Bee Movie (2007)

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.

Directors:

Steve Hickner, Simon J. Smith

Writers:

Jerry Seinfeld, Spike Feresten,

Stars:

Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 12 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)

Storyline

When the bee Barry B. Benson graduates from college, he finds that he will have only one job for his entire life, and absolutely disappointed, he joins the team responsible for bringing the honey and pollination of the flowers to visit the world outside the hive. Once in Manhattan, he is saved by the florist Vanessa and he breaks the bee law to thank Vanessa. They become friends and Barry discovers that humans exploit bees to sell the honey they produce. Barry decides to sue the human race, with destructive consequences to nature.

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Plot Keywords:

bee | secret life | closing credits sequence | dream sequence | selfishness | 

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Taglines:

On November 2 Hold on to your honey

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Genres:

Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Details

Official Sites:

DreamWorks Animation [us] Official site [es]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 November 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

A História de uma Abelha

Box Office

Budget:

$150,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£2,281,393 (UK) (14 December 2007)

Gross:

$126,597,121 (USA) (8 February 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

DreamWorks Animation, Columbus 81 Productions, Pacific Data Images (PDI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The bit of music used for the brief "sword fight" scene between Barry and Hector was borrowed from the movie Cutthroat Island.

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Goofs

When Ken confronts Barry in the bathroom, he rolls up a magazine. Barry asks what type of magazine it is, and Ken replies, "Italian Vogue". But it clearly says Paris on the front.

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Quotes

Barry B. Benson: Listen everyone. This runway is covered with the last pollen from the last flowers available anywhere on Earth. That means this is our last chance. We're the only ones who make honey, pollinate flowers, and dress like this. If we're going to survive as a species, this is our moment. So what do you all say? Are we going to be bees, or just Museum of Natural History key chains?
Bees: We're bees!
Keychain Bee: Keychain!
Barry B. Benson: Then follow me! Except keychain.

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Crazy Credits

Cinematic Visionary Dinner Companion - Steven Spielberg Deus Ex Machina (Hand of God) - Jeffrey Katzenberg Wife Support System - Jessica Seinfeld Pizza Consultant - Chris Bianco

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Connections

Referenced in The 80th Annual Academy Awards (2008)

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Soundtracks

"Thinkin' Bee"
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Marc Shaiman & Jerry Seinfeld
Performed by Matthew Broderick & Jerry Seinfeld
Produced by Marc Shaiman

User Reviews

Ignore the critics. We had a great time.

Is the Bee Movie the best animated movie we've ever seen? No. But, defying the critics, I took my 11 year old daughter (who didn't really want to go) and my 5 year old son to see the movie and we all really enjoyed it. Most importantly, the story and humor of the movie operates at multiple levels, so it appealed to all of us at our individual age level.

What is beyond dispute is that the visual feel of the movie is incredible. Some of the bee hive interior and flight scenes were just breathtaking. My kids were spellbound.

To me the best judge of a movie is how fast it moves along. This one kept us all entertained throughout and its 90 minute running time felt like half that. So, ignore the critics, and take your kids. They'll have a great time, and even if you're not a Seinfeld fan, so will you.