Everybody loves an underdog story and this is certainly one of them. Akeelah finds none of the traditional champions you would expect a child to find in their home or close relations. She had gifting normally not associated with her South LA circumstances. But her fearlessness, drive, and the mentoring and encouragement of some special people help her rise above her circumstance to accomplish the remarkable. Great family movie.

• IMDB 7.3

• Rotten Tomatoes 85%/81%

• (PG)