Spellbound

Not only is Spellbound a documentary about spelling bee contestants, which all by itself makes it No. 1 on the must-see list, it’s also one of the tensest, most human films you’ll ever see, and that includes films that are not about spelling. Think about it. The filmmakers follow eight teenagers as they prepare for the national spelling bee competition in Washington, D.C. I know that sounds like its about as interesting as a day at Kevin Costner’s house, but the kids are true characters and the suspense would make Hitchcock wet himself. If it weren’t for Bowling for Columbine, this would be the best documentary in the last five years.