Bee Movie Review: Unfunny, Pointless

Having seen Bee Movie today, I can unequivocally say that it's the worst kids movie of the past few years. There were no laughs, a boring plot and no real point whatsoever. The movie was obviously made simply to capitalize on Jerry Seinfeld's fan base, since he wrote and starred in this collection of bad puns. If you thought the bee puns in the movie trailers and in Seinfeld's interviews about the movie were bad, stay away from the theater.

The Plot

A bee graduates from the mandatory three days of bee college and is told to pick a job for life. The inside of the hive is made up of various roller coasters, highways and industrial honey production facilities. The bees are all happy to do their jobs- except for Seinfeld's character. No reason for this is given, giving that aspect of the movie an unrealistic feeling reminiscent of Ayn Rand's "Anthem." One guy is different for no reason, and that one guy, in this case a bee, sets out to change the world. So how will he do it? Will it be an engaging, feel good process that benefits everyone and sets the bees free of drudgery? Heck no. It's a long, drawn out lawsuit as the bees sue humankind for stealing their honey. That's just what kids want to watch- a lawsuit.

The lawsuit made up about a third of the movie, and resulted in no laughs and only the worst types of puns. Sting was put on the stand to answer for his stage name, and "Bee Larry King' interviewed Seinfeld's character about the case. Yes, that was the best name they could give him. At the end, the end of honey production meant that the world would end due to and end to pollination, which is both realistic and uninteresting to kids. After this, the bees are seen to be back into honey production for no reason, even though they have been given all of the honey that humans took and don't need to make it anymore. No explanation was given, and at that point, none was wanted. By that time the only thing I wanted was to see the credits.

The Problem

The movie wasn't funny, and seemed to make very few attempts at humor. The point for adults is then becoming engaged in the plot, which is pointless and vague. If the movie were funny or interesting, the plot would be beside the point. But, faced with this lack of humor, attention wanes as the many holes in he plot create frustration and the loss of $26 for matinee tickets. How does a florist file a lawsuit? Why does replacing a stinger with a plastic one help a bee to live after stinging someone? How does the incoming tide of honey from humans affect the hive? Why would an average bee from an average bee family be the only bee in 26 million years who didn't want to make honey? Why is he then allowed to fly around randomly instead of joining the rest of the hive in making honey? Why does he feel compelled to be the first bee in history to talk to humans? I have no idea, and neither did the writer. If you're going to make a kids movie, it should be funny at some point. If not, it should be engaging, amazing or fantastical. This movie was none of those. But, if you enjoy courtroom dramas full of plot holes, this may be the movie for you.