| PRODUCT DETAILS | | Akeelah and the Bee |  | |
Akeelah and the Bee
An inspirational drama, Akeelah and the Bee is the story of Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer), a precocious eleven-year-old girl from south Los Angeles with a gift for words. Despite the objections of her mother Tanya (Angela Bassett), Akeelah enters various spelling contests, for which she is tutored by the forthright Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne); her principal Mr. Welch (Curtis Armstrong) and the proud residents of her neighborhood. Akeelah’s aptitude earns her an opportunity to compete for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and in turn unites her neighborhood who witness the courage and inspiration of one amazing little girl.
Manufacturer: Lionsgate
Price: $4.04
 Akeelah and the Bee
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| User Reviews |  | Surprisingly well done!
rating: 5
I had avoided this movie! Particularly because Starbucks had it all over the place and they talked up how it was such a family film, etc. Usually, I find such films pretty smarmy when the advertising makes a great effort to get that point across.
I finally saw it and have to say I am impressed with the film. It actually drew me in and I found myself hoping for Akeelah to win.
Overall, the story is pretty well crafted. Akeelah has a talent for words and yet she is ashamed to use it. Her environment frowns on success and as she states she will get picked on. Eventually, she decides to try the spelling contests after the Principle and her friend talk her into it.
One thing she will need is a tutor. Enter Laurence Fishburne. I have liked him for awhile and he does not disappoint as the Professor of English who came up from the ghetto. He is hard on her as he impress' on her that he will not take anything but a serious effort to learn. In time their relationship grows as they end help helping each other. Some would argue a cliche but I found it done well as I didn't feel the need to "roll my eyes."
There are references to life's issues such the dead father and the brother trying to join a gang. However, they don't distract from the movie as they are to add to the story rather then create sub stories to fill movie time. Through all this Akeelah seems to keep the desire and rises above it all. Some would argue Cliches and they do exist but as I mentioned; I did not find them over blown as it happens so many times these days.
The final bee was well done as I never thought I would find myself getting slightly tense over as the words were offered. There is even a creative way for the films villain to find redemption.
Even though I find the phrase trite, I will say the film is indeed a "feel good" film.
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Beautiful Movie i love it very much
rating: 5
Akeelah and the Bee a very beautiful movie, inspirational, moving, uplifting and positive. Show that one can achieve anything they work towards. With hard work success will come. Just believe in your dreams and work hard. I was motivated to get the movie and see it by Oprah Winfrey after watching her publicize this movie in one of her show. Oprah i must say this movie is best of all time.Oprah you are my inspiration and role model who always give me positive advice on your show. Thank Oprah for this wonderful endorsement of the the movie. It the best of all time beautiful played Lawrence Fishbourne, Angela Basset and Ake Palmer. Love it 10 stars. Every one please go out there and purchase this movie a must have and see. Magnificent every changing, fantastic, touching, positive.
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Akeehal and the Bee
rating: 5
I just loved this movie when I saw it on Tv so I purchased it right away. It is amusing, down to earth, yet serious. All ages will enjoy it.
Lawrence Fishborne is outstanding in his role as tutor.
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Perfect for adolescents
rating: 5
I bought two copies of Akeelah, one for my library and one for home. This is an excellent film for adults as well as adolescents, and the film to show any precocious preteen with an attitude that prevents achievement.
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Find the Akeelah in yourself
rating: 5
I think there's a place in most everyone where we're afraid to admit our talents, afraid to put them on display....because - what if we fail? We make ourselves comfortable in our given situation, which is not all bad, but many, many times there is something so much better we could be enjoying if we would just reach a little bit for it.
Such is the life of Akeelah. Raised in a poor neighborhood by her overworked mother...still missing her father who has passed on...watching her siblings struggle with babies and gang influences. It's just too hard to believe that there is anything outside of the world as she knows it that would embrace her and shout "You are something special!" Until the bee came along...
I liked this movie not just because it was a "feel-good", but because I thought it really connected with feelings that a lot of people struggle with. When her mentor has her read the quote on his wall..."Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous. Actually, WHO ARE YOU NOT TO BE?" WOW! I actually stood up and replayed that part about 5 times before I went on...
There's also a realization here that even with talent, we need our loved ones to support and encourage us in life. Probably my favorite part of this movie is her last spelling word....brilliantly shot with each of her coaches and mentors speaking a letter. That's what it's all about...don't be afraid of what you can do, and don't be afraid to love and support one another. If we all could get a hold of that message, what a place this would be to live in.
This is a great film...you won't be disappointed!
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Akeelah and the Bee
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