Smartorhypo
Highly Overrated But Still Good
SanEat
A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."
Gary
The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.
NileFortnerBoogieBuddha954
**WARNING A COUPLE OF SPOILERS**Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer) is an eleven year old girl, who lives in South Los Angeles. She has a talent for spelling, and believes that she can make it to a National Spelling Bee. At 1st her mother (Angela Bassett) doesn't think it is a good idea for her daughter. Akeelah then finds a teacher named Dr. Larabee, (Laurence Fishburne), who coaches her, and believes she has what it takes to win the National Spelling Bee.This film does a fantastic job of entertaining, inspiring, and really tugging at your heartstrings. Every character in the film I could get behind, understand, and even relate too as well. Whether you feel sympathy, angered, or misunderstood about a character, this movie delivers great characters. For instance, Dr. Larabee's character was well done; I loved how he saw a little bit of his daughter in Akeelah. It made the 2 characters seem really connected, and it added to the film, by making him more emotionally attached to our main character. Dr. Larabee is more than just a life coach in the film. He teaches Akeelah strategy, positive thinking, overcoming the odds, and will power. I also found it interesting that Dr. Larabee's last name spells bee, and the movie plot focuses on the spelling bee.In addition, I loved how Akeelah had flashbacks to when her dad was alive, and how Akeelah would look at the picture of her father, and say things like "You would believe in me." It was a reflection on how her father is still with her in spirit and in conscience. One character I didn't like at first, was Dylan. The movie did a great job at making him seem cocky, and ruthless. Only because of his father; his father put pressure on him to win. Dylan's true nature shows at the end of the film. Even Dylan's father's character changed.So these are my final Bitchin' Buddha thoughts. No matter how old you are, you can enjoy this film. Everyone from 10 to 110, will have a great time. It's full of heart, great and relatable characters. I believe Akeelah and the Bee earns a ...9/10 !This review is brought to you by Boogie Buddha, and remember, don't just get down but get Boogie. Thank you for reading, and viewing, and I hope you have an amazing day as always. :)
bob9354
Before I even start, let me tell you who I am. First and foremost, I am a 61 year old father of five and sucker for feel good movies that are squeaky clean. I love movies that hit me emotionally, have good character development, and likable characters. I also love movies that feature any level of character redemption, where bad people become good. When I leave a movie, I don't want to feel depressed. When all is said and done, I think there's a longing in each human heart for a happy ending. I actually believe that this longing is rooted in our, mostly unconscious, longing to know God and believe in His ability to make even the darkest circumstance work out in the end.Given all that criteria, this movie is a perfect ten for me. I have probably watched it ten times. Every time I watch it I have tears streaming down my face. I used to try to get all my kids and their friends to watch it and, for some reason, they usually are not as impressed as I am. It seems that the younger the viewer, the less likely they are to rate the movie highly. Most of my older adult friends love it. I feel pretty confident in saying that if you loved August Rush, you'll love this movie.
freakfire-1
A National spelling bee, a girl from south Los Angeles, and a retired Professor of English. What does that make for? A feel good movie about a girl who overcomes and wins, despite the drawbacks.The film has a certain Disney-esquire feel to it, without the Disney brand. Nor does it afford the names Disney can afford. However, this film might jump-start the career of Keke Palmer.It is kind of typical in the sense that the underdog student comes out on top over the big winning student. Yet they all become friends? I suppose to be a valuable insight for people, however it is not realistic.The student-retired-professor bond isn't that spectacular, but isn't great either. And in real life not often do whole communities get behind one student at the expense of another.Overall, its sub-par. Acting is OK, but its needs a lot of work. "D+"
cygnus42
I found this movie rich, inspiring, powerful. It's loaded with strong values, strong characters, powerful ideas. This tight, well-directed and well-acted story captured me as it presents natural acts of courage and community-building and friendship. Let me not forget the individual and collective struggles with external and internal obstacles! The layers of courage and friendship and support cross racial, ethnic, age, class, family, and gender boundaries. Mostly, it's a story about extending oneself to others. Thank you to all involved in creating this amazing and beautiful (pulchritudinous) story! See this powerful movie! Watch this with your kids! Dare to be powerful!
