 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Akeelah and the Bee
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Inspiring drama about a champion speller; OK for tweens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
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.
What families can talk about
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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- Teens & kids
Kid, 10 years old
April 29, 2011
AGE
Perfect for all ages, but young viewers may not understand, but fun for family!! :)
This movie was shown on Disney Channel once and when I saw it, I knew it that it was perfect for ALL ages.. The film was actually great, and our family watched it. It helps to be educational because after all it takes place at a Spelling bee right? I just loved the way the boy stalled ( I quite can't remember the name) for Akeelah at the spelling bee.. That was great teamwork! Her backstory, just like what auntie peepa said, was a fault and sad, but other than that, it was typically GR8!
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AGE
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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AGE
Good message, but a good bit of mild language
Language is mostly in the first half of the movie, but there are several places where someone says a mild curse.
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AGE
Inspirational Movie
Good movie that's inspirational and really good for young kids.
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Kid, 10 years old
March 9, 2010
AGE
Normal drama
One kiss. One s-t, hell is common.
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AGE
We were on the edge of our seats!
I liked that his movie was a drama and not a cartoon, or comedy for kids. This movie had all of us on the edge of our seats at the very end. My 6yo lost interest and was playing on the iPod by the end of the movie. But for my 8yo and husband we loved this and will be watching it again. The language mention of s!@t at the beginning was quick and nothing my kid haven't over heard from other adults!
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Kid, 11 years old
April 17, 2011
AGE
Great!!!
Good movie. It's very educational because you can learn the words when she (Akeelah)learns them. Her backstory is a little scary but other than that it's great!!
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Kid, 10 years old
January 29, 2011
AGE
5 star spelling movie!
anyone who gets spelling tests should watch this movie!
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AGE
Heartwarming movie that's awesome for the whole family . . .
Honestly, this is one of my absoulte favourite movies, because it touches on everything, including a kid who beats all the odds to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee. It's heartwarming, charming, funny, and the perfect mix between a documentry and a drama/ comedy. It's a great movie with great messages that being smart can have power to change your life and the others around you.
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AGE
Our family watched it last night and loved it. Yes there were a couple of words my children are not allowed to use, but they hear those words on the school bus anyway, and at least this provided an opportunity to remind them that those words are unacceptable. I think it was good to see that all children do not grow up with the benefits that they (our children) have, and that by working hard you can achieve positive outcomes.
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| Topics: | great girl role models, misfits and underdogs |
| Studio: | Lionsgate |
| Director: | Doug Atchison |
| Cast: | Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer, Laurence Fishburne |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 112 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 28, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | August 29, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some language. |
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