My wife and I saw a movie that was full of suspense, drama, humour and wonderful characters this afternoon. No it wasn't the Matrix - Keanu was no where to be seen.

The movie - documentary actually - was Spellbound and it is an excellent piece of film-making about the high pressure world of Spelling Bee championships.

The clever documentary follows the lives of eight young 'Spellers' and gives the viewer an insight into their family life and preparation for the National Spelling Bee to be held in Washington DC.

I found the film fascinating - the young stars and their families couldn't have been much more diverse and showed a fascinating cross section of American society today. Let me introduce you to them:

First there was Angela who lives in Texas and is the daughter of an illegal immigrant ranch hand and his wife neither of whom speak any English. Her dad justifies his lack of English after 20 years in America by saying that 'he works with cattle, none of whom speak English either'.

Harry is an eccentric little fellow who doesn't stop talking. He pulls the most wonderful faces and occasionally breaks into 'musical robot' impersonations during his interviews.

April is a self proclaimed pessimist who in the lead up to the championships studied her dictionary 5-8 hours a day. She's pretty serious about the task at hand and is beautifully supported by parents who could have been taken out of many American sitcoms.

Neil is from a long line of champion spellers. His sister was a top 10 speller in previous years and his dad has his strategy all worked out - including paying 1000 people back home in India to chant matras for Neil during the competition.

Ashley is from Washington DC. She's the daughter of a single mum both of whom ooze with confidence until the championship starts. Like some of the others she's a bit of a loner - but boy can she spell.

Ted is a boy of few words but many brains. He too finds it hard to fit in with peers and seems to spend most of his time with his brothers playing with crossbows in the countryside outside his parents trailer. His older brother is more interested in guns and explosives than spelling.

Nupur is from Florida who beats three very funny boys in her local spelling bee to make the championships. She's of Indian background and really appreciates the opportunities that America offers her and her family. The spelling bee seems to encapsulate everything she likes about America.

Emily lives in suburban Connecticut placed 10th last year and she's back for more. Her mother makes the comparison between spelling bees and child abuse - a thought that stayed in my mind throughout the doco. Emily is a pretty well rounded, happy child from a pretty middle/upper class family.

Spellbound was pleasantly surprising film. I went to the cinema expecting a laugh (which I definitely got) but I also found myself drawn into the drama and suspense of the bizarre and quirky world of Spelling Bees. I'd rate it as among the best films I've seen this year. 4.5 stars out of 5.