In addition to the problems of the multiple plotlines, there was the fact that this film was way over-hyped. Bee Movie Junior commercials on NBC, spoiler trailers from over a year ago and other commercials on television led many to believe that this movie was going to be the next cartoon blockbuster

We’re all aware of the trend of computer animated cartoons in the movie industry today. In fact, there seems to be a formula for making such a film: Take a couple of big name actors, place them in leading roles, and hype it up.

“Bee Movie” is no different. In fact, the voice of nearly every single character is someone identifiable. And the hype! If you didn’t catch the Bee Movie TV Juniors on NBC, then you’re probably not a regular viewer of that particular network.

“Bee Movie” follows the life of Barry B. Benson (Jerry Seinfeld), an ordinary honeybee who has just graduated from Bee College (within days of his birth). With perfect grades – all B’s – Barry is poised to choose whatever job he wants.

Unfortunately, he must keep that job for the rest of his life! Fearing the total commitment of possibly stirring honey for the rest of his life, Barry flees the hive with the Pollen Jocks, the elite group of bees responsible for collecting honey and pollinating flowers throughout the area.

But Barry gets lost on his first trip outside the hive, and finds himself in the apartment of florist Vanessa Blume (Renée Zellweger), who saves his life from her boyfriend Ken (who seeks to kill our beloved hero). Barry, upon discovering that not all humans hate bees, decides to break “bee law” and talk to Vanessa. Initially shocked and believing herself to be dreaming, Vanessa and Barry develop an unlikely friendship that spans across their respective species.

As their friendship grows, Vanessa brings Barry to her grocery store. It is there that he discovers a horrible truth: Humans are keeping bees and using their honey to make a profit! Upon this discovery, Barry takes the top honey producing companies to court and sues them for the right to his – and bees’ worldwide – hard-earned honey.

Remarkably, Barry wins the court case, with the judge ordering the companies to hand over the honey that they produced and to free all bees being held in captivity. With their honey now in their hands, the bees of the world discover that they no longer have to work as hard as they once did, and take a much needed break that has no end in sight…but this extended vacation may have repercussions that affect not only Barry’s hive, but perhaps the world itself.

Though not without its occasional sidesplitting puns involving bees, “Bee Movie” was a disappointment due to its multiple plotlines. Within the movie, we have three different stories: first, Barry escaping the hive and meeting/interacting with humans; second, suing the honey companies and winning the lawsuit; and third, the result of said lawsuit and resolving the problems that come from it. From these separate plots, the movie is forced to move at a faster pace than normal movies are accustomed to; and with three highly developed plotlines in just 90 minutes, the movie seems to be forced down the audience’s throat.

In addition to the problems of the multiple plotlines, there was the fact that this film was way over-hyped. Bee Movie Junior commercials on NBC, spoiler trailers from over a year ago and other commercials on television led many to believe that this movie was going to be the next cartoon blockbuster. Instead, it was a decent cartoon about a bee that ultimately saves the world.

Finally, there was one joke within the movie that might not have been appropriate for children, if you do end up seeing this movie with your kids. The joke revolves around suicide, and though the film was rated PG, it may not have been suitable for a movie where younger children may be present.

I felt disappointment after leaving the theater, though not for seeing a bad movie. Rather, it was the result of getting my hopes up for a movie starring some big-name celebrities. The film would have been just as good had it not starred Jerry Seinfeld, though it probably wouldn’t have done as well financially. Instead, we were teased with the prospects of a well-known comedian being able to make the film funnier than it was.

Overall, I would give this film a C+ on a grading scale, meaning I wouldn’t recommend seeing it unless you have children or a few bucks to waste (wait until you can rent it if you can).

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