As a child of the 2000s, I remember dismissing Bee Movie as just another silly animated film that didn’t quite live up to the Pixar standard. But now, looking back on it from my current vantage point as an adult who has been subjected to countless subpar animated films, I can honestly say that Bee Movie is a hidden gem.
Look, there are plenty of animated films coming out on the 2025 movie schedule, but you know me – I love to look back on the films that shaped me as a person and have caused me to alter my opinion on them. Today, we’ll be talking about Bee Movie. That’s right – the movie that is basically a meme for my entire generation.
Before we dive in, I’d like to mention that I spent my childhood years when Bee Movie, a standout DreamWorks Animation film using CGI, hit the screens. In 2007, Pixar unveiled Ratatouille, a movie often overlooked but truly exceptional. That same year, DreamWorks also released Shrek the Third, which may not be the best of the Shrek series, but it was a significant part of a widely popular franchise.
Back then, I used to think that films like “Bee Movie” wouldn’t make a splash at the box office, even with mixed reviews, due to being overshadowed by other studios’ animated flicks. However, as time has passed, I find myself drawn back to “Bee Movie,” and I want to share why you might want to revisit it if it’s been a while.
Let’s Just State The Pop Culture Impact Of This Movie And How Hilarious It’s Become
There’s a vast array of animated movies that have significantly impacted popular culture, particularly in our modern era when there seems to be an overwhelming number of them. For instance, Shrek and numerous Pixar films, along with many Disney animated masterpieces, are prime examples. And let me tell you, the number of Frozen memes I’ve encountered is staggering!
However, composing an article about Bee Movie would be incomplete without acknowledging the bizarre yet amusing memes it has spawned. Ranging from videos online speeding up the film each time “bee” is mentioned, to recurring jokes on TikTok, and catchphrases that continuously circulate, it’s a never-ending source of humor.
Frankly, many of the jokes in this movie seem almost like they were dreamt up during a feverish state. At times, I find myself questioning whether this film is actually real and genuinely marketed as a children’s movie given the unusual directions the internet has taken it in. Nevertheless, I must acknowledge its commendable ability to stay contemporary over the years.
The Plot Used To Be All Over The Place For Me, But NowThat Only Adds To The “B” Movie Effect
Regarding criticisms, I believe one aspect that didn’t appeal to me about the film as a child was its complexity. It seemed like there was one storyline after another, and they appeared unrelated, yet somehow came together at the end. Initially, it gave the impression of being one of the finest romantic comedies, even though it featured a human and a bee. Then, it felt like a legal drama intertwined with humor, and all of a sudden… it became a drama? In simpler terms, I found the narrative to be confusing due to its multiple, seemingly unconnected plotlines that eventually converged at the end.
At the moment, it’s a mystery to me how I managed to keep pace with all that was happening, given my limited mental capacity. It’s not surprising that I didn’t appreciate it as much as other animated films during that period. However, here’s an interesting twist: I actually enjoy it now.
In my opinion, the unique quality of “Bee Movie” lying in its ability to jump between genres gives it a more low-budget, B-movie feel. It playfully mocks B movies by incorporating bees into the plot, enhancing that theme. Although it’s quirky, unconventional, and seemingly out of this world, somehow, it manages to come together as a successful comedy film. While I wouldn’t call it very cohesive, I can certainly admire its originality now.
I Never Understood Why Barry Didn’t Feel Different From Jerry Seinfeld, But Now I Know It Was Really Just Him Playing Himself
As a child, I found it difficult to articulate my feelings towards Barry Benson because he wasn’t my preferred animated character. However, with hindsight, I’ve come to understand that Barry wasn’t really intended for children like me – he was more appealing to adults. Let me elucidate.
Many iconic animated characters in popular films are designed to appeal to children, often fitting into specific stereotypes. For instance, Tiana, from the movie “The Princess and the Frog,” is a remarkable princess character, or consider Po’s inspiring tale of determination as he transforms into a kung fu master in “Kung Fu Panda.” I could provide numerous other examples.
Barry isn’t like that, though. Barry is actually Jerry Seinfeld, a fact I realized after watching Seinfeld and all his stand-up specials. It turns out he voiced the character as himself, much like Ryan Reynolds who often plays various versions of himself in Hollywood movies.
Absolutely, that’s Barry alright. He may resemble Seinfeld and appear as harmless as a bee, but don’t let that fool you. He’s got this knack for telling clever adult jokes that only a select few understand. I must admit, he does an impressive job. Now, my appreciation for Barry has grown significantly.
I Used To Think The CGI Animation Was Bad, But For 2007, It’s Not As Horrible As I Originally Thought
As a child, there was something about animation that I found displeasing, which I now understand better. In retrospect, it seems the animation wasn’t as bad as I had thought back then. This newfound perspective makes me realize that perhaps I held certain privileges and expectations that could be considered spoiled.
Back then, I was deeply immersed in a golden era of top-notch Pixar movies at Disney. The CGI animation was just breathtaking and it was tough for my mind to grasp why this seemingly lighthearted Bee Movie didn’t have the same visual appeal as those Pixar masterpieces. However, looking back now as an adult, I find that this film isn’t nearly as lacking in the animation department as I once thought.
Absolutely, there are instances where you can tell that this movie appears somewhat dated. The human characters seem a bit odd at times, but the vibrant colors of the flower fields and the striking patterns of the bees remain captivating. Despite some flaws, I find myself enjoying it much more than I initially expected.
To be honest, the abundance of mediocre animated films today makes me cherish even more the movie from the 2000s, an era when CGI was rapidly gaining prominence across all animation studios. It seemed like everyone was putting their finest effort into their work back then. You simply can’t help but admire it!
Truthfully, I Think This Movie Is Only Going To Continue To Grow With Age
As a fan myself, I can confidently say there are numerous timeless masterpieces out there that leave you pondering their enduring appeal. However, this is definitely going to be one of them for you. “Bee Movie,” a film that was somewhat overlooked during its initial release, particularly by kids like me, is truly worth revisiting.
However, the realm of animation has undergone a significant transformation. Regrettably, some films have seen a decrease in quality. Incredibly, even Disney, once seemingly invincible, faltered with “Wish” in 2023 due to audience criticism that the animation appeared sloppy and incomplete. Contrastingly, “Bee Movie” is not this way.
Indeed, it may not strive for perfection like some movies do, but “Bee Movie” isn’t intended to do so. Instead, it’s a humorous animated film from 2007 that tickles your funny bone with its jokes, memes, and peculiar storyline. And although it might leave you scratching your head at times, by the end, you’ll find yourself enjoying the ride.
I believe, despite the humorous banter surrounding this movie, it’s destined to become a cherished pick for not just my generation, but those to follow, possibly even generations beyond. Living in an era where animation is omnipresent and good films are scarce, we cling to the rare gems of the past that boldly ventured into uncharted territories with their content and ideas. Without a doubt, Bee Movie was one such gem.
It seems like I’m praising it as the best kids’ movie, but let me clarify, there are many excellent animated family films that aren’t quite as adult-humor-focused or zany as Bee Movie. However, I encourage you to give this film a try during your next movie night for some amusement. It might surprise you and become a new favorite.
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2024-11-12 13:08