I actually found this weeks theme difficult. I don't think I've seen many films with school competitions that don't involve sports. There are quite a few films about singing but instead I went for....
Rocket Science (debate)
Jeffery Blitz's story about shy stutterer Hal Hefner who is roped into joining the school debate team. He tries different ways to overcome his stutter but ultimately does not succeed but he does learn a few other things along the way. This was the first film I saw Reece Thompson in, it's a shame he's not in more things.
Spork (dance)
A musical comedy about a fourteen year old hermaphrodite girl, Spork, a nickname given to her by her brother and friends. After her best friend injures their ankle, they are unable to compete in the school's Dance Off so Spork steps up ans wows the crowd. The clothes and music is all over the place which sounds like a mess but is actually really fun.
Spellbound (spelling)
This is the second of Jeffery Blitz's film in my picks this week. I think this counts as a school competition, especially as you have to be a certain age to be able to compete. Following eight contestants in the 1999 Scripps National Spelling Bee as they try to become the number one speller. Sounds dull? Well, it may seem it, but its actually a really interesting documentary. I just can't believe this is 'a thing' as far as I'm aware we don't have these competitions in the UK.
Don't forget to check out what
Wandering Through the Shelves picked, the blog that started Thursday Movie Picks.
Spellbound is the only one of these I've seen. I wasn't sure about it when it started but it was thoroughly fascinating. I've never heard of the other two but I'm going to check out Rocket Science and maybe Spork if I can find it.
ReplyDeleteThis was a tough week, as I discovered there are tons of school competition movies but almost every single one concerns sports. But after some poking and prodding I did come up with three, the first of which I specifically watched for this.
Chops (2007)-This documentary follows different groups of students as they prepare and then compete in the annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band competition. Terrific look at the commitment of both the students and teachers who care passionately about music and what it takes to compete.
Fame (1980)-Covering four years at New York’s High School for Performing Arts where students are constantly competing for advancement and acknowledgment all leading up to the big finale and graduation. This led to a successful spin-off TV series.
Strike Up the Band (1940)-It’s Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney as high schoolers and aspiring musicians who want their band to compete in the upcoming Paul Whiteman competition for high school bands. Problem is the fare to the contest in Chicago is $200. What to do? Why put on a show of course!! Mickey’s a bit much as he usually was but Judy is lovely and sings like a dream naturally. The tagline will give you some idea of what to expect "Their Sunniest, Funniest, Down-to-Mirthiest Hit! It Beats the Band!”
Man, you did a great job and I've heard of zero of these movies! LOL I like how you picked one for each category!
ReplyDeleteI have not even heard of these films...hahahahaaa but the last one sounds interesting
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen any of these. Been meaning to see the doc, but haven't even heard of the others. They both sound fun, though.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any of your picks but especially Rocket Science sounds like a great movie :)
ReplyDeleteIt is! Its an alternative high school story.
ReplyDeleteSpellbound is a great doc, seek it out :)
ReplyDeleteI thought that Spork would be an odd one, don't even know if it got release in the US. I found it by chance in a sale for £5. I remembered seeing the trailer ages before so I thought it was lucky hahahah.
ReplyDeleteSomething like a spelling competition is sort of dull but this doc keeps you hooked.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, I had some trouble finding films that fit this theme. I was clutching at straws. Rocket Science should be easy to find and yo might be able to hunt down Spork on ebay or maybe youtube.
ReplyDeleteOf course FAME! I forget that this was a film/tv series as I associate this with theatre. Some great songs in there. Chops sounds interesting, docs about people are committed to a specific art form always fascinates me.
I think I've seen parts of Rocket Science, that looks really familiar.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any of these but Rocket Science sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt might be one of those film you saw way back when and the picture jogged your memory :)
ReplyDeleteI'm noticing a theme heheheh - I picked some random ones this week.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Rocket Science, but I don't remember anything else about it. I know it was one of Anna Kendrick's first roles as well. I know I would love Spellbound. Spelling bees are great. Great picks!
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