 
Bee Movie
MPAA Rating:
 for mild suggestive humor, and a brief depiction of smokingReviewed by: David Criswell Better than Average
Moviemaking Quality:
½Primary Audience:
All ages
Genre:
Animation, Comedy, Family
Length:
1 hr. 30 min.
Year of Release:
2007
USA Release:
November 2, 2007 (wide - 3,500 theaters)
           Relevant Issues
Discover Amazing Insects of the Rain Forest!  Top choice for accurate, in-depth information on Creation/Evolution. The SuperLibrary is provided by a top team of experts from various respected creationist organizations who answer your questions on a wide variety of topics. Multilingual.
“Hold on to your honey.” 2007 has been a disappointing year for animated family films. “Shrek 3” proved that it needed the master touch of Andrew Adamson, and “Meet the Robinsons” proved a little too offbeat for mainstream audiences. Only “Ratatouille” lived up to expectations, so does “Bee Movie” put animated films back on track? In truth, it depends on your age and expectations. “Bee Movie” is the story of a Bee who tires of working the same old job every day and ventures out from the hive where he encounters and befriends a human florist. Eventually he finds out that humans are “stealing” the honey that they work so hard to make and decides to file a lawsuit against the human race. Now, the plot sounds promising indeed, and the story is fairly well paced, but ultimately the film appeals mainly to children. When the movie was over, the children in the audience cheered while some parents awoke. In fairness, it is an entertaining movie, but with ticket prices as high as they are now you should probably wait for the DVD unless you have children who are dying to see it. I suspect the film will also appeal to Jerry Seinfeld fans as well. There are some good jokes and many pop cultural gags, including the appearance of “Sting” of the Police band. In terms of warnings to adults, there are, as usual, some inappropriate gags and comments. There are references to “draining the stinger” (when a bee needs to use the bathroom), a sexual reference to a “bedbug,” “shacking up,” illegitimate children, a “drag queen,” and “lust” is mentioned as well. There is a reference to “bejesus” which is meant to be a play on Bees and Jesus, and some might be offended by the reference to Larry King as being “very Jewish” (although the actor who says the line is himself Jewish). What may disturb some parents more than these elements are the subtle, and occasionally not so subtle, political and social commentaries that run throughout the film. Now, in fairness, I should say that the movie does not have a political agenda, but it clearly reflects the political and social agendas of its authors. The commentary is, therefore, either more subtle or more subversive depending on your point of view. The most subtle reference is to Evolution. We are told repeatedly that bees have been around for 27 million years (which is refuted by Creation Scientists). There is no specific mention of Evolution, but the assumption is there. More overt is the ecological/mother nature mindset in which the human race is seen as a parasite. Throughout the trial, man is not only depicted as thieves and parasites, but the Creationist view of nature seems to be mocked. The lawyers for “Honeyburton” and “Honron” (which are slaps at Haliburton and Enron) are villains who speak of the “Creation God made,” but are shown as sort of leaches. The lawyer finally comments that the Bees’ victory is an “unholy perversion of the balance of nature.” Finally, the Bee protest becoming “honey slaves to the white man!” Now, it is to be admitted that the lawyer’s prophecy comes true for the Bee learns that nature was in balance before he filed the lawsuit, thus negating much of the very premise laid earlier in the film, but it does not change the fact that Creationists are not fairly portrayed. Still, the imagery is one that will easily pass over most people without a thought. Some might say this is the problem. Others will say that this is crying over spilled milk. After all… it is a movie about talking bees! Overall, I felt that the story showed promise, but was not that well executed, despite some good humor and computer animation. It seemed to lack the charm of better animated films. Last year’s crop of animated films was quite good, featuring movies like “Hoodwinked,” “Cars,” “Curious George,” and “Over the Hedge.” This year only “Ratatouille” lived up to expectations. I believe that “Bee Movie” will be successful, considering the competition this year, and children will love it, but adults without children may as well wait for the DVD. Violence: Minor / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: Minor See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Comments available:
Negative
