Bee Movie (2007)

Directors:

Steve Hickner
Simon J. Smith

Writers:

Jerry Seinfeld (written by) and
Spike Feresten (written by) ...

Release Date:

2 NOVEMBER 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family

Tagline:

On November 2 Hold on to your honey

Plot:

Barry B. Benson, a bee who has just graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans actually eat honey, and subsequently decides to sue us.

Plot Keywords:

Bee | Regret | Escape Attempt | Flying | Unlikely Hero

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 11 nominations

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Jerry Seinfeld	...	Barry B. Benson (voice)
Renée Zellweger	...	Vanessa Bloome (voice)
Matthew Broderick	...	Adam Flayman (voice)
Patrick Warburton	...	Ken (voice)
John Goodman	...	Layton T. Montgomery (voice)
Chris Rock	...	Mooseblood (voice)
Kathy Bates	...	Janet Benson (voice)
Barry Levinson	...	Martin Benson (voice)
Larry King	...	Bee Larry King (voice)
Ray Liotta	...	Ray Liotta (voice)
Sting	...	Sting (voice)
Oprah Winfrey	...	Judge Bumbleton (voice)
Larry Miller	...	Buzzwell (voice)
Megan Mullally	...	Trudy (voice)
Rip Torn	...	Lou Lo Duca (voice)

MPAA:

Rated PG for mild suggestive humor, and a brief depiction of smoking.

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

Netherlands:AL | USA:PG | Singapore:PG | South Africa:A | Sweden:Btl | Canada:G (all jurisdictions) | Australia:G | Malaysia:U | Finland:K-7 | South Korea:All | Ireland:G | Germany:o.Al. | UK:U (cut) | Switzerland:0 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:0 (canton of Vaud) | Argentina:Atp | Taiwan:GP | New Zealand:G | Brazil:Livre | Philippines:G | Italy:T | Portugal:M/6 (Qualidade)

Company:

DreamWorks Animation

Trivia:

Both of Barry's nemesis are voiced by stars of films produced by Dreamworks nemesis, Pixar. John Goodman, the voice of the opposing council, had the lead role in Monsters, Inc. (2001). Patrick Warburton, the voice of the human who almost killed Barry, was the title character in Pixar's "Buzz Lightyear of Star Command" (2000).

Goofs:

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): The jet captain wears a co-pilot/first officer insignia.

Quotes:

Janet Benson: No flying in the house!

Movie Connections:

Featured in "HBO First Look: Bee Movie" (2007)

Soundtrack:

Sugar Sugar

Lighthearted Humor - Fun Movie

This is a silly movie. It's goal is to make you laugh, and little beyond that. Indeed I laughed for most of the movie. It is hard for me to find much fault when I am laughing that much. That the last act had fewer jokes was a minor misstep. The characters were cute and the story didn't get in the way of the humor. And I kind of enjoyed the story, it was a little odd and funny.

It is unusual among animated movies in that its focus is jokes, kind of like a stand-up act. There are a lot of these jokes and they are quite funny! Does anything feel better than laughing? (OK, well very few things.) The story is mainly there as a vehicle for the jokes. So perhaps slightly different expectations will serve you well with this movie.

Don't go to this for a serious story! It is light humor, and at that game a great success. If you recognize that that is what the filmmakers are going for, then you will enjoy it. If you are expecting an incredible story or thrilling action or amazing animated beauty, then you might be disappointed.

As lighthearted humor with playful animation, and a great ending song, the film is a success.