A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Bee Movie

Date Viewed: 11/11/07

Details:

Voice talent: Jerry Seinfeld (Barry B. Benson)

Renee Zellweger (Vanessa Bloome)

Matthew Broderick (Adam Flayman)

Patrick Warburton (Ken)

John Goodman (Layton T. Montgomery)

Chris Rock (Mooseblood)

Kathy Bates (Janet Benson)

Barry Levinson (Martin Benson)

Rip Torn (Lou Lo Duca)

Director: Steve Hickner & Simon J. Smith

Score: 1/2

The Review: One almost reasonable biology lesson -- albeit distorting both time and space -- and several sets of incorrect biology lessons: this is certainly no apian documentary. But entertaining? Moderately, in part from good voice talent selection and in part some decent shtick from Seinfeld himself.

Zellweger plays a florist who becomes the object of a crush by an adolescent male bee (Seinfeld) -- who's just graduated bee academy and doesn't want to join in the family stirring business. But he's probably not suited to pollen & food collection -- well, not only because he's male (there goes one failed lesson) -- because he's a bit of a wimp. But that doesn't deter him from going out to see the big world, and get caught in a rainstorm, then trapped in Zellweger's apartment. They go on to develop a relationship, the bees go on strike, and the world goes to hell in a hand-basket. Bummer.

Good supporting voice roles for Chris Rock, Kathy Bates and John Goodman. Fragmentary, over-the-top parody (homage?) to Airplane, The Graduate, and the "Larry King Show." However, you may consider leaving the theatre early -- nausea-inducing final credits, weaving left and right as they scroll.

Hans Zimmer apparently consulted on the score, although Rupert Gregson-Williams took the credit.

(12-Nov-07)

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