It's not easy to be a good speller in Akeelah's school. Many view any academic achievement with suspicion, labeling the person a "brainiac". For that reason when Akeelah's teacher asks her to enter a spelling bee, she's reluctant despite her interest, and only complies when threatened with detention for her absences. She easily ascends toward the finals, and becomes increasingly committed along the way.

Akeelah's mother isn't supportive, wanting her to focus on regular homework instead, so she must practice in secret. She's coached by an English professor who takes an interest due to her abilities, and as we later learn, because she reminds him of his deceased daughter. The relationship grows essential for her success as well as for the storyline, and is one of the things that positively elevate the movie from mediocrity.

While I don't very much identify with a drive to excel in a spelling bee, the execution of the movie makes up for much of that problem. It's also arguable if spelling is the main point of the movie. It is a definite growth story for Akeelah, as she reaches for her full potential while her background and environment give little reason to expect success. It's also a look at the problems of the black community that Akeelah belongs to.

Roger Ebert compares Keke's acting to Dakota Fanning, which is taking it too far, but I do agree with him about her possessing uncommon poise. She acts mostly very well, but some scenes should have been shot a few times more to get them right. Especially those where Akeelah interacts with her age-mates have occasional awkwardness.

Akeelah is an unusually well developed young character, and her interplay with the professor in particular is nuanced and interesting. The production values are mostly good, and add to the experience, but especially the soundtrack is lesser than the movie deserves. I'm left with a feeling people sitting on the money didn't realize this is much more than a family movie despite the appearances, and shouldn't be held back by lack of funding.