Bee sure to see this.
Bee Movie (2007)
Rated: U
Runtime: 90 mins
Theatrical Release: 14-12-2007
Synopsis: Touted as Jerry Seinfeld's first major project since the 1998 end of his long-running eponymous TV series, 2007's computer-animated BEE MOVIE stars the popular comedian as the voice of Barry B. Benson, a young bee eager to explore the world outside of his hive. As he discovers how people live... Touted as Jerry Seinfeld's first major project since the 1998 end of his long-running eponymous TV series, 2007's computer-animated BEE MOVIE stars the popular comedian as the voice of Barry B. Benson, a young bee eager to explore the world outside of his hive. As he discovers how people live in New York City, he befriends a human florist, Vanessa Bloome (Renee Zellweger), and becomes outraged at the selling of honey, leading to a lawsuit and, of course, plenty of Seinfeldian misadventures. Helmed by directors Steve Hickner (THE PRINCE OF EGYPT) and Simon J. Smith (a member of the SHREK creative team), BEE MOVIE lightens Seinfeld's notoriously stinging humor for a family audience, while staying true to its inherent New York-bred quirkiness. This leaves room for the film to feature impressive (if anatomically incorrect) bug-oriented CGI animation and a solid supporting cast that includes Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, John Goodman, Chris Rock, and Ray Liotta (who plays a honey-peddling animated version of himself). Although it inhabits some of the same insect-populated territory as A BUG's LIFE and ANTZ, BEE MOVIE also nods to THE GRADUATE (admittedly a Seinfeld favorite) in its restless protagonist, resulting in a playful and thoroughly entertaining film that even manages to work an environmental message into its colorful palette. [More]
Genre: Animated, Animation, Childrens, Comedy, Nature, New York City, Relationships
Starring: Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, John Goodman, Chris Rock
Screenwriter: Jerry Seinfeld, Spike Feresten, Barry Marder, Andy Robin
Producer: Christina Steinberg, Jerry Seinfeld
Composer: Rupert Gregson-Williams
DVD Info
Release:
May 8, 2008
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Anamorphic Widescreen
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English, French
- Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround - English, Spanish
- Subtitles - English, French, Spanish - Optional
Additional Product:
- Pin Promo
Additional Release Material:
- Featurette - 1. INSIDE THE HIVE: THE CAST OF BEE MOVIE
- 2. TECH OF BEE MOVIE
- 3. MEET BARRY B BENSON
- Music Video - 1. We Got The Bee
Interactive Features:
- Dreamworks Animation Jukebox
Reviews
Given the amount of talent involved – Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, Rip Torn, and Seinfeld himself – it all feels like a terrible waste.
What a treat to see a comedy that starts funny, is funny in the middle, and ends funny - unlike the usual Hollywood model in which all the humour is used up in the first act setting up the premise, and then winds down into sentimentality.
Sadly the animation fails to bee-dazzle – often looking a bit flat. Overall, it has to be a Bee-plus.
This DreamWorks film is not the sliced-bread marvel it has spent an enormous amount of money pretending to be. But it must be said that Seinfeld’s script is a thing of wonder.
The animation is fine, the plot accessible enough for youngsters and it clocks in at a snappy hour and a half.
Bright, sunny and almost instantly forgettable, even Jerry Seinfeld can't stop Bee Movie from boldly going where far too many CGI animations have gone before.
Whatever happened to no hugs, no learning? It’s enough to bring you out in hives.
Bee Movie has its moments but all in all there is very little sting in its tale.
The depth of talent in the cast and gag writing shines through, but it’s only just enough to take your mind off of the flat animation.
Amusing comedy with likeable characters, colourful animation and several great gags, though the script isn't as focussed as it should have been.
What Bee Movie really lacks is a compelling hero. Seinfeld is essentially playing himself, so what we get is a stand-up comedian in a black and yellow sweater.
... may not be "about nothing," but it is not about much more than the puny pun in the title.
...tries mightily to be cute and cuddly, and in this regard it succeeds...at least for kids.
Related Forums

by: THE spammer - NO mercy! 12/27/07

by: THE spammer - NO mercy! 12/27/07
by: mylene92 12/14/07
Pictures
Trailers & Clips
Watch Now >>
News
posted by Jen Yamato March 10, 2008
The critically-acclaimed, Oscar-winning No Country For Old Men comes to DVD this week, accompanied by a litany of...
posted by Jeff Giles January 18, 2008
The clock hasn't stopped ticking on the format, but HD DVD consumers can look forward to seeing new films on store...
posted by Paul Anderson December 16, 2007
The Dreamworks CEO talks animation with RT.
posted by Jeff Giles December 13, 2007
The nominations for the 65th annual Golden Globe Awards were announced this morning. Did your favorite films, stars,...


Top Critic