D.C. MOVIE GUYS

Jerry Seinfeld makes his movie debut-sort of-in the new animated family film “Bee Movie.”  This amusing and colorful tale of one insect’s dream of bigger and better things than just honey making has some laughs and several downright brilliant moments.  But, when you compare it to the work of the Disney/Pixar group or fellow DreamWorks creation Shrek, its buzz quiets down. 

Seinfeld, who co-wrote the film with Spike Feirstein, also provides the voice of Barry B. Benson, a young bee who’s just graduated from school and looking for his role in the hive.  While trying to impress a bunch of bees who leave the hive daily to pollinate flowers, Barry’s life is saved by a kindly florist named Vanessa Bloome (Renee Zellwegger.)

Barry begins talking with and visiting Vanessa regularly.  One day, he discovers that humans raise and use bees to make honey that they sell.  Determined to stop what he sees as exploitation of his fellow bees, Barry, with Vanessa’s help, sues humanity to free bees from the drugery of their constant work.

Directors Shane Heikner and Simon J. Smith have craqfter a colorful look and captivating animation style for “Bee Movie.”  Clearly, they expect their audience, particularly kids, will be drawn into the story, even when its jokes and references are aimed at adults.  Based on the fidgeting of the tykes I saw the movie with, the visual spell wears off about halfway through this 91 minute film.

Anyone who enjoyed films like “Toy Story” or “Finding Nemo”  or even the first “Shrek” knows that those movies took nothing for granted when it came to entertaining audiences of all ages.  Sreenwriters and artists made sure to offer moments that could be shared, understood and enjoyed by multiple generations.  Seinfeld and co-screenwriter Spike Feirstein get off some funny bits now and again, but most of them will work with teens and adults, not small fry.

One of the film’s assets is the voice work of several talents.  Zellwegger is delightfully offbeat as Vanessa and John Goodman adds a taste of Southern twang as the lawyer defending humanity.  Matthew Broderick is solid as the voice of Barry’s best bee friend, Adam and Chris Rock is sharp as a supportive mosquito.

“Bee Movie” can’t quite match the quality of “Monsters, Inc.”   or “A Bug’s Life,”  but it’s certainly better than such supposed family fare as “The Game Plan”  or “Surf’s Up.”  So head to the theater and prepare for a mild and pleasent “sting” of humor.

MPAA RATING: G

JOE’S RATING: THREE STARS.

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