Bee Movie: Family Movie Review

“According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way that a bee should be able to fly. Its wings are too small to get its fat little body off the ground. The bee, of course, flies anyway. Because bees don't care what humans think is impossible.” ~ Bee Movie

Bee Movie written by and starring Jerry Seinfeld (Barry Benson) along with Renee Zellweger (Vanessa Bloome) is a 2007 DreamWorks Animation production that also features the voice talents of numerous other actors such as Matthew Broderick (Adam) and Kathy Bates (Mrs. Benson) including a whole slew of cameos by celebrities such as Chris Rock, Sting, Larry King, Ray Liotta, and Oprah Winfrey.  However, despite this amazing collection of voice talent, the film was met with very mixed reviews making it easily forgettable for many moviegoers. 

HOWEVER, this film remains an enjoyable pick for both my sons who recently sat down and watched it again with me. 

"By taking away our honey, you're not only taking away everything we have, you're taking away everything we are." ~ Bee Movie

While my sons enjoy the very "Seinfeld-ish" humor, with funny one-liners, I really loved the story itself that reflects not only on the perfectly functioning bee society, but emphasizes the important role bees have in the environment. The way Charlotte's Web helped some children get over their fear of spiders, Bee Movie shows the softer side of bees.  They are truly the heroes of the insect world. Without bees to carry out pollination, there would be catastrophic effects to the entire plant and animal kingdom.

The day has arrived for young bees, Barry and Adam, to pick the jobs they will perform for the rest of their lives within the hive.  Barry is uncertain about what he wants to do and desires to leave the hive just once before committing to his new position. He joins the pollen-jocks, the only bees allowed to venture outside, and is exposed to a whole world he didn't know existed.  Can he ever go back to "normal" life inside the hive again? 

"Why does his life have any less value than yours?" ~ Bee Movie

Barry quickly learns that life outside the hive isn't all that glamorous.  When one human, Vanessa Bloome, saves him from being squashed, the two develop an unlikely friendship. He discovers the honey industry's exploitative tactics and decides to sue the human race for stealing the honey and abusing the bees.  There is a slightly drawn out court case, but the film successfully makes it's point. The honey industry is not without victims. 

Watch Official Trailer

Overall, Bee Movie is a colorful adventure with witty humor to entertain the adults and a unique story line and likable characters to capture the attention of children. I promise you won't ever look at bees the same way again. The film is rated PG for mild suggestive humor, but is suitable for the entire family in my opinion. It was underrated by critics and one that should not be missed by Seinfeld fans.  Again, the most important, but undoubtedly overlooked, aspect of the story line is the fact that bees are exploited by the commercial honey industry - enslaved in artificial and inhumane ("smoking" of bees) environments. And, yes, this is why honey is not vegan. 

Read more of my Family Movie Reviews.