The Third Monday In October

Tagged by critics as “Election meets Spellbound,” Vanessa Roth’s documentary focuses on presidential politics circa fall 2004. This isn’t Kerry vs. Bush, but four separate battles for middle-school student council president in California, Georgia and Texas. As issues and tactics veer far from Iraq and push polling, the 13-year-old candidates concentrate on cafeteria selection, the condition of public bathrooms and personal appearances in superhero outfits. What emerges is a charming and engaging portrait of the imperfect democratic process.