Negative - My husband and I saw this movie, anticipating it to be cute and funny. We were both very disappointed. Although the first 30 minutes of the movie were funny and very entertaining, once the plot developed, it was very obvious there was an agenda. This movie crossed that thin line from being entertaining to absurd. The message it was trying to send put bees far too high on the value scale, and the whole movie turned into a “bees have feelings too” story. Two separate groups of people actually walked out during the movie. As I said before, the first third was entertianing, but the rest became very boring and the storyline got too complicated. I’m just tired of seeing animated movies about animals/insects, and the humans are ALWAYS the bad guys. Negative - …we went to see the “Bee Movie.” We left half way through in total revulsion! The themes portrayed in this 'KID' movie disgusted ME, the mom, and I am 47 years old. Negative - I tought this film would have been great, but really there were too many mishaps for me to forgive. Reference to 'draining the stinger' and the sexual meaning to 'bed bug' didn’t bother me, but then it just got worse and worse, but the thing that sent me over the edge was the comment about making a 'suicide pack' had gone just too far, I am a very very open minded person, I like all sorts of movies, I’m not a prude by any means, but this is the first kids movie that I will NEVER buy for my daughter when it comes out, we own just about every kids movie out there, but this will never enter our house, they might aswell have put a scene in there where a Bee student runs into school and kills everyone, the comment about suicide pack was disturbing, if they remove that scene then I would consider buying it, but my daughter should NEVER know what a suicide pack is, she’s 4 so she’ll watch a movie 20 times in a row and memorize the
entire movie, so this movie is a no go for this family and should be for any family who cares about the well being of their children’s innocence. Negative - …This is not a kid’s film. It is so frustrating to take your child to a film that is marketed to a child and have them exposed to inappropriate humor and issues that we have purposely refrained exposing them to in an effort to preserve their innocence. Consider the discussion about 'a suicide pact'? How about the scene that demonstrates how to use an aerosol can and flame to make a torch? The scene where the girl jams a fork into her arm to see if she is dreaming? The drag queen? This is not even addressing all the sexual (not so subtle) innuendo. I was very aware that it was primarily adults laughing in the film. Parents, it is purposeful that these films have this sort of content—it is to keep us entertained! But I ask you at what price? Negative - I didn’t like this movie for both quality and content. Usually I find myself torn—good morals, low quality, or vice versa. Not this one, so much. There isn’t really much to hate: Barry’s a cute little guy, just trying to find his place in the bee world. Unfortunately, it gets muddled in the storyline, weird twists (they constantly infer that Barry is attracted to Vanessa, for no strong reason plotwise) and constant jokes/slapstick. There’s definitely good in the story, but too much bad. I’d save my money to rent it, at least. Negative - I took my Youth Group to see this movie after reading positive reviews. However, I was quite disappointed to hear the Lord’s Name spoken in vain. Somehow this was not mentioned in the reviews. The main character, during an interview with Bee Larry King refered to “bees that had made a difference in the world” and listed “Bee Ghandi” and “Bee Jesus.” I believe this was totally inappropriate and would not have taken the youth to this movie had I known this reference would be made. Lord willing, we will have a fruitful discussion about it next week. Negative - Disappointing. Considering 'Bee Movie' was written by the comic Jerry Seinfeld, it is surprisingly unfunny. The few jokes are either groaners are bad puns. The story drags, and overall this underwhelming film just does not meet the writing standards of other animated films. 