SCREEN IT! PARENTAL REVIEW: AKEELAH AND THE BEE

"AKEELAH AND THE BEE"
(2006) (Keke Palmer, Laurence Fishburne) (PG)

Alcohol/ Drugs	Blood/Gore	Disrespectful/ Bad Attitude	Frightening/ Tense Scenes	Guns/ Weapons
Minor	Minor	Heavy	None	None

Imitative Behavior	Jump Scenes	Music (Scary/Tense)	Music (Inappropriate)	Profanity
Mild	None	None	*None	Mild

Sex/ Nudity	Smoking	Tense Family Scenes	Topics To Talk About	Violence
Minor	Minor	Moderate	Moderate	Minor

QUICK TAKE:: Drama: With the help of a caring but strict mentor, an inner-city girl tries to make her way to the National Spelling Bee championship.

PLOT:

Akeelah Anderson (KEKE PALMER) is a bright if unmotivated 11-year-old student at a south Los Angeles middle school. Teased and taunted by other girls for being smart, Akeelah downplays her intelligence and enjoys spending time with her friend Georgia (SARAHA GAREY) when not looking up to her brother Devon (LEE THOMPSON YOUNG) who's training to become a pilot in the Air Force. But her widowed mom, Tanya (ANGELA BASSETT), doesn't have much time for her, what with older sister Kiana (ERICA HUBBARD) having a newborn and teenage sibling Terrence (JULITO McCULLUM) having fallen in with a local gang.

Realizing her potential, Principal Bob Welch (CURTIS ARMSTRONG) encourages Akeelah to enter the school's spelling bee, having planted his longtime friend Dr. Joshua Larabee (LAURENCE FISHBURNE) in the audience. He's a college professor who teaches his courses online, and he immediately tests Akeelah's proficiency, quickly noting her abilities that are far more advanced than her grade level.

While both are somewhat initially reluctant to work with each other, they eventually come to an agreement where he'll serve as her spelling bee mentor as long as she follows his strict rules. Despite some bumps in the road, her skill increases, eventually leading to more prominent competitions where she meets the likes of friendly Javier (J.R. VILLARREAL), who shows her the ropes, and the far more serious and uptight Dylan (SEAN MICHAEL) whose single-minded and stern father, Mr. Chiu (TZI MA), wants nothing but complete success from his son.

As Joshua must deal with his own personal issues, he pushes Akeelah -- who now has the growing support of her community behind her -- to be the best that she can, all as she hopes to make it to the national championship bee.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?: Some could be drawn to it, especially if they're into spelling bees or are fans of someone in the cast.

WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG: For some language.

