A few years back when Comedian Jerry Seinfeld was having lunch with director Steven Spielberg there was a lull in the conversation. Seinfeld, not knowing what to say, pretended he wanted to make a "B movie"... about Bees. What was meant as a joke was taken seriously and resulted in the Dreamworks animation film “Bee Movie”.
Written and produced by Jerry Seinfeld, who also voices the main character, Bee Movie takes us into the hive and the life of a worker bee.
We follow Barry B. Benson who having just graduated from college is totally disillusioned about the prospect of spending the rest of his life in the same menial job making honey. When an opportunity arises to leave the hive, he grabs it.
Flying happily through the streets of New York he meets Vanessa, a beautiful florist. He likes her so much that he breaks the cardinal rule for bees and speaks to a human.
Visually the film is stunning. Created by hundreds of talented animators together with the clever use of CGI, we experience not only the hive but a glorious Manhattan. I delighted in watching all the various characters interact with witty one-liners and cleverly observed nuances.
My favourite was Mooseblood the mosquito, voiced by the wonderful Chris rock.
Renee Zellwegger's sweet voice is perfect for Vanessa. Mathew Broderick as best-BEE-friend Adam Flayman, who cant wait to work at the HONEX factory, is wonderful, as well as John Goodman as the over weight vile Southern attorney Layton. T. Montgomery.
There is a basic plot and the obligatory message about working together and believing in one's self, but really it is Seinfeld's wit that is the most engaging.
The film doesn't have the emotional weight of say the Lion King … it relies heavily on gags and cuteness. Pity 'cause it would have been really memorable with just a little more heart.
If you are a fan of Seinfeld's humour and have a taste for honey Bee Movie is a treat. 3.5 stars.
