Akeelah and the Bee (2006) User Reviews

Great!

[Movienut88 · 8/10 · 23 April 2006]

The world of competitive spelling bees has always been a hard subject to dramatize. It is undoubtedly a fascinating subject to behold, one which requires large amounts of both intelligence and strategy. But the fact of the matter is that audiences aren't drawn to them. Most would rather venture out to see an inspirational football drama rather than watch children spell for two hours. This is why the subject has been so rarely covered in film. Two recent examples, the documentary Spellbound and the drama Bee Season, have tried to connect with the average viewer - both receiving mediocre box office returns. Hopefully this trend will cease with the release of Akeelah And The Bee, written and directed by newcomer Doug Atchison. This tale of a young girl winning against all odds is one of the year's biggest gems - a heartfelt and moving film about the champion in us all.

The story follows young Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer), a shy 11-year old seventh grader who people think of as undeniably average. Her mother Tanya (Angela Bassett) barely notices she is there, her classmates dislike her and her teachers find her incredibly unambitious. She is only able to find solace with her caring older brother Devon (Lee Thompson Young) and best friend Georgia (Sahara Garey). But everything changes one fateful day when Akeelah unexpectedly wins her school's spelling bee. Located in a rough neighborhood in South Los Angeles, her principal (Curtis Armstrong) sees this as an opportunity for some positive publicity for the struggling school. Because of this, he enlists the help of famed teacher Dr. Joshua Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) to help Akeelah with her studies.

At first Akeelah is stubborn, lacking the motivation to work hard enough to move to the next level. But as the months pass, her bond with Larabee grows along with her ambition. As she moves through the regionals and then the state bee - she soon finds herself heading to Washington, D.C. to compete in the national spelling bee. With her entire neighborhood behind her, Akeelah must decide if she has what it takes to win.

This film has received much advanced publicity for some of its credentials. It is the first film to be co-distributed by Starbucks Entertainment, a new division of the famed coffeehouse. It is also well-known because Atchison received the prestigious Nicholl Fellowship to put this film in production. This award, given by the AMPAS, is presented to new screenwriters who display much promise. Upon seeing the film, it is evident why Atchison received this award. Akeelah And The Bee greatly benefits from the excellent script, which takes careful time to develop the characters - allowing you to become very attached to them by the end of the film. It also shows the true intensity of the actual competition, including a nail-biting final act as intense as any sports film. Atchison also succeeds in terms of direction, using many interesting shots throughout the running time. The film moves at a fast pace but never feels rushed - keeping the audience completely engrossed in the story.

The cast on display here is made up of talented veterans and promising new talent. Laurence Fishburne is great as Larabee, delivering one of his finest performances to date. His character has many layers to his persona, first appearing aloof and haughty but later revealing himself as a caring and sympathetic man with a dark past. Fishburne dives into this role and makes the character completely believable. Angela Bassett is also strong here as Tanya, and tackles each scene with charisma and strength. But the real heart and soul of the picture, and the reason that it is such a success, is Keke Palmer's breakout performance. The multi-layered performance is sure to be one of the year's best - and it is easily the strongest performance by a child actor since Haley Joel Osment's famed turn in The Sixth Sense. She fills the role with lots of energy, but also displays strong dramatic chops and excels in her dramatic scenes - creating a lovable and completely adorable character. Anyone who doesn't fall in love with Palmer as Akeelah must have a heart of stone.

Overall, this is easily the best family film of the year so far and one of the strongest inspirational tales in years. While it may have some unavoidable clichés, Akeelah And The Bee succeeds due to a strong script and excellent performances, especially from standout Keke Palmer. There's only one word that comes to mind when summing up this film as a whole: G-r-e-a-t! 8/10 (A-)

Inspiring and heart-warming story for the love of words

[the-movie-guy · 8/10 · 27 April 2006]