CAST AS ROLE MODELS:: KEKE PALMER plays an 11-year-old inner-city girl who tries to hide her smarts for fear of being teased about that. After she decides to allow Joshua to tutor her for spelling bee competitions, she must put up with that as well as the initial lack of support from her widowed mom.
LAURENCE FISHBURNE plays a professor who agrees to tutor Akeelah but only if she agrees to his strict rules. He does what he can to motivate her all while dealing with his own personal baggage.
ANGELA BASSETT plays Akeelah's widowed and busy mom who doesn't have the time or energy to support the girl's quest (especially since she must deal with her teenage son who's gotten involved in gangs).
CURTIS ARMSTRONG plays Akeelah's principal who's the first to see her potential and encourages his friend Joshua to take her on as his pupil.
SARAHA GAREY plays Akeelah's friend who eventually feels slighted that Akeelah is spending more time with Javier than her.
J.R. VILLARREAL plays another spelling bee contestant who befriends and encourages Akeelah to keep pursuing her goal.
SEAN MICHAEL plays another competitor who doesn't socialize with the others and is all business, mainly because of his father's demands on him to succeed.
JULITO McCULLUM plays Akeelah's brother who's fallen in with the wrong crowd (although they eventually help Akeelah in her quest in a decidedly non-gang fashion).
ERICA HUBBARD plays their sister, a new mother.
LEE THOMPSON YOUNG plays their brother who's in the Air Force and wants to be a pilot.
TZI MA plays Dylan's stern and demanding father who will accept nothing other than success from his son in the spelling bee.; LAURENCE FISHBURNE plays a professor who agrees to tutor Akeelah but only if she agrees to his strict rules. He does what he can to motivate her all while dealing with his own personal baggage.
ANGELA BASSETT plays Akeelah's widowed and busy mom who doesn't have the time or energy to support the girl's quest (especially since she must deal with her teenage son who's gotten involved in gangs).
CURTIS ARMSTRONG plays Akeelah's principal who's the first to see her potential and encourages his friend Joshua to take her on as his pupil.
SARAHA GAREY plays Akeelah's friend who eventually feels slighted that Akeelah is spending more time with Javier than her.
J.R. VILLARREAL plays another spelling bee contestant who befriends and encourages Akeelah to keep pursuing her goal.
SEAN MICHAEL plays another competitor who doesn't socialize with the others and is all business, mainly because of his father's demands on him to succeed.
JULITO McCULLUM plays Akeelah's brother who's fallen in with the wrong crowd (although they eventually help Akeelah in her quest in a decidedly non-gang fashion).
ERICA HUBBARD plays their sister, a new mother.
LEE THOMPSON YOUNG plays their brother who's in the Air Force and wants to be a pilot.
TZI MA plays Dylan's stern and demanding father who will accept nothing other than success from his son in the spelling bee.; ANGELA BASSETT plays Akeelah's widowed and busy mom who doesn't have the time or energy to support the girl's quest (especially since she must deal with her teenage son who's gotten involved in gangs).
CURTIS ARMSTRONG plays Akeelah's principal who's the first to see her potential and encourages his friend Joshua to take her on as his pupil.
SARAHA GAREY plays Akeelah's friend who eventually feels slighted that Akeelah is spending more time with Javier than her.
J.R. VILLARREAL plays another spelling bee contestant who befriends and encourages Akeelah to keep pursuing her goal.
SEAN MICHAEL plays another competitor who doesn't socialize with the others and is all business, mainly because of his father's demands on him to succeed.
JULITO McCULLUM plays Akeelah's brother who's fallen in with the wrong crowd (although they eventually help Akeelah in her quest in a decidedly non-gang fashion).
ERICA HUBBARD plays their sister, a new mother.
LEE THOMPSON YOUNG plays their brother who's in the Air Force and wants to be a pilot.
TZI MA plays Dylan's stern and demanding father who will accept nothing other than success from his son in the spelling bee.; CURTIS ARMSTRONG plays Akeelah's principal who's the first to see her potential and encourages his friend Joshua to take her on as his pupil.
SARAHA GAREY plays Akeelah's friend who eventually feels slighted that Akeelah is spending more time with Javier than her.
J.R. VILLARREAL plays another spelling bee contestant who befriends and encourages Akeelah to keep pursuing her goal.
SEAN MICHAEL plays another competitor who doesn't socialize with the others and is all business, mainly because of his father's demands on him to succeed.
JULITO McCULLUM plays Akeelah's brother who's fallen in with the wrong crowd (although they eventually help Akeelah in her quest in a decidedly non-gang fashion).
ERICA HUBBARD plays their sister, a new mother.
LEE THOMPSON YOUNG plays their brother who's in the Air Force and wants to be a pilot.
TZI MA plays Dylan's stern and demanding father who will accept nothing other than success from his son in the spelling bee.; SARAHA GAREY plays Akeelah's friend who eventually feels slighted that Akeelah is spending more time with Javier than her.
J.R. VILLARREAL plays another spelling bee contestant who befriends and encourages Akeelah to keep pursuing her goal.
SEAN MICHAEL plays another competitor who doesn't socialize with the others and is all business, mainly because of his father's demands on him to succeed.
JULITO McCULLUM plays Akeelah's brother who's fallen in with the wrong crowd (although they eventually help Akeelah in her quest in a decidedly non-gang fashion).
ERICA HUBBARD plays their sister, a new mother.
LEE THOMPSON YOUNG plays their brother who's in the Air Force and wants to be a pilot.
TZI MA plays Dylan's stern and demanding father who will accept nothing other than success from his son in the spelling bee.; J.R. VILLARREAL plays another spelling bee contestant who befriends and encourages Akeelah to keep pursuing her goal.
SEAN MICHAEL plays another competitor who doesn't socialize with the others and is all business, mainly because of his father's demands on him to succeed.
JULITO McCULLUM plays Akeelah's brother who's fallen in with the wrong crowd (although they eventually help Akeelah in her quest in a decidedly non-gang fashion).
ERICA HUBBARD plays their sister, a new mother.
LEE THOMPSON YOUNG plays their brother who's in the Air Force and wants to be a pilot.
TZI MA plays Dylan's stern and demanding father who will accept nothing other than success from his son in the spelling bee.; SEAN MICHAEL plays another competitor who doesn't socialize with the others and is all business, mainly because of his father's demands on him to succeed.
JULITO McCULLUM plays Akeelah's brother who's fallen in with the wrong crowd (although they eventually help Akeelah in her quest in a decidedly non-gang fashion).
ERICA HUBBARD plays their sister, a new mother.
LEE THOMPSON YOUNG plays their brother who's in the Air Force and wants to be a pilot.
TZI MA plays Dylan's stern and demanding father who will accept nothing other than success from his son in the spelling bee.; JULITO McCULLUM plays Akeelah's brother who's fallen in with the wrong crowd (although they eventually help Akeelah in her quest in a decidedly non-gang fashion).
ERICA HUBBARD plays their sister, a new mother.
LEE THOMPSON YOUNG plays their brother who's in the Air Force and wants to be a pilot.
TZI MA plays Dylan's stern and demanding father who will accept nothing other than success from his son in the spelling bee.; ERICA HUBBARD plays their sister, a new mother.
LEE THOMPSON YOUNG plays their brother who's in the Air Force and wants to be a pilot.
TZI MA plays Dylan's stern and demanding father who will accept nothing other than success from his son in the spelling bee.; LEE THOMPSON YOUNG plays their brother who's in the Air Force and wants to be a pilot.
TZI MA plays Dylan's stern and demanding father who will accept nothing other than success from his son in the spelling bee.; TZI MA plays Dylan's stern and demanding father who will accept nothing other than success from his son in the spelling bee.

