by Mairen Brown

Bee Movie is a 2007 animation that follows the story of Barry B. Benson, a honeybee who sues the human race for stealing bees’ honey. In this animated comedy, written by Jerry Seinfield, Barry learns how to bend the rules, break boundaries, a little lesson called the circle of life, and when enough is enough. He does all of this with the help of friend, Adam Flaymon, another honey bee in his hive, and human florist, Vanessa Bloom, who also happens to be the object of Barry’s affection. In the end, Barry and Vanessa win the honey trial, but not all is good from then on. The world around them starts to die from lack of pollination, so in the end, Barry and Vanessa have to save the last of the world’s flowers, and get them to the Parade of Roses in Pasadena. They end up saving the flowers, and Barry and the honeybees decide it is best for bees to go back to their honey-making way of life. 

This movie is like no other animated comedy. It is truly one of a kind, the best. But let me explain why. First, the animation, although there is nothing extraordinary or exceedingly inventive about the animation of Bee Movie, the animation has a very comfortable and nostalgic feel. The character outfits, composition, and visuals are simple, and don’t change more than once or twice within the whole film. This allows for a character to be easily identified, which definitely adds to the nostalgic factor. The simplicity of the characters and the surroundings also adds to the comedic effect. Many characters in the movie are stereotypical based on voice actors and the way the average or “American” family would look.  

Now, the writing. All of the writers are truly the ones to thank for this iconic film. The jokes embedded within the writing are truly timeless. I have been a true lover of this movie for as long as I can remember. As I’ve gotten older, I realize I catch on to more of the jokes that may have previously gone over my head, each time I rewatch. The writers have graced us with the “ya like jazz” memes and the “My sweaters Ralph Lauren, and I have no pants” quotes from Barry B. Benson. Even though this movie is most definitely a comedy, it still has depth. It has a purpose that many comedies before did not. The only thing about this movie is that the progression of this story, writing wise, is pretty predictable.  

Lastly, the storyline. This movie follows the life of a bee, which is already interesting. We’ve all seen the life of a human, dog, cat, and honestly any animal with four legs, but there is something so unique about this being about, and from a bees’ perspective. No one has shown this story, this side, this struggle before, and it shows how much the smallest thing affects our world. And it is about so much more too!  It features love, lust, friendship, community, individuality, isolation, and so many more fancy words. It has enough themes to last any person a lifetime and has taught me a lot.  
My overall opinion of the Bee Movie is very clear. I mean hey, I might be a little biased, it is one of, if not my favorite movie, and I hope I was able to show you why. Go watch Bee Movie on Netflix now!