"Akeelah and the Bee" is a heartwarming tale that follows a young girl in her struggle to succeed despite an economically disadvantaged upbringing. Eleven-year-old Akeelah is a student who once routinely skipped classes but becomes dedicated to her school life and strives to win the National Spelling Bee.
The story of a troubled kid from a poor background who tries to break out of their dreary living conditions is nothing new in the realm of cinema. The British-boy ballet "Billy Elliot" took itself seriously, as did Gus Van Sant's genius-in-the-hood flick "Finding Forrester." "Akeelah and the Bee" follows suit with an endearing story but unlike the others, it has a bit too much cheddar to rank with the better rags-to-riches pictures.
At school in the South Los Angeles Crenshaw district, Akeelah seems more interested in hanging out with her friends and blowing off gym class than applying herself.
The movie accurately portrays the rough children of the Crenshaw school district, and Akeelah herself is portrayed as a believable character. However, this precocious young girl is undeniably bright and notably stands out above the rest. With the exception of Akeelah, the characters in this film are generally uninteresting.
In cheesy fashion, it becomes evident that Akeelah is a diamond in the rough. The story sometimes seems gratuitously sentimental, and it hurriedly unfolds as Akeelah makes her way out of the gutter.
One of Akeelah's teachers recognizes her unique talent while observing that Akeelah always receives 100 percent on her spelling exams, and she admittedly does so without studying. This teacher encourages Akeelah to participate in the school spelling bee, and the girl reluctantly agrees.
The foreseeable direction of this movie is one of its major flaws because the outcome is unsurprising and the plot is dull.
Competing with ease, Akeelah shuts down the other students effortlessly. It is at this spelling bee that school Principal Mr. Welch (Curtis Armstrong of "Ray") and Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne of "The Matrix"), catch a glimpse of Akeelah's startling talent. Wanting to gain positive publicity for his school district, Mr. Welch capitalizes on Akeelah's knack for spelling and convinces Dr. Larabee to be her personal spelling coach, as he himself was once a champion speller.
The characters in this film are developed particularly well. One becomes attached to them as the story progresses, but for the most part they lack the individuality and depth required to hold any substantial amount of attention.
As Akeelah and Dr. Larabee embark on their training sessions together, an astonishing change occurs in both characters. Akeelah begins to shed her negative attitude and Ebonics slang, and Dr. Larabee softens up and becomes much less of the mysterious character he initially depicts.
This film demonstrates the importance of hard work and believing in oneself. The message conveyed throughout the movie encourages individuals to push themselves and always strive to achieve greatness.
Yes, it is corny, but sometimes we need to hear it.
The movie also touches on stereotypes and promotes diversity when Akeelah befriends several children from wealthier school districts.
Although this movie is fairly predictable and somewhat clich?(c), it contains a positive message revealed through a truly enjoyable story.
