Bee Movie will have whole family buzzing

With the end of the year fast approaching, a deluge of films by promoters hoping for Oscar nomination is beginning. Two such films have just been released, with much publicity, and have had impressive box-office receipts.

DreamWorks / Paramount / CNS Vanessa, voiced by Renee Zellweger, and bee Barry B. Benson, voiced by Jerry Seinfeld, are seen in the animated film Bee Movie.

BEE MOVIE, which has much to recommend it, is certainly likely to be nominated in the Animated Films category, and deservedly so, though this Dream Works production doesn't have quite the flair of such films as TOY STORY or MONSTERS INC.

It tells the story of a bee, Barry Bee Benson, who wishes to escape from the daily drudgery of the hive, and who not only gets out to explore New York City, but even manages to establish a peculiar romantic relationship with a young human florist, Vanessa.

While its story more than taxes the limits of credulity, even for a cartoon, it does have an array of original characters, including a friendly mosquito (voiced by Chris Rock) and a whole variety of bee characters. More important, it has a witty script which will appeal to children and adults alike.

The children will doubtless like the plot, which has originality, as well as some of the farcical humour. The adults will enjoy the succession of "one-liners" and the film references, most notably to THE GRADUATE. The animation includes bright, crisp colours and lots of inventive detail.

In no small measure the film clearly owes a lot of its success to Jerry Seinfeld, who not only produced it and helped with the script, but who also effectively voices Barry. Credit too must be given to Renee Zellweger, who does an equally effective job of voicing Vanessa.

BEE MOVIE delivers exactly what it promises: great entertainment for the whole family.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I - general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. The B.C. rating is General.