(Synopsis) Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer) is an 11-year-old girl in south Los Angeles, with a love for words. Spelling words was a way for her to connect to her father who was killed when she was six. Akeelah is a bright student, but she has been skipping class and is barely passing. Akeelah's principal is about to put her in detention when he persuades her to enter the Crenshaw school's spelling bee. Akeelah wins the spelling-bee and now she can go to the state contest. Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne), a college professor and former national spelling-bee contestant, enters the picture. The principal has asked Dr. Larabee to help coach Akeelah. At first, Akeelah is stubborn and hardheaded that she doesn't need any help to win the next spelling-bee. However, Dr. Larabee shows Akeelah that she doesn't know all the words to win. During the summer, Dr. Larabee is a tough taskmaster teaching Akeelah as much as he can. He then gives her 5,000 new words to learn and tells her to do it on her own. With the help of the whole neighborhood, Akeelah learns all the words, and makes it to the national spelling-bee in Washington D.C.

(My Comment) This is one movie the whole family can see. The story of Akeelah is an inspirational and heart-warming one that was made for all ages. The storyline of an underdog 11 year-old girl living with her working mother, single mother sister, and gang member brother, making it big in the world of the national spelling-bee is a classic. The film has humor, charm, success, a positive image, drama, and a happy ending which we all like to see in a movie. The movie shows you all the hard work and pressure it takes for someone to actually compete in the national spelling-bee. The film will keep your attention the whole time, and you will clap at the end. Go see this movie; it is worth your time. (Lions Gate Films, Run time 1:52, Rated PG)(8/10)

I would compare it to 'The Karate Kid' meets 'Finding Forrester'.

[Movieguy_blogs_com · 8/10 · 10 March 2006]

In 'Akeelah and the Bee' Keke Palmer plays Akeelah Anderson, a bright 11 year old who just wants to fit in. Despite her intelligence, she is not a good student. She is unmotivated and often misses class. Since the death of her father five years ago, she only seems content when she imagines playing Scrabble with him. Nevertheless, her talent for spelling gives her an opportunity to shine.

This is on of the better movies I have seen this year. This heart-warming and inspirational story is about a girl who, despite all the hardships at home, finds a way to utilize her skill at Scrabble. With a little help from her coach (Laurence Fishburne) she not only learns a lot about language, but she learns how to appreciate the environment around her. She finds out that she is rich in ways she did not realize.

It is very difficult to find fault with this movie, there is something in it for everyone (even a few surprises). Both Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne are awesome. I was particularly impressed with Keke Palmer. I would compare it to 'The Karate Kid' meets 'Finding Forrester'.

A New Twist on the Student-Teacher Film

[PhillyGal · 31 March 2006]

"Akeelah and the Bee" tells the story of an 11 year old child prodigy named Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer). Though she lives in the notorious section of South Central Los Angeles, she is able to rise above her situation. We are told straight off that she's special. Akeelah skipped the second grade and despite admitting that she didn't study for a spelling test, she receives an A+ anyway. It is her special talent at spelling which catches the attention of her teacher, principal (Curtis Armstrong), and a former professor, Joshua Larabee, who will later become her coach (Laurence Fishburne). Under the professor's expert tutelage, with the support of her school and community, and her own unique talent Akeelah finds herself at the regional, state, and finally the national spelling bee in Washington D.C.

As with many student-teacher movies, Akeelah and the Bee borrows themes from other successful films in this genre. The teacher with a tragic past (The Karate Kid), the minority student from the wrong side of the tracks (Stand and Deliver), the doubting parent who eventually comes around and acknowledges the child's talent (Billy Elliot). However, this film has a character we have rarely if ever seen before – a black, female child prodigy. There have been films that have portrayed African-American students, but they are usually paired with a Caucasian mentor (Finding Forrester). Here we see a black, female child prodigy whose mentor is also black, yet race is not a forefront issue in the film. It is delicately touched upon in a couple scenes such as Akeelah's best friend who is hesitant to join a suburban birthday party whose guests appear to be primarily white or the father of Akeelah's rival who reprimands his son for almost having lost what was to be a fun game of Scrabble to a "little black girl." The father and son at first appear to be stereotypical Asian characters, but we later learn that perhaps there is more to them than just a diligent Asian work ethic. Likewise, Akeelah's love interest, Javier Mendez (J.R. Villareal), doesn't fit the Latino stereotype as he's from a affluent suburban neighborhood with a journalist father. Even the leader of her brother's gang defies stereotypes when he orders the brother to help his sister study rather than hang out with the gang.

