I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I was emotionally invested in a film that largely focuses on teenagers rapidly tapping keys on their phone.

That speaks to the quality of “Thumbs,” a surprisingly entertaining documentary that follows a dozen or so competitors through a grueling national texting championship.

The key to its enjoyment came from the attachments you formed with the various competitors. “Thumbs” spends a good chunk of time building an emotional core with several of the teenagers around the country who have formed bonds with each other through their common love of text messaging.

All of the kids are local speed texting champs. From one boy from California who can fire off text messages behind his back, to the Iowa-based reigning champion’s habit of waking up before dawn every day to send a few messages while still in bed, the film fully fleshes out several of the competitors well before they hit the tournament in Manhattan. It’s a move that pays off as movie progresses.

Read the entire story at news.cnet.com