Akeelah and the Bee

Akeelah obeys every sports-movie rule, but trading end-zone dances for etymology gives it a geeky innocence. What's the word? Splendiferous.

Give it an m, i, s, s.

The film has an important, uplifting message; shame it couldn't be encased in a less faked-up story.

The film only inspires when Akeelah takes to the stage for the spelling bees. There, the suspense is palpable despite the certainty of the outcome.

Its clichés seem bigger and its characterisations broader than they would on the more forgiving telly.

Akeelah and the Bee becomes one of the most life-affirming, inspiring and entertaining films of the year.

It isn't just about the competition. It is about heart, dedication, intelligence and the pulling together of a entire community.

Akeelah and the Bee is the kind of movie you want to recommend to every 11-year-old you know.