Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Seinfeld comedy is cute fun for the whole family.
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Why Age 7+?
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Bee Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 48 parent reviews
Parents say the movie offers a mix of light-hearted comedy and educational elements, appealing especially to younger viewers and adults who appreciate witty humor, but many express concerns about its accuracy regarding bee behavior and its suitability for children due to mature themes and suggestive content. While some find it entertaining and a good family watch, others criticize the plot's absurdity, uncomfortable romantic implications, and inappropriate scenes that may distress sensitive viewers.
- entertaining yet inaccurate
- suitable for young audiences
- mature themes present
- educational value
- absurd plot points
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 139 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie has an interesting storyline and humor, filled with memorable quotes like "Ya like jazz?" However, it also contains numerous inappropriate elements, including sexual innuendos, profanity, and a strange romantic plot between a bee and a human, leading many to question its suitability for children.
- inappropriate content
- mixed reviews
- memorable quotes
- strange romance
- humor struggles
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In BEE MOVIE, Barry Benson (voiced by Jerry Seinfeld), who's just graduated from bee college, is horrified to learn that he must pick his life-long job as a worker bee and will never get a day off. But then he gets the chance to leave the hive and ends up flying into the apartment of friendly florist Vanessa Bloome (Renée Zellweger), who saves him from being smooshed by her arrogant boyfriend (Seinfeld vet Patrick Warburton). In addition to the interspecies crush that Barry develops on Vanessa, he finds out, to his disgust, that humans flagrantly consume honey -- the nectar his kind toil their entire lives to produce -- in everything from lip balm to tea. At that point, the comedy takes a slight backseat to a bit of courtroom drama (presided over by an Oprah Winfrey-voiced judge), wherein the bees sue the honey corporations.
Is It Any Good?
The humor is there (Seinfeld is a gifted comedian, even in the form of his bee alter ego), and the story is original (although quirky). But Bee Movie's animation isn't nearly as amazing as that found in Pixar films, and only a couple of characters get major laughs. This film was Jerry Seinfeld's labor of love, and he worked hard promoting the honey out of the picture. But it falls slightly below expectations, and current watchers will find some of the humor, particularly around gender and race, a bit stale.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what parts of Bee Movie are intended to appeal to kids, and which ones are meant for adults. How can you tell?
Families can also discuss why the bees, particularly Barry, wanted their honey returned. Does honey seem more important now than before you saw the film?
What's the role of bees in the environment? What happens when bees are no longer around to do their pollinating work?
How do Barry and his friends show courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 1, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : March 10, 2008
- Cast : Jerry Seinfeld , Matthew Broderick , Renee Zellweger
- Directors : Simon J. Smith , Steve Hickner
- Inclusion Information : Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : DreamWorks
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Bugs ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild suggestive humor, and a brief depiction of smoking.
- Last updated : March 13, 2026
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