Language is mostly in the first half of the movie, but there are several places where someone says a mild curse.
Akeelah and the Bee
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Inspiring drama about a champion speller.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Akeelah and the Bee was written by Cynthia Fuchs
Parents need to know that the movie includes mild language (the s-word) and early on, some "attitude" from the young girl at its center. But her "ghetto" vernacular is a show to try to "fit in," a thematic concern throughout the film, for the girl and adults around her. A related theme is coping with loss; a couple of sad conversations recall the deaths of loved ones (one by gun violence, another by disease), and divorce. Characters lie to protect loved ones, and must make amends. In a couple of scenes, the mother and daughter argue. A couple of women characters wear tight tops; the girl's coach has a drink one evening alone.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the importance of pursuing one's interests and dreams, especially as this can inspire collaborations. How does Akeelah's success inspire others to feel part of a group, as her spelling becomes a community project? How can you be true to lost loved ones by moving forward into the future?
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More on Akeelah and the Bee
What’s the Story?
Intelligent and charming, AKEELAH AND THE BEE traces the delicate, courageous process of a little girl's growing up. Akeelah (Keke Palmer) is a resolute, self-protecting 11-year-old with a gift for spelling. Trying to "fit in" with her classmates at a middle school in Los Angeles' Crenshaw district, she misses her father (killed by gunfire when she was six) and doesn't see enough of her hardworking mother Tanya (Angela Bassett) or starting-to-act-tough brother. After she wins a classwide bee, her principal (Curtis Armstrong) decides she should compete: he wants to promote the school, but he's also drawn to the earnestness of this brilliant girl who's been "left behind" by a dysfunctional school system. He solicits the help of his imposing friend Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne), who agrees to coach Akeelah if she agrees to cease her "ghetto" talk, study hard, and above all, believe in herself. Akeelah doesn't quite trust this interloper, and is disinclined to give up what she understands as her individuality to accommodate him. Larabee, however, points out that her notion of independence is only conformity. The film focuses on Akeelah's growing respect for Larabee and his increasing trust of her and her evolving relationship with her practical, hardworking mom. But it is in her relationships with other kids that Akeelah is a stand-out in this formula film. She goes through some back-and-forth with her best friend at school, Kiana (Erica Hubbard), who thrills to Akeelah's success initially, then feels left out of the bee crowd. Akeelah's bee friends, Javier (J.R. Villarreal) and Dylan (Sean Michael), make her feel like less of a misfit, because they share her interests, her drive, and, at least to an extent, her gift.
Is It Any Good?
In large part, the film's delights have to do with Palmer's winning performance, most apparent in one-on-one scenes with Tanya or Larabee. But the movie has something else going on as well. Embracing the conventions that make so many other genre films feel stale, Akeelah torques them slightly too. Akeelah finds her spelling in a particular sort of physical rhythm, tapping out letters on her thigh with her fingers or hearing the letters in her head as she jumps rope. She not only embodies her gift and her passion, but she also inspires new ways of thinking about intellectual activities. When Larabee tells her that he needs "a lot of order" in his life, Akeelah demonstrates ways that order might be felt.
Movie Details
Studio: Lionsgate, Director: Doug Atchison
Run time: 112 minutes
Theatrical release: 04/28/2006, DVD release: 08/29/2006
MPAA Rating: PG for some language
Run time: 112 minutes
Theatrical release: 04/28/2006, DVD release: 08/29/2006
MPAA Rating: PG for some language
Our Members Say
See all 54 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Good message, but a good bit of mild language
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Very inspiring!
