5Q Movie Review: Bee Movie

Q: Is this basically a collection of bad "bee" puns?
A: I was afraid of that, too, especially considering the title, and even the beginning of the movie makes you think the screenplay is going to put "The Flintstones" to shame with its puns--and that it will be like that for the whole movie. It soon settles down, though, and becomes less about that and more about some of the weirder plot elements.

Q: Weirder plot elements? Hey, isn't this a kids' movie?
A: Well, yes, it is, unfortunately. I'm just speculating here, but "Bee Movie" plays like a mostly unsuccessful clash between the kind of off-kilter sensibility Jerry Seinfeld brought to his often-surreal sitcom and the kind of corporate sensibility that steps in and says, "Hey, we ARE making a movie for families (i.e. kids) here."

Bee-human romance? Class-action interspecies lawsuits? There are certainly some offbeat elements here, but they fade in the face of simpler kid-friendly messages about conformity and finding your niche in life.

Q: Is Chris Rock as funny in animated form as he is in live action?
A: Well, don't forget he's also in "Madagascar." Actually, do forget that dull flick. Rock has one of those great voices that can inspire laughter on its own. The problem is, while the marketing indicates (at least to me) that the comedian has a significant role in this film, he's really just a bit player. In reality, Seinfeld's sidekick is voiced by Matthew Broderick.

Talk about a bait and switch! Expecting Chris Rock and getting Matthew Broderick is like ordering a porterhouse steak and getting a Sloppy Joe.


Q: Is the animation impressive?
A: In a word, no. Well, it's not bad-looking. But since CGI animation has become so commonplace, it takes a little more to stand out, and "Bee Movie" squanders some opportunities. Perhaps it's because the story soon moves on from this theme, but I expected more dazzling visuals as Seinfeld's Barry explores the outside world after leaving his bee community. There are some flying scenes and some "gee whiz, this is fun," type stuff, but not enough, and nothing that makes you really take notice.


Q: Well, gee, is "Bee Movie" just a total waste of time, then?
A: Well, while I see it as an unsuccessful attempt to marry Jerry's humor with the kind of blockbuster aimed at kids, it has its moments. John Goodman is hilarious as a bombastic Southern-fried lawyer. The movie is pleasant and amusing. It might not have been worth full ticket price, but as a cheap rental or a diversion on TV, it's fine--particularly now that we can distance ourselves from the ubiquitous marketing campaign.