As Akeelah's success increases so does the mounting pressure. With each win she sees her popularity spreading both in her community and through the media. The stakes are high. A national win means prestige and a much needed cash boost for her economically depressed school, and proving to her detractors that a little black girl from the ghetto can win a national academic contest.

Like many underdog stories (Rocky), we are doubtless rooting for Akeelah not only to win the national spelling bee, but also in her personal life. She is surrounded by reminders of where she comes from. At home her brother has joined a gang and her sister is a single mother. Her ticket out of the old neighborhood and to college may rest solely on her success in spelling since she's failing other subjects. Along with the underdog and student-teacher themes, the film also borrows elements from other movies such as the deceased father (Little Voice) and has the usual stock characters such as the wisecracking best friend.

Despite these cinematic clichés, Akeelah and the Bee, displayed several moments of humor and charm an example being the affection between Akeelah and Javier. It also attempts to break down racial and social stereotypes by adding additional layers to characters that could easily have been categorized as flat. The film's greatest strength is the fine performances by the actors in particular, young Keke Palmer. Ms. Palmer whom I have last seen in the A&E movie, "Knights of the South Bronx," is an exceptional child actress with a grace and intelligence needed to succeed in the business. She is reminiscent of a young Jodi Foster, and I hope like Ms. Foster, Ms. Palmer will find comparable success.

I've rated this feel-good fable higher than I would otherwise...

[MrGKB · 6/10 · 31 July 2009]

...for two reasons: one, it features a lovely, nuanced performance from a young actor, Keke "The Wool Cap" Palmer, who will most definitely be a performer to watch over the next several decades, and two, it reunites Lawrence "The Matrix" Fishburne and Angela "The Score" Bassett in roles decidedly different from those they played in "What's Love Got to Do With It?" Beyond that, I'm sorry to say, "Akeelah and the Bee" is pretty much Movie-of-the-Week manipulative and as formulaic as a WWF match. Clichés and stereotypes abound, and even the ending is straight out of the feel-good "everyone's a winner!" playbook (and don't get me started on the absurdly easy word that pops up for Akeelah to wrap everything up in glorious, pseudo-ironic fashion). Nonetheless, I still give the film props for its positive message, if not its overtly rose-colored glasses. I still prefer "Spellbound" as a spelling bee drama; there's just as much tension rooting for the success of the contestants, and best of all, they're real people.

God I wish Hollywood made more movies like this

[delanos53 · 10/10 · 7 May 2006]

I'm not black and don't care this was a great movie. To me it was not a movie about a black kid but a kid who just happened to be black. A kid in a bad neighborhood and school compliments of my generation. I hope that the movie can overcome being in the shadow of MI3. Because it deserves it. This movie has heart. It had great acting, a real plot and it has a point. People were cheering and laughing applauding and crying in the theater. Way to go keep it up. Give us some more please. There are some fresh new faces in this move and I hope to see more of them. If you knew me you would know I don't get excited very easily. When I see a movie like this I feel that maybe there is hope for the movie industry. GO SEE IT. You'll feel better for it. Take the kids. Call your friends.

