Akeelah and the Bee

-Directed by: Doug Atchison

Starring:
-Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer

This is a special movie. It's magic even when it doesn't try to be and that makes it something you should go see, and tell every person you know to do the same. Starring the always amazing Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, it also introduces you to the lovely Keke Palmer. Palmer, a twelve year old from Illinois, has been in other films and on TV before but this is a role that will mark a real milestone in her career. Acting alongside two of Hollywood's best, she shines with a light all her own.

As a whole, the film has has moments of being very predictable. What keeps that from being frustrating though is the charm of Palmer. She draws you into Akeelah's world with a certain humanity and sweetness that makes it hard not to smile. Then there is Fishburne who brings the intensity he is famous for and applies it to the role of a firm teacher who has nothing but faith in his student, even when she doesn't have faith in herself.

The movie does have some fairly intense moments with some quarrels among family members, along with references to drug dealers and one fight at school. It's not bad though, and because of it you get a clear picture of the world Akeelah lives in. It's not a nice place, but thanks to Akeelah and her quest to go to the National Spelling Bee it becomes a lot more of a community.

Go see this movie, and bring a friend. Of course, you might want to bring a dictionary. I didn't even know some of these words.



-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
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