Spellbound
THINKFILM
Rated G
A frequently touching–and surprisingly suspenseful–documentary on the delightfully driven kids competing at the 1999 National Spelling Bee. Keanu wouldn’t last a single round with these guys.
Better Luck Tomorrow
PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Rated R
Because being good can be a real drag. A group of privileged, overachieving Asian-Americans find some new extracurricular activities–like sex, drugs, violence and crime. Ah, the joys of high school.
Raising Victor Vargas
SAMUEL GOLDWYN
Rated R
I hate coming-of-age flicks (it’s always so clear that they’re made by old people). But here’s a rare one that gets it right–played for love and laughs on New York City’s Lower East Side.
Bend It Like Beckham
FOX SEARCHLIGHT
Rated PG-13
Get dragged to “The Matrix” by your boyfriend? You’ve been so accommodating, how can he veto this chick flick about best friends, first crushes and culture clashes? Just tell him, “It’s about soccer.”
A Mighty Wind
CASTLE ROCK
Rated PG-13
The latest “mockumentary” from Christopher Guest–of “Spinal Tap” fame. It may not be wet-your-pants funny like “Waiting for Guffman” and “Best in Show,” but it’s darn close. -K.S.