A likable movie

[chiragkapadia2004 · 6/10 · 17 September 2006]

Akeelah and the Bee

Akeelah Anderson is is a talented 11 yr girl who can memorize truckloads of spellings in an instant, spell words like prostedigitization or something like that correctly even though she might be hearing it for the first time, and regularly max out scores on scrabble.A natural for the spelling bee contest, u had say. But before u spell out w-i-n-n-e-r, wait!For starters, she does not know that there is a thing like a spelling contest.Added to that, she is a reluctant person who does not like being under the spotlight for she is afraid of failure.And just to make things more interesting, she is parented by a single mother who is having her own difficulties adjusting the work life balance after her husband dies. A recipe perfect for an ugly-duckling-turns-swan kinda movie. Oh but there is one thing missing.What Dumbledore was to Harry, Morrpheus to Neo,Yoda to Luke.Yes!a teacher, a motivator,a guide!Though nowhere as exotic as these guys, what we have here is a UCLA professor who himself was a Bee contest winner but has now retired from the taxing job of managing pesky kids to the more serene hobby of gardening.He sees the potential in Akeelah, and agrees to train her.Our setting is almost complete.Throw in a bunch of other kids (ur typical 'best friend' ur helpful co-competitor' , ur 'i am not here to make friends, i m here to win' smartass kid) and there! its done!lights camera action!

OK! OK, enough of the sarcasm. the movie is quite good actually.Keke Palmer is cute and likable as Akeelah.Laurence Fishburne plays the subdued, grumpy professor with a past to perfection.The screenplay is also smartly crafted out to tug at ur heart strings, and u end up getting involved into the movie, cheering Akeelah and holding ur breath every time she's called on to spell some wickedly difficult word. The movie neither promises nor delivers anything new.It is just one of those movies to watch with ur family, have a good time ,and then forget all about it.

Inspiring and necessary

[screen14 · 9/10 · 7 April 2006]

I went to an advance screening and found "Akeelah" to be so much more than I expected. I sat in the theater dabbing tears from eyes throughout the showing. The emotional weight, story-telling approach and female perspective in "Akeelah" is much like that of POETIC JUSTICE (also set in South Central, LA).

"Akeelah" has GREAT cast performances. As a mentor to Akeelah, Laurence Fishburne continuously reminded me of his nurturing position in BOYZ N THE HOOD - I thought of FINDING FORRESTER and THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE as well. Fishburne looks spectacular with Angela Bassett who knows all the right expressions and vocal tones to have the powerful realism she does in her role as a fearful parent in South Central. Keke Palmer, she is definitely on the rise... pretty girl too. Several strong subplots come about in the first half of "Akeelah." They deal with the painful past of Dr. Larabee (Fishburne), lack of time and attention from Akeelah's overworked mother (Bassett), a teetering relationship between Akeelah and her best friend Georgia (Sahara Garey), and the problems of one of Akeelah's brothers who spends his time out late on the streets of South Central.

Apart from the dramatic mood of "Akeelah," there's an excellent amount of comedy. Many of the jokes are in the things that aren't said but seen (watch the father of Akeelah's major opponent). The most hilarious part of the film, IMO, involves the loyalty of Akeelah's friend Javier (J.R. Villarreal) - you'll know the scene when you see it.

From a more objective standpoint, I felt that many of the scene cuts/transitions in "Akeelah" weren't too clean. I forget all about it though when I reflect on the emotional montages that center around Akeelah, her family and the people of her community. If you remember the standout poem ("our deepest fear...") recited in COACH CARTER, you might feel that "Akeelah" twice makes trite use of it. However, different lines of the poem are read this time around. The pacing of "Akeelah" is good, especially when it comes to how Akeelah learns and advances in the National Spelling Bee. "Akeelah" makes the competition look and feel suspenseful at times, but more importantly, it focuses on the rewards found by those who believe in themselves. Kids in the theater I went to were spelling aloud from the very first scene.

The ending -- I won't spoil it -- combines the pieces of humor, triumph and sadness in "Akeelah" in one of the most beautiful finishes I've ever seen, felt and heard from a movie. You MUST go see AKEELAH AND THE BEE!! You'll leave the theater highly inspired by the best word given in the film ("L-O-V-E").

can you spell "predictable"?

[fnorful · 6/10 · 27 March 2006]

Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I went to this movie because it was the opener for the Cleveland International Film Festival; I was prepared to dislike it. But the film surprises.