'Hoodwinked', 'Shrek 3' and 'Surf’s Up' are just a few examples of better choices. I thought the moral rating of the film was average about en par with the “Shrek” films (for older children only) but with a couple of unnecessary unfunny inappropriate comments such as a drag queen and a suicide pact. The graphics were a plus, but the story had little to say other than honey bees are important (which is true). Negative - I watched this movie with my two daughters ages 4 and 10, and my Husband. The movie started out well and was very interesting at first. I noticed a clear anti white male agenda. All the white males were portrayed as being stupid and child like, or shysters. There were no good white male role models that I noticed. The courtroom scene where the bee said '…if nature had intended for them to be honey slaves to the White Man' was way over the line to me. The black man sitting at the table with the white men then pushes himself away, as to not be associated with them. The second half of the film was leaning toward a Sponge Bob type mentality, and the pace seemed much faster with shorter scenes and more action. The film got more and more far fetched toward the end. We weren’t about to walk out, but we were glad when it ended. Negative - I'm sorry but this movie is sending some horrible messages. The most deplorable of them all is that the movie tells us that we should be happy with our lot in life, never think for ourselves, rock the boat, or try to change society because it causes nothing but trouble and could possibly end all life on earth!? We should be happy with a life of work and never hope for adventure or try make life more enjoyable? Ummm... I believe this country was founded on the principles: life, liberty and the pursuit of HAPPINESS. This movie is an outrage! Don't let your kids watch it. Negative - 'Let's make a suicide pact...', says the bee to his human girlfriend. Need I say more? I regret renting this movie and allowing my children to watch it. Avoid it! Negative - I entirely agree with the other comments posted that were negative on this movie, therefore I will not repeat what they already stated. There were two things that I was surprised that people did not mention earlier (and if they did...sorry I must have missed it). The first thing was the reaction of the main character (the Bee...i forget his name) and the woman when see slapped (extinguished) a mosquito that bite her. She slapped it, they both realized what happened and then they both proceeded to laugh about it...At this point I thought it was a little awkward but I have slapped my own share of misquotes in Indonesia...either that or some disease that I did not want...The part of the movie that made me reflect on this scene was when the main character (the bee) has a conversation with another mosquito indicating, that like the bees in this movie, the mosquitoes were also considered to intelligent and human-like(to a certain extent). So...they essentially squished a thinking being and laughed about it...
The next issue that really struck me was the notion that if you have a problem with someone...then just sue them...itâs the American way...which unfortunately, is true...This movie..or CGI 'cartoon' basically introduces children to the concept that suing or taking people to court is always the right thing to do...I personally believe that this is a large problem with America where there are more lawyers per person than any other country in the world. And probably the main reason for this is greed. We need lawyers to help people who cannot defend themselves, not lawyers who chase ambulances with no concern for the person inside it. And this movie promotes the ladder. Positive
Positive - I think the “Bee Movie” was very good. It is for an audience of children but has an underlying message that we should not all want our way because it just may not be the best way. It’s always best to pray for God’s will rather than ours. The closer we are to God, the more our will is going to match up to God’s will. It was a little unusual for a insect and a human to have a romantic relationship. Other than that, I think it was a great movie and definitely recommend the movie to everyone! Positive - My seven year old daughter and I enjoyed the movie. It was very fresh and had a good moral over all. The jokes were corny but cute. It gave a view on how bees are really needed in our world so it was educational in that regards. I disliked the reference to suicide and several sexual inuendos. The movie would have been fine with out it. When all of the flowers die due to the lack of pollination Barry and his human girl friend said they needed to make a suicide pack. Also mentioned in the movie was making out. There was a few more suggestive sexual comments that might make your seven year old ask, “What does that mean.” Overall, I would recommend the movie. Positive - Cute, mostly clean fun with a relevant and timely lesson about the value of honey bees. Very enjoyable with some slapstick and enough action to keep everyone entertained. Some mild adult humor caused the PG-rating, and unfortunately because of the PG-rating we were forced to sit thru a truly awful preview of “The Golden Compass” which seems to be occultish and had several younger children crying before the preview was over—so go late, miss the PG previews and enjoy the “BEE Movie”!! Overall, the Bee Movie was very enjoyable and entertaining without being offensive