Writing for Film Journal International , Doris Toumarkine declared , `` In addition to fine performances all around and smart pacing that rivets us to the story , writer-director Atchison takes spelling competitions and conveys the excitement of the 'sport , ' the appeal of the 'game , ' the thrill of the win , the crushing blow of the loss .
Doris Toumarkine wrote , `` In addition to fine performances all around and smart pacing that rivets us to the story , writer-director Atchison takes spelling competitions and conveys the excitement of the 'sport , ' the appeal of the 'game , ' the thrill of the win , the crushing blow of the loss '' in Film Journal Internationa in regards to Akeelah and the Bee .