A Los Angeles youth spells her way to success in AKEELAH AND THE BEE. Akeelah is an inner city Los Angeles middle school student who hasn’t been motivated since the passing of her father. After receiving another 100% on her spelling test, Akeelah’s teacher encourages her to compete in the school’s spelling bee. After initially declining, her principal makes Akeelah an offer she can’t refuse. She breezes through her school spelling bee, and then lands UCLA professor Dr. Larabee as a tutor in order for her preparations for the district bee, and hopefully more.
AKEELAH AND THE BEE appears to be a standard underdog story. The film is so much more, a wonderful demonstration of how a familiar storyline can be enriching by establishing unique characters, and stirring emotions. Akeelah, played wonderfully by newcomer Keke Palmer, and Dr. Larabee, are two emotionally fractured individuals who find the art of spelling to be both an escape from their problems, and part of their rehabilitation. The interaction between the two is not only heartwarming, but also intelligent and competitive, as each utilizes their intellect to verbally joust with one another. Doug Atkinson, who writes and directs, not only works magic between professor and pupil, but also creates a collection of colorful supporting characters that are original, realistic and endearing. AKEELAH AND THE BEE is much more than your standard underdog tale.
Grade: A-
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