#doug atchison

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Pixar has the market cornered with ‘family friendly animated films’ --- No one really has done that for live action ones. But if there is a formula to follow (or at least one approach to try)...it would be whatever Doug Atchison.

It’s well cast...written and executed. 15 years later...I’d still put it at a masterpiece level (8/10)

PS: Though the whole #MeToo discussion did make me uncomfortable with just Akeelah at Larabee’s house during my rewatch. But of course...I know there was none of that in this....I mean has Laurence Fishburne played questionable roles?

PPS: I just read Roger Ebert’s review of the film...and apparently the next on my queue is 1993's 'Searching for Bobby Fischer' . I remember watching it and moving on based on the impression I got (it was just a film that relied on melodrama --- about someone missing)...so...I will give it another go. Making sure that I hit ‘play’ when the conditions are optimal (while consuming a meal...or cooking something that takes 2 hours...maybe?)

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HIGHLIGHT:

INT. USC (AUDITORIUM) - DAY

REGIONAL JUDGE Next Speller please!

JAVIER doesn't move and stares at the door where AKEELA, WELCH, TANYA and LARABEE exited.

REGIONAL JUDGE Come on up to the mic, please.

JAVIER turns to the judges and starts moving towards the mic. Slowly. Inch by inch.

REGIONAL JUDGE A little faster.

JAVIER moves a bit slower. Still taking as much time as he can.

REGIONAL JUDGE Come on.

Another look towards those double doors.

EXT. USC (AUDITORIUM ENTRANCE) - CONTINUOUS

LARABEE I apologise, Mrs. Anderson, if we've contributed to any anguish you may be feeling.

TANYA just holds her steely gaze.

TANYA And who are you exactly?

He takes a step.

LARABEE My name is Joshua Larabee, ma'am.

She looks him up and down. Determined not to let down her guard. She gives WELCH some side-eye.

LARABEE And I've been...Well I've been helping Akeela prepare herself for the spelling bee.

He glances at the entrant.

WELCH Akeela's been getting extra school credit for working with Dr. Larabee.

TANYA glances back at the principal, taken aback.

WELCH We designed an entire program specifically for her.

She turns back to her daughter and shakes her head.

TANYA Why didn't you tell me about this?

AKEELA Mama, I hated going behind your back. But every time I bought up the bee, you didn't want to hear it.

The mother's eyebrow shoots up. Is that sass, daughter?

AKEELA I didn't know what to do.

INT. USC (AUDITORIUM) - CONTINUOUS

JAVIER Can I get the pronunciation again?

He eyes the judges. Earnest. Innocent.

REGIONAL JUDGE He's given it to you 5 times. You need to speel the word.

Number 67 glances at the doors. No activity still.

JAVIER Could you use it in a sentence?

REGIONAL JUDGE He's already used it in a sentence.

JAVIER I mean, a different sentence than he used before?

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My verdict of the film: 8/10

Link to the timestamp commentary: None (Maybe if there are requests...)

A Formal Review: Only by request