The acting is good enough to transcend a pretty predictable plot. Angela Bassett looks strong physically and acts strong emotionally. Laurence Fishburne plays a man who is at once stern and no nonsense yet still uncomfortable with himself; his story arc unwinding as the movie progresses and providing a little bit of tension. Young Keke Palmer is definitely someone to watch and Curtis Armstrong does a nice turn.

It's definitely a good family film, showing the positive effects of community, how caring for your neighbors can make a difference.

I even got a little sniffley.

Among the best, without a doubt

[sushiichiro · 9/10 · 29 April 2006]

Akeelah and the Bee is an excellent movie, and it deserves universal recognition for the unbelievably powerful message, storyline, and theme evident throughout. First of all, Starbucks's co-operation with Laurence Fishburne to produce the movie was a great move on everybody's part. And though many critics may say that Akeelah and the Bee was just another "inspirational film," lacking the originality and pungency necessary for good cinema, the people with such a belief just don't get it. Like Rudy (1993), Akeelah and the Bee is most certainly original in that the story is plausible, meaningful, and very emotional. The only real difference between the two films is that whereas Rudy is based on a true story, Akeelah and the Bee is completely fictional. Also, the fact that all of the real protagonists in the film are minorities brings an incredible new level to the silver screen. Very few recently released movies feature an African-American female--a youth, no less--in the role of the main character. And for viewers to see Akeelah--as well as her mother, her siblings, her best friend, her coach, and her other two spelling-bee companions: all of whom are minorities--achieve such great heights is most definitely "inspirational," and in the right sense. Even for the movie-viewer whose favorites are full of action, violence, and gore, Akeelah and the Bee strikes the heart directly. And for those who like the tear-jerkers, no better movie exists than this one. Without question, this film is one of the best I have seen in a long time, and many will agree that it is an exceptional piece of work. I would honestly be shocked if someone really believed in his or her mind that Akeelah and the Bee "was a waste of time."

K-e-k-e

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 12 April 2006]

Greetings again from the darkness. Three spelling bee movies in the past couple of years and "Akeelah" is the most entertaining, though not as mesmerizing as "Spellbound", nor as slick as "Spelling Bee". Written and directed by relative newcomer Doug Atchison, this is a feel good movie with a bit of "Whale Rider" and "Hoosiers".

What makes the film work is the excellent performance of young Keke Palmer as Akeelah. Her luminescent smile and awkward junior high "freak" movements lend a touch of realism and pure charm. Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett add a bit of class, even if neither are in prime form. Young J.R. Villareal is a scene stealer as Akeelah's other side of the tracks friend, Javier.

Sadly, there are enough clichés in the script to fill the city bus that Akeelah rides from her Crenshaw neighborhood to yuppie haven, Woodland Hills. Screen veteran Tzi Ma plays the overbearing and isolating Asian father of spelling sensation Dylan, played by Sean Michael. Of course, Akeelah is raised by single mom Bassett, whose husband was shot dead on the street (bad neighborhood). Society drop out Fishburne is inspired by Akeelah to resume his teaching career after she helps him come to grips with his own personal tragedy. Bassett deals with her good son/military vs. bad son/gang-banger. And don't forget that it takes a community to raise a spelling champ!

Luckily these issues don't affect the upbeat inspirational message of the film. For a couple of fun notes, check out Craig Wasson as a contest announcer (he is best known for his role in 1984's "Body Double") and Eddie Steeple (Darnell in "My Name is Earl"). What makes Steeple's appearance a bit strange is the inclusion of the song "Rubberband Man" in the film, since he was the office supply delivery boy in the infamous Staples TV ad. Todd Wagner (he has a cameo as a contest judge) and Mark Cuban have struck gold again with a low budget family film that will surely create dinner time conversation. Yes, there are some out of focus moments and garbled sound editing, but I dare you to not smile and be touched by Akeelah.

A true work of art!!!!!!

