As a long-time fan who grew up with Jerry Seinfeld’s comedic genius gracing our screens every Thursday night, I can confidently say that “Bee Movie” is a delightful, albeit unexpected, extension of his humor. This film, much like a bee to honey, has a unique charm that draws you in and leaves you wanting more.
In 2007 and even now, what makes “Bee Movie” stand out among many other animated films is that the star actor doesn’t overact simply because he’s lending his voice to a charming cartoon character.
Originating from the mind of Jerry Seinfeld, penned by his fellow comedians, and unveiled during the peak of his successful NBC sitcom’s run, this DreamWorks Animation film is remarkably easy to understand, surpassing the accessibility of Seinfeld’s popular 1990s TV shows. Despite being an unusual choice among big-budget animated movies due to its quirky bug theme and unwavering Seinfeld-esque character, it remains true to its roots.
1. Here’s a Peek at DreamWorks Animation’s First Trailer for The Wild Robot, Starring Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal
Bee Movie: Jerry Seinfeld’s cross pollination between sitcom & family animation
Put aside for a moment the notion that we’re exploring a vibrant, humming insect utopia where bee society mirrors human society and the law assumes bugs have court rights. “Bee Movie” exudes a distinct Jerry Seinfeld vibe all throughout. This is evident in its recurring comedic themes such as the bustling New York City backdrop, the effortless, laid-back commentary on everyday life, and an endearing fondness for vehicles – even if they’re miniature ones that zip bees about in their advanced hive metropolis.
However, “Bee Movie” shares a distinctly Seinfeldian vibe for a more fundamental reason. Despite having spindly insect legs and an apian stripe-suit with two-toned stripes, the film’s leading bee, Barry B. Benson, can be seen as another representation of Seinfeld’s real-life character. Unlike transforming Seinfeld’s humor into something drastically different from his familiar comedic persona, Barry serves as a lightly fictionalized yellow-and-black portrayal of Seinfeld himself throughout the movie.
In just a few short minutes of “Bee Movie”, it becomes clear that Jerry Seinfeld’s role as a voice actor doesn’t give him carte blanche to abandon his distinctive comedic style. He speaks every line as Barry in much the same way he would during a stand-up gig at an arena near you. Luckily, this isn’t a problem. In fact, it mirrors how Seinfeld played the lead on “Seinfeld”, with his character serving as the steady, everyday center amidst a vibrant cast of actors whose more eccentric traits can shine brightly.
Sweet as honey: The Bee Movie story & cast
Supporters of these stellar performances are equally impressive, ranging from Chris Rock lending his voice to a resilient mosquito named Mooseblood, to John Goodman portraying a plump lawyer with a Southern accent who passionately tries to sway a jury in favor of humanity’s cause. In fact, considering the focus on courts and juries in our discussion so far, it might be useful to highlight the central plot point of Bee Movie: In a shocking revelation reminiscent of the Matrix, Barry finds out that humans keep bees confined in hives, unlike his free-roaming colony near Central Park. What’s more alarming is that they exploit bees by stealing their honey and converting its various uses into monetary gain for humans.
Instead of honoring my family’s expectations and dedicating myself to a lifetime as a bee in the hive, I, Barry, find myself repulsed by humanity’s ruthless exploitation of our hard work. So, I take a stand against it by filing a lawsuit intended to protect our precious honey from human interference forevermore. However, this decision triggers a series of unexpected negative events. Yet, the silver lining is that it gives me more time to nurture my burgeoning relationship with Vanessa Bloome – an aspiring florist (and indeed a human) voiced by Renée Zellweger – which grows into something quite charming.
In the movie where insects do all the talking, it might seem strange if a regular human character stole the spotlight from the voice actors. However, Renee Zellweger manages to make Bee Movie feel heartfelt, despite the unique Seinfeld-style humor that often kept emotions at bay. As Vanessa, she skillfully navigates an emotionally complex journey for a family-friendly audience, a task that the writers of the movie, including Seinfeld himself, may have intuitively felt Zellweger was particularly suited to handle.
I gotta hand it to the diverse and top-notch voice talent in Bee Movie, from Sting and Oprah Winfrey to Barry Levinson and the late greats Larry King and Ray Liotta – they sure brought the funny! And let’s not forget Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, John Goodman, and myself. It feels like a high school yearbook filled with pals from Seinfeld’s ’90s comedy crew!
There’s plenty of excitement to be had in discovering (without sneaking a peek!) where actors such as Megan Mullally, Michael Richards, John DiMaggio, and even Matthew Broderick make their appearances in the movie. However, it’s no secret who Patrick Warburton plays in this film – his character Ken, Vanessa’s clumsy boyfriend, sounds just like Jerry Seinfeld’s character David Puddy (and quite similar to Warburton’s character Kronk from The Emperor’s New Groove, if we’re being completely candid).
Initially, some modern fans of the sitcom “Seinfeld” felt let down by the comedic style of “Bee Movie” during its theater release, as they expected it to aim for broader, more ambitious humor. Instead, they found it to be a pleasant, amusing, and family-friendly addition to DreamWorks’ animated film collection. However, with over 25 years passing since its release, the appeal of “Bee Movie” becomes clearer. Its animation quality is on par with today’s best animated films, its story is straightforward and relatable, and it presents an unusual yet fitting addition to Jerry Seinfeld’s entertainment portfolio. Upon closer examination, Barry B. Benson, the film’s protagonist, may not be such a significant departure from Seinfeld’s typical work.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-08-23 18:18