aspects of abuse and depression, but the intent here is definitely more on the lighthearted side. Nevertheless I would call this a solid watch due to a good story, likeable characters, and a fun script.