[keit06 · 10/10 · 30 July 2006]

Akeelah and the Bee is a great movie for the family. It's long overdue to see a movie about the African-American community that does not center around pimps, rapping or drugs in any way. I don't say this without reservation. As a African American aspiring actor, I realize that those are the parts that are written about and for us. That what makes this movie special, it shows that we as a people can rally behind a good cause. I can only hope that I will one day have the opportunity to showcase my talent in a feature such as this. The young actress portraying the title character is a great find. I can see she will be around for quite a while. Lawrence Fishborne did a wonderful job with this film. He became more than just a talent, but a wonderful producer as well. Be sure to catch this on DVD!!!

A Must see for all!!!!!

Unrealistic but I still liked the movie

[fortionat1 · 6/10 · 9 September 2006]

None of the major reviewers will say it but this movie just isn't realistic. I thought it was a good story and a feel good movie that was entertaining. However if you look back in the history of the spelling bees there has never been someone with little discipline and structure of very low economic environment and a broken home winning. And the child winners always have the support of their parents from the beginning. Don't bother calling me racist because I am not. All winners of the spelling bee like most child prodigies come from distinct background of discipline and structure. Words are not like math where someone can have it all figured out in there heads, however someone can be more inclined to excel at spelling words than the average person. But it takes practice. Akeelah did not have that structure and a child cannot do this without a mom or dad (usually both) providing the right environment from the beginning. Tiger Woods had such structure and discipline. So did all the recent spelling bee winners.

This movie is SOO far from reality

[yalamer06 · 5/10 · 8 September 2006]

Sure this movie was entertaining ... and I was even rooting for the character. But realistic: NO! If you REALLY want to see the true candidates for the Bee, check out the documentary "SpellBound" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0334405/ In THAT film, the viewer sees realism of how race (and especially class) comes into play when it relates to educational achievement.

The movie focuses on 5-8 kids throughout the country, and how they perform at the national bee. There are a couple of underdogs, a DC inner-city girl (perhaps the inspiration for Akeelah) and a poor immigrant daughter from El Paso who everyone is rooting for, but of-course get crushed in the early rounds.

The last rounds are dominated by children of families with privilege (one of the girls has a pony) and of Asian immigrants, which is not a surprise.

If this movie inspires inner city children to try harder in school (which I hope is the case) then more power to it.

Unfortunately, I don't think this is the case, and this film just simply propagates the American myth that anyone can make it in this country, and class does not come into play.

I welcome your criticism.

Winning in anyone's lexicon

[JohnDeSando · 23 April 2006]

"The old saying . . . that style is the man himself is as near the truth as we can get—but then most men mistake grammar for style, as they mistake correct spelling for words or schooling for education." Samuel Butler

Orthography is the new pornography of the tear-jerking, get-off-your butt-by-your-boot-straps film that, regardless of whether or not it is fiction, is meant to uplift. Akeelah and the Bee is one of the best and most sentimental of the spelling bee genre (recently Spellbound and Bee Season), a fiction about Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer), an underachieving eleven year old in largely black South Los Angeles' Crenshaw district.

Enter a kindly white principal who wants her to join the spelling bee contest and crusty professor Larabee (Laurence Fishburne), who was a champ and now will coach her for the national bee. Need I say more, or will you just fill in the plot points without disappointment because all the strings and stops are pulled from her initial resistance to a slight twist on a tired formulaic ending?

But what, you may ask, is the saving feature of this feel-gooder? It's the big issues it touches on ever so lightly such as cooperation and love, dreams and hard work. Along the way witness the importance of studying etymology and even using mnemonic devices. Learn to love community as the little celebrity unifies otherwise fractious urban enclaves. Learn to despise a silly subplot involving the professor's family, a distraction meant to parallel the main plot but ending up sapping vital dignity from the professor and trivializing the real issues.

Feeling good about children who achieve through the help of adults is not a bad thing; it's just that originality should prevail for a genre that needs to show the sports film genre what intellectual competition can do to spark community and maybe change lives. The audience loved Akeelah and the Bee at our screening; that's winning in anyone's lexicon.