biblically. Good work ethic message that shows the value of even the most menial job and discusses how bees all work together to make the community, and world, thrive. Positive - The movie shows how God created every thing for a reason, and every thing has a purpose. He created the bees to pollinate the flowers and plants, and without them we would eventually die off. God’s creation is awsome. Positive - This movie was a great time, I laughed out loud many times. My 7 year old son enjoyed it. I enjoyed Jerry Seinfeld as the main character; it was like seeing a 80-minute Seinfeld stand-up comedy routine. The premise is, of course, absurd, and I took it as more a cynical satire of PETA then as propaganda for them, if it was intended to foster a save the insects movement that makes it even funnier, considering how absurd that would Bee. Great movie to take everybody to for a laugh out loud good clean fun time. God Bless Positive - This movie was hilarious! It was the best animated movieof 2007 hands down. See it! Neutral - This movie is incredibly well made. Although, my 9 & 10 year old girls did not like the movie and storyline as much as I did! haha! Neutral
Neutral - I saw this with my husband and two adult friends. We were looking for a clean movie and thought the Bee Movie might be cute. That’s what it was, 'cute'. I had to fight to stay awake during most of it, and found that I laughed only 2 or 3 times during the entire movie. Save your money and rent the video. I was disappointed. It was quite clean (a few little things but they would go right over a child’s head), but lacked the humor and wit that I expected. Just ho hum. Neutral - First, let me say that my family and I are God-fearing devout Christians, as well as animal rights activists/vegetarians. Contrary to the opinion of many, there is no need to choose one or the other. It is entirely possibly to love God, value humans as created in God’s image, and also care about the suffering of those “lower on the food chain.” For us, it makes little sense to be Christian and NOT CARE about all of God’s creatures, big and small. Comments from young people
Positive - This is a great movie to see. It has no cuss words or any sex or kissing in it like alot of movies. You can take kids from age 3 to senior citizens. I recommend it, but some of it was weird in the middle of the movie like when the big man was in a baby seat and rolling around in court. Overall it is a fantastic movie, and yes I am Christian. Usally my dad won’t let us see a lot of movies, just by comments people post on this Web site, and my dad approves, big time. Positive - This was a great movie. I don’t know why so many people hate it. It taught sevreal good lessons. 1. It taught that if a society is to be successful EVERYONE needs to work together. 2. It taught everyone has feelings. 3. It taught teamwork. 4. It teaches that if one single person in the comunity is to lazy things will fall appart. 5. It teaches that every single living thing has a purpose. So as you see this is a great movie that everone should see. It was not boring for either my parents who are 50 and both Seinfield fans. I think you will find it alot more funny if you are big fans of Seinfield. Negative - The bee movie was horrible! I went to see it with my younger sister and cousin, and I was shocked with what they put in the movie. The joke on Larry King Live 'Bee Jesus' turned me off completely. The whole idea of a bee and a woman going out was sketchy, too. The sexual reference with 'bed bug' was completely unneccesary. It also seemed to take the form of aan environmentalist movie or something. Movie could have been much better with a better storyline and better lines. Positive - Funny! Funny! …Larry King as Bee Larry King! Hilarious! I went with my dad to see it, and it was soooooooooo funny! I love this film! It is a must-see!!!… Negative - Okay, I had high expectations when entering the theatre to view this film with two siblings, yet I left with much dissapointment. Hollywood seems to (quite) often mistake childrens movies with adult movies. I was shocked that there was many comments about the bee and female florist growing more and more'intimate'. True, compared to friends I am sensitive about this issue, but being a Christian, I feel it is important to be not 'of the world'. I felt that this movie was badly done. Neutral - This is a good movie, the first one I've seen this year that has no sexual content. I think it's a good kids movie, though slightly cheesy but not enough to really notice. At least it's no Seinfeld. Any movie with sexual content makes me shiver a little. Positive - Wow! This movie is great! It's mostly family friendly, alll the bad stuff will fly over most kids heads. Three words: watch this movie. |
E-mail this page to a friend