Don't Worry Bee Happy
Bee Movie
Review by Ross Anthony

What a pleasure. After a cackle of serious dramas and actual letter grade "B" movies, this silly little insect film was just the ticket to put a little honey in my tea. Since Jerry Seinfeld is the man behind the bee, both in voice and script, I certainly expected a safe funny picture. But especially in conjunction with the title, I didn't really expect a high quality animated film in the league of Disney or Pixar. Interestingly enough, while Bee Movie rather enjoys solitude in a league of its own, the picture is worthy of the adjective "quality."

The entire production is fun. Jerry, uhm, I mean Barry (the Bee) never ceases to be amusing. While other celeb voices cameo, it's really all Jerry. Although, Patrick Warburton does a great job as Ted, the big chinned airhead.

As for the story structure, the writing is very tight up until the third act where the direction goes far sillier than the thrust thus far. That twist and the progressions that follow are ones I'd not have chosen for the picture, but that's the advantage of promising nothing grander than the Bee -- your audience is likely to forgive a few ludicrous steps. I forgave.

If you're looking for an easy film to enjoy, something to keep a smile on your face nearly from start to finish -- see the bee.

Bee Movie js Seinfeld says, "Animation is like creating in a big sandbox. It's like they say to you, 'We are gonna give you a sandbox in which you can make anything you want. You can mold the sand into any shape, into any character -- you can do it any way, in any style, and create any universe you wish. But we're gonna give you the sand one grain at a time, and it's gonna take you four years.' That was the little catch."

This film screened at a Krikorian Theatre.

-- Book Contest --


  • Bee Movie. Copyright © 2007.
  • Starring the voices of Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, John Goodman, Chris Rock, Kathey Bates, Barry Levinson, Larry King, Ray Liotta, Sting, Oprah Winfrey.
  • Directed by Simon J. Smith Steve Hickner.
  • Screenplay by Jerry Seinfeld, Spike Feresten, Barry Marder & Andy Robin.
  • Produced by Jerry Seinfeld Christina Steinberg at DreamWorks

Grade..........................A- (3/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2025 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also helps others tell their stories with words and video. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books, thoughtful experienced help telling your stories through words or video, or to schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Dig into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Friday, 02-Nov-2007 14:50:21 PDT