Wrong attribution

[newridgeline · 7/10 · 22 April 2006]

While I generally enjoyed the movie - no real surprises but a good message and solid performances - I was dismayed to find that the quote Dr. Larabee had Akeelah read was incorrectly attributed to Nelson Mandela. His name can be made out clearly in the framed text. This is disappointing because I believe this is a good movie for pre-teens.

"Our deepest fear...." was actually written by Marianne Williamson , in Return to Love but is apparently often attributed to Nelson Mandela.

A simple web search of official ANC web sites containing President Mandela's speeches confirms this information. I am not being spiteful but wonder how this simple factual error made it into the movie....

A "One of a Million" Film indeed!

[jabrunso · 10/10 · 6 July 2006]

Akeelah and the Bee was a film in which not only inspired me as an individual, but specifically a young Black male individual. Finally, a film in which Black males running around shooting guns and sexing/ mistreating women. A film in which shows a young Black girl coming from an urban neighborhood, raised by a single mother, but still motivated and inspired to use her gift of spelling to the highest degree. During my time watching this film: my emotions were overwhelmed with a sense of positive energy in which inspired me to be motivated to continue doing my best in life: not settling for excuses for where I grew up, the failures I encountered and taking every bit of my negative past to strengthen my positive future. Finally a film where an African American student is demonstrated as brilliant and intelligent!

Truly beautiful and heartwarming - but FULL of clichés

[blaircam · 7/10 · 6 August 2008]

OK, let me say right off the bat that I really enjoyed the movie. It was a lovely story and well told BUT it is incredibly predictable and clichéd. It really feels like a Hallmark special or a midday movie, made for TV type film. It is somewhat reminiscent of Spellbound and has some of the charm but although it makes you feel like it may be based on a true story it just doesn't quite ring true. The clichés - 1. the poor, working class, unappreciated but intelligent minority girl who triumphs over all odds, 2. the hard-working tough-exterior single mum who wants Akeelah to get her head out of the clouds but is eventually won over 3. The brother getting into trouble hooking up with the wrong crowd 4. the brilliant but irascible professorial type who is carrying his own baggage but learns to come to grips with his challenges through the medium of the bright young courageous heroine 5. the cold, heartless driven Asian types who must win at all costs (BTW - a bit racist that) Is there room to squeeze in just one more cliché...??? Well, yes there is - the young, single mum older sister, the geekiness of the other spellers, the early failure only to be saved at the last minute by the disqualification of a cheat... If you took the clichés out of this movie there's be nothing left. I thought Javier was great, Akeelah was stunning, Larabee played a great role, and it was good to see Booger back on the screens - that college education really paid off for him going on to be a school principal.

A Lesson in Life for all Ages !!

[murraydavidcollins · 10/10 · 22 April 2006]

This morning a saw a screening of "Akeelah and the Bee". I am 55 years of age and will be sending movie tickets to both my daughters age 24 and 26 so they can cry as did. What a wonderful family movie....... I thought they stopped making movies like this many years ago. This movie instilled the fact their is hope in the movie industry. Take your friends and definitely your family. It will bring you all together and even show adults that we can still all learn lessons in life!! This movie will definitely be added to my DVD collection once it is released. I recommend this movie to everyone!!

Murray David Collins

syrup s-y-r-u-p syrup

[postmanwhoalwaysringstwice · 7/10 · 5 November 2006]

According to Webster's dictionary the second definition of syrup is: (n.) "cloying sweetness or sentimentality". In a bevy of ways this defines the family film "Akeelah and the Bee" wholeheartedly with its highly predictable plot line and conveniently placed tissue moments. However, to the dismay of dentists (and film watchers) everywhere syrup also happens to have wide appeal, is pretty addictive, and quite tasty.

This film, which attracted attention from the wide-reaching but predictable Starbucks Corporation, tells the story of eleven-year-old Akeelah, a precocious young lady whose amazing gift for spelling is uncovered, exploited, prodded, and ignored by several adults around her, leading her to compete in the Spelling Bee. It bridges the intellectual intensity of the spectacular documentary "Spellbound" with Joseph Conrad's myth structure, and creates something like a brainiac's "Karate Kid".

