2008 Woodie Awards
'Bee Movie' for kids, 'Fred' almost ruins holiday
Michael Tate
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: Features
Bee Movie
Jenna:
Barry Benson (Jerry Seinfeld) is a bee who has just recently graduated from school and soon becomes disappointed when he learns that his only option for employment is making honey. He decides to make a trip outside the hive to explore the world, and meets a florist named Vanessa (Renee Zellweger) who saves his life. As he learns more about the world, (while his friendship with Vanessa blossoms), he discovers the honey that bees spend all their life manufacturing is sold in human stores. He decides the only fair action is to sue the humans to get all the honey back. When the bees win, they are no longer obligated to produce honey. Only one problem: flowers can't bloom without the bees help. In the end, Barry learns a valuable lesson: everything in life happens for a reason.
This is a very cute and kid-friendly movie. However, I would suggest not going into the theater with too much of an expectation in the area of facts. The plot didn't always make sense, and for the most part it was so far from reality I didn't really feel "drawn in" to the movie. The all star cast was a memorable highlight, and the music was very fitting. This would be a wonderful movie for your kid brother/sister.
Grade: C+
Fred Clause
Jenna:
Vince Vaughn plays Fred, the older brother of Santa Clause, (played by Paul Giamatti). When Fred runs into a bit of financial trouble, he reluctantly turns to his younger brother for help. Santa agrees to loan Fred the money if he will repay the debt by working at his North Pole workshop. Fred, however, isn't as productive as Santa has hoped and winds up almost destroying the entire workshop operation. Fred eventually has to come to terms with the fact that he has lived behind his little brother's shadow all of his life or he will end up breaking the patience of jolly old Saint Nicholas.
This movie's plotline was like many other holiday flicks in that Christmas almost ends up being canceled due to one key character's flaw. This one character must overcome his faults to save Christmas for the entire world. The most memorable aspect of Fred Clause was all the celebrity cameos that popped up in unexpected places. John Michael Higgins, Rachel Weisz, Kathy Bates, Miranda Richardson, Ludacris, and Kevin Spacey are just a few. I suggest this as a fun movie out with your family during the holidays!
Jenna:
Barry Benson (Jerry Seinfeld) is a bee who has just recently