An excellent movie with positive role models for middle-school children. I wish I had seen this when I was younger; I would have worked harder for my school Spelling Bee (I came in 2nd place). I didn't find anything wrong with this movie, but little kids might be bored.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Increadble i-n-c-r-e-a-b-l-e
very touching smart flim with not much to worry about
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Educational
an inspriring story about a girl who loves to spell
I saw this movie not to long ago and it is very good and teaches kids to follow there dreams. The story is about an 11 year old girl named Akeelah Anderson who lost her dad beacause somebody had shot him when she was 6. Shortly after his death Akeelah learns that she loves spelling and is very good at it. At age 11 she tries out for her schools spelling bee and then moves on to another one of course her goal is to get 1st place at the spelling bee in washinton D.C. Through all this she exsperinces love, sadness, and a bigger wile to spell. The content in this movie is pritty much age apropreat for the age it's amed at (8 and up) There some iffy stuff like Akeelah begins to like a boy and he likes her back. They share 2 kisses on the check and in the middle of the film the boy akeelah likes makes a sexual non- ofensive joke that mekes Akeelah laugh. there is also some iffy mild language and peoeple talk about people who have died. Overall great movie i recomend it! PS: the movie is also pritty educational 2. It taught me to spell words i never thought i could spell.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
GOOD SPELLER.
I LOVE THAT MOVIE.IT IS SO INTERESTING TO SEE.I LIKED IT.SHE WAS SO SMART TO.ALSO AKEELAH WAS SUCH A GOOD SPELLER.
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Don't let the cover fool u
don' t let the cover of the movie fool u. It may look like an ok movie for all kids but it isnt. There is some language that is very unsuitable for young kids and there is talk about death. And there was one scene where a boy kissed a girl then said "are you going to sue me for sexual harrasment?" That joke will go over some viewers heads but not all. Besides all those things Akeelah is a perfect role model for young kids she teaches them never to give up even when things seem hopeless. Also the show (f your child is paying very close attention) will teach them the basics on teaching them how to spell big words from little words.
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A SAD STORY ABOUT LOS
Something parents should know is that even though this movie looks sweat and 100% inisent it isnt. There is brief language and lots of tlak about los of family and how hard it is which can be way to much for young children. But most 8 year olds will be able to handle it and then some wont. Just bare in mind this drama is mainly about LOS, but it is still a very good movie with very good messges about being yourself and never giving up.
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
its a classic
i think this is a great movie it is really inspiring and loving! it makes u so happy and so sad its like ur in the movie
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Very good movie
This is a very good movie, but it may be innapropriate for 9 and under due to some swearing.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
it was good and worth seeing
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
perfect for all ages which are under 16
i likeed it and the massage in it is clear and with a positive meaning!! my brother liked it he is 8 years old
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I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
I love it!!
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
The Greatest Movie Since Cinderella!
This is a great heartwarming movie for the whole family. My only concern is a little swearing, but I think that it is okay for 7 year olds.
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
Some language, but not a big problem
Violence: 3/10-Talk of tragic deaths, young girl bullied Sex/Nudity: 1/10-One sexual joke Language: 4/10-one "s" word, everything else milder
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
My sisters and i have seen this movie and we think its a great movie but it has some inappropriate language.
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
V-E-R-Y G-O-O-D M-O-V-I-E
A fine movie that my class and I enjoyed thuroughly, I'm glad it ended the way it did.
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I rate this title pause for age 7 and give it
Go Akeelah!
Well, this film starts out a little boring, but the heroine is someone that you can root for. In fact, this film is educational, what with all the spelling. Pretty good!
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
surprisingly good
At first, I had no desire to see this movie. But since it seemed to have an interesting plot, I sat down and watched it. This is a truly great movie. It is one of those rare movies that manages to please all. S-words make it inappropriate for little kids, and those same kids may find it boring (what a shame..). Amazing movie for 8+
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I rate this title off for age 13 and give it
beware--bad langauge
The teacher in my child's fourth grade class sent a letter of apology home after starting this movie in class. Think twice about these reviews because this movie is not what it seems. Take the time to see it first!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
An Excellent Drama About a Young Girl
This is probably one of the best movies I've seen in my life. I recomend this movie to anyone who is looking for something different. Watch as a family!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 67% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 67% | of parents say it's educational |
| 67% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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