However, none of this expresses what the film's true intentions seem to be. There is a noticeable, if occasionally thinly veiled, running commentary about inner city public education and the lack of social acceptance for smart kids in this context. This is a family film that wears its generic tag with confidence and pride, and leads the audience through all of the requisite good feelings, but the characters and story take so many missteps that the end result is hard to believe.

A great, inspirational, feel-good movie

[SuperNewb · 10/10 · 1 September 2006]

The commercial made me smile. It made me think 'That looks like a good kids movie', but at the same time it made me think 'It kind of looks stupid...' Boy, I was wrong. Akeelah and the Bee is an inspirational movie, and is definitely great for those who share an interest in spelling bees.

I went to the movies with my friends for her birthday, expecting little about the bee at all and more about a love relationship between Akeelah and her newfound friend, Javier. Surprisingly enough, very little of the content was anything to do with romance, and thank goodness.

The acting, oh my goodness. It was wonderful. Especially Keke Palmer's performance. Her face told the story, really. Facial acting was wonderful, no doubt. Keke's performance perfectly matches up to her being as good as young Dakota Fanning, without her having to bawl out crying in any scenes. And the rest of the cast was great, too. The ending is very sweet, but I certainly won't spoil it for anyone.

Overall, a very inspirational movie. 10/10

Great "feel good" movie, just somewhat predictable, and cliché ridden.

[BillAZ71 · 7/10 · 22 March 2006]

I truly enjoyed this film from beginning to end. Somewhat predictable, just enough twist to keep it fresh. Keke Palmer as Akeelah was brilliant, hopefully we'll see her grow up in future films. Laurence Fishburn did an excellent job as well, although I thought his character was a little too rigid, or "clenched" at first. As the story develops we find out why, it wasn't just over the top acting but a result of the character's past. A relief.

My biggest complaint, the clichés and stereotypes were overwhelming. The Asian father, emotionless and only focused on the honor of winning... All of Akeelah's family... The good son in the military, and the son running with the wrong crowd. The late Father who rose above his surroundings to be a better person, the workaholic single Mom... etc, etc. While all of these things are facts of real life, they seemed over done a bit. I was grateful that the well to do friend (Javier) she made was Hispanic, not white. One movie cliché they skipped, to a point.

The story was good enough to overcome my complaints, but I think it could have been better if it was just brought down a notch. As another reviewer wrote, the Karate Kid came to mind for me as well.

Anyway, a great film of all audiences, would be a great family or date movie. Hope you enjoy it as I did.

Great story for the entire family!

[Anyanwu · 8/10 · 18 February 2006]

Just saw a packed screening at the Pan African Film Festival. There were so many people there that some had to be turned away. The best parts were the interactions between the characters of Akeelah and Javier, a young Mexican boy who comes from an affluent family. Their friendship and team work in helping each other do their best in the Spelling Bee is a great example for young black and browns here in Los Angeles, especially with all the racial fighting in the schools and prisons.

It's a good movie for everyone to see, especially if you're a word freak like me.

Stand up and cheer

[cliftonofun · 7/10 · 23 May 2020]

I watched this movie with my 10 and 13 year old kids. By the final scene, they were jumping around like it was the Karate Kid. It may be pretty predictable, but I am so glad they still tell stories like this one.

Too Corny

[aaroncollin · 5/10 · 3 February 2007]

This movie tries to portray a touching moment every 10 minutes, and it becomes very corny by the end. Often times I found my self looking away for I felt embarrassed about the dialog between the two people on the screen. The movies constant strive to become touching at every moment causes it to be boring, and loose interest. Its not the worst of movies, the story line is decent and it still provides a little heart warming feeling at the end. This movie is met for a younger age group however the swearing that takes place makes it inappropriate for younger children to view causing it to be trapped between two age groups not very good for either. As a whole this movie was just a little to corny for me, if you are looking for a heart warming movie try for a different one like remember the titans