Akeelah and the Bee

I was in a spelling bee once, I won't tell you about it because spelling bees are boring.

Dreadfully stupid, earnest crap, market-tested to the lowest common denominator audience. The star, Keke Palmer, is wonderful, and the bee scenes are great. The rest is below TV-quality.

I used to be spelling bee champion, but you don't hear me guffing on about it, cos it's boring. And if the reason we supposedly care is because she's BIPOC, that's kind of insulting to the lil baby, but props for clawing out of the dialectical trappings of a marginalized community in a way that helps w/ college apps & CVs. Big kudos to chica, but 1hr 52 min of kudos is just for bored white people to feel absolved—are lil black kids gonna connect meaningfully w/ this drivel? I sus nay, cos hollow

Wonderful, heart-warming tale proves (in the best way) why the ROCKY formula works, when pulled off with such brio and sincerity. Beautifully and sensitively performed by all (Palmer and Fishburne are wonderful together and apart), and even manages to have its cake and eat it too, by promoting the "winning isn't everything" philosophy, yet still providing its audience with an emotionally satisfying (and even teary) follow-through.

God, I hope the intended audience for this was children. Adults couldn't possibly take this sap-fest seriously. Yet, I continued watching because of Keke Palmer--she's great. Just about everything else about it made me want to turn it off, especially the god awful camera-work (most TV shows look better than this), and the even worse score--meant to cue emotional responses with all the subtlety of a 50-foot neon sign.

Atchison has crafted a moving, even inspirational winner of a film. It's not that Akeelah and the Bee treads unique territory. The plot mostly follows the Rocky template, as our hero overcomes impossible odds for her shot at unlikely glory. In fact, things get downright corny at several key moments. But I didn't care at all. The story had me, and it kept working right up to the end. (pluggedin.com)

Predictable inspirational sappy sludge.

Decent little drama. Definately seemed a little canned, although I thought Keke and Laurence put in above respectable performances. Angela Bassett on the other hand usually seemed to be dialing in on cringe-inducing. The kids do a good job.

It's ok but too formulaic for my taste, therefore too predictable.

Never thought I would enjoy a movie with Keke Palmer as the lead...but he were are. Akeelah and the Bee is very conventional in it's "going against the odds" story arch, but it had surprisingly strong characters and motives. It's social commentary and exploration of poverty and inequality is surprising for a kids movie. It even takes a few nice turns in the end and I think it has a real nice feel good ending you stands above the typical ending you'd see in a film like this. Very good.

Fine but forgettable

i cant relate

Movies do not always have to be about something NEW and UNIQUE and SHOCKING in order to be good. This is a straightforward narrative which is not in vogue at the moment. But it is well-told and the kids really steal the spotlight. I would expect from Palmer's performance to see her in quite a few more feature films. She showed she has range.

I can't remember why I watched this, but I did.

This movie was O.K for a kids movie/Drama.

it's no spellbound

I haven't seen the beginning of the movie, but I liked the 2/3 which I've seen. It may not be so original, because many movies are telling a story about a poor person who wants to pursue their dreams,but it definitely gives a hope.The movie shows that there will be obstacles on the road to victory, but also shows that there are also other precious things except victory itself.The young girl may sometimes make strange faces as a part of her acting "skill", but in general, it's enjoyable to watch.

"A sentimental attempt to piggyback on the continued popularity of Spellbound." - Nick Schager

Disappointing performances, lackluster writing, and pedestrian production hamper this effort. Only the star, young Keke Palmer, really stands out. Still, a reasonable thing to pick up if you are looking for a flick for the whole family.

;)

good movie

Well, I liked it. The characters were good and the story was great.

Good film.

Swet and wholesome, but do all kids' movies need to suggest that you have win inorder to succeed?

Interesting story.

This one is a sleeper! Great feel-good movie!

Really fab...Keke Palmer stole the show on this one. Very strong performances from all the child actors. A nice feel good movie.

Pleasant allbeit unbelievable.

Perfectly acceptable family movie that doesn't feel too After School Special-ish, and doesn't fall into the usual predictable plotlines.

A well-made feel-good formula film that still raises interesting issues, while delivering a nice story told in competent fashion.

It's a good movie. Pretty much everyone except people who hate education can find something to enjoy.

Very good movie with elements that both adults and children can enjoy. The story of an ambitious girl lacking proper direction and a mentor who is afraid of becoming too close.

Completely unrealistic, but joyous and inspirational. The kids are all great, especially the Mexican kid. A very feel good film.