Stung by the realization that he will have to choose one job to do for the rest of his life, newbie graduate Barry (Jerry Seinfeld) flies out of the hive and discovers that humans are profiting from the honey his species has always worked so hard to make.
There's been quite a buzz surrounding this latest animated adventure, which marks Seinfeld's mainstream big-screen debut. With the top comedian at the helm, it's not surprising that the clever puns and jokes keep flying. Although many of them will go right over the heads of young viewers, there's enough to keep kids of all ages entertained--and educated (bet they didn’t know honeybees can’t fly in the rain and--according to aviation experts--with their small wings and fat bodies, shouldn't be able to fly at all!). Audiences are likely to swarm.
This movie is intended for older children.
Preschoolers will miss much of the humor ("There's quite a bit of pomp, under the circumstances," says Barry at graduation), but they may still enjoy watching the constant flurry of activity as the yellow and black team go about their daily business. The bees seem so harmless, you may have to remind little ones to stay away from them in real life!
Many kids in this age group are fascinated by insects, and they'll enjoy learning facts--as a species, bees haven't had one day off in 27 million years--as much as laughing at what's going on (Barry sharpens his stinger in a pencil sharpener; a bee in the hospital has an IV attached to a honey container; Barry's parents praise him for getting all "B's" on his report card). They'll be as intrigued as Barry by the brave "Pollen Jocks," and will realize, like Barry ultimately does, that "a small job, if you do it really well, makes a big difference."
Many tweens will think they're too old for an animated "kids" movie, but there are actually a number of scenes that will appeal to them, especially when rock legend Sting is called to trial for stealing bee culture. Older kids may find it interesting to think about Barry's allegation that "we make the honey and the humans make the money," and watch with curiosity as he decides to "sting humans where it really hurts"--in their wallets. They'll also understand how this ends up upsetting the balance of nature.
Sixteen short "TV Juniors," alternate endings and lost scenes, "Jerry's Flight Over Cannes" and an inside look at the cast. A second disc includes segments on the movie technology, the main character and a music video, plus a "Dreamworks Kids" section with features on bee facts, bee stings, and bee trivia as well as games in which children can practice pollinating flowers with their remote controls and discovering which bee job is right for them.