CAST, CREW, & TECHNICAL INFO

HOW OTHERS RATED THIS MOVIE

Curious if this title is entertaining, any good, and/or has any artistic merit?
Then read OUR TAKE of this film.

(Note: The "Our Take" review of this title examines the film's artistic merits and does not take into account any of the possibly objectionable material listed below).

OUR WORD TO PARENTS:

The following is a quick look at the content found in this drama that's been rated PG. Profanity consists of at least 1 "s" word and a handful of minor expletives, while some colorful phrases are also uttered and a joking reference is made about sexual harassment. Various characters have varying degrees of bad attitudes, while various thematic issues (dealing with bullies, past familial deaths, etc.) are present, some of which involves tense family material.

Some girls briefly struggle with another girl that they're bullying, while brief alcohol and tobacco related material is present. If you're still concerned about the film and its appropriateness for yourself or anyone else in your home who may be interested in seeing it, we suggest that you take a closer look at our detailed listings for more specific information regarding the film's content.

For those prone to visually induced motion sickness, there are some moving camera shots (and later some bouncing ones) that might induce that reaction.

ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE: We see an old man on the street carrying a bottle in a brown paper bag.
Joshua may have a drink, but it's never identified one way or the other.

BLOOD/GORE: About appearing on stage in front of others for a spelling bee, Akeelah jokes that she'd probably pee her pants.
About being at a high altitude on a plane headed for Washington, D.C., Javier says that he might "puke" (but he doesn't).

DISRESPECTFUL/BAD ATTITUDE: Other kids make fun of Akeelah (two girls in particular -- calling her "freak" and saying, "she ain't so smart" when she can't spell a word Joshua has given her), while the two girls approach her at school and inform Akeelah that she's going to be doing their homework. When she refuses and tries to leave, they grab and struggle with her.
About her competing against a bunch of white kids, Terrence tells Akeelah that they'll "tear your black ass up."
We see a mother help her son cheat during a bee while mouthing the letters to him from the audience (she's caught and the boy is disqualified).
Tanya is mad at Terrence about his involvement with some gang-bangers and thus isn't supportive of Akeelah and her accomplishments in the spelling bees (Akeelah hears them arguing).
Dylan refers to other competitors as "rejects."
Tanya is mad at Akeelah for having taken the bus to Javier's school to study with him and his friends (without telling her mom). She then tells her daughter that she won't be competing in any more bees and will be attending summer school. At other points, Tanya is too tired to have much interest in Akeelah's desires and accomplishments (that is, until the very end of the film).
Akeelah forges her (dead) father's signature to enter the bee competition.
Dylan's father is very stern with him, chastising him for barely beating a black girl (Akeelah).
Georgia is upset with Akeelah not having much time for her anymore (or hanging out with Javier and his friends rather than her). They eventually make up.
Dylan's father chastises him before the conclusion of the national bee, telling him that if he finishes second, he'll be second all of his life.

FRIGHTENING SCENES: None.

GUNS/WEAPONS: None.

IMITATIVE BEHAVIOR: Phrases: "Spelling bees are serious sh*t," "Your brother fine," "Stupid ass spelling bee," "(Hey) freak," "Like hell you ain't," "Brainiac," "You go girl," "You kicked some major booty," "Momma should just chill," "They'll tear your black ass up," "You're damn right," "Rejects," "Idiot," "Where the hell have you been?" "Holy cannoli," "Shut up (dawg)," "That turd juggler," "Kick his butt" and "What in the hell kind of word is that?"
We see graffiti on various surfaces.
Akeelah forges her (dead) father's signature to enter the bee competition.

JUMP SCENES: None.

MUSIC (SCARY/TENSE): None.

MUSIC (INAPPROPRIATE): None, but there are some rap songs heard playing in a few scenes, but we didn't hear anything bad in them (although some lyrics could not be heard or understood, thus offering the possibility of them potentially containing objectionable material).

PROFANITY: At least 1 "s" word, 3 hells, 2 damns and 1 ass.

SEX/NUDITY: Tanya shows some cleavage in several scenes.
Javier suddenly kisses Akeelah on the cheek, with her asking why he did that. He says it was an impulse and then wonders if she's going to sue him for sexual harassment (a joke on the part of the film).

SMOKING: Tanya smokes once.

TENSE FAMILY SCENES: On several occasions, Akeelah talks to the photo of her dead father (and we briefly see footage of him in flashback).
Tanya is mad at Terrence about his involvement with some gang-bangers and thus isn't supportive of Akeelah and her accomplishments in the spelling bees (Akeelah hears them arguing).
Tanya is mad at Akeelah for having taken the bus to Javier's school to study with him and his friends (without telling her mom). She then tells her daughter that she won't be competing in any more bees and will be attending summer school. At other points, Tanya is too tired to have much interest in Akeelah's desires and accomplishments (that is, until the very end of the film).
Dylan's father is very stern with him, chastising him for barely beating a black girl (Akeelah).
Tanya shows up at a bee but then makes a scene, telling Mr. Welch she wants her daughter off the stage. When they, Joshua and Akeelah meet outside, Tanya is mad at Akeelah for having kept this a secret from her, but after some tense moments, Tanya lets Akeelah continue.
We see Joshua looking at a photo of a young girl and he later calls Akeelah by that girl's name. We later hear that his daughter died sometime in the past and that put too much of a strain on his marriage, causing his wife to move away to another city.
We hear that Akeelah's father was shot and killed when she was six.
Dylan's father chastises him before the conclusion of the national bee, telling him that if he finishes second, he'll be second all of his life.

TOPICS TO TALK ABOUT: Spelling bees.
Mentor/protégé relationships
Akeelah not being motivated to do well in school despite being quite smart.
On several occasions, Akeelah talks to the photo of her dead father (and we briefly see footage of him in flashback).
The fact that Akeelah is worried about being labeled a "braniac" by other kids.
Devon telling Akeelah that sometimes your brain has to be smarter than your body (in reacting to seemingly adverse situations).
About her competing against a bunch of white kids, Terrence tells Akeelah that they'll "tear your black ass up."
Joshua tells Akeelah to "leave the ghetto talk outside," telling her that they'll only speak proper English.
Smart kids in bad situations (neighborhoods, family life, schools, etc.).
Dylan's father is very stern with him, chastising him for barely beating a black girl (Akeelah).
Joshua's comment that leaders used words to change the world.
We see Joshua looking at a photo of a young girl and he later calls Akeelah by that girl's name. We later hear that his daughter died sometime in the past and that put too much of a strain on his marriage, causing his wife to move away to another city.
The indirect pressure on Akeelah by others to win (for her school and community, etc.).
Tanya states that she dropped out of college in the past because of fear of failing.
Getting involved with gangs.
Losing family members.
Why Akeelah attempts to throw the championship bee and why Dylan doesn't let her.

VIOLENCE: Two girls approach Akeelah at school and inform her that she's going to be doing their homework. When she refuses and tries to leave, they grab and struggle with her.
Tanya has Akeelah by the arm as she drags her outside to reprimand her.

Reviewed March 16, 2006 / Posted April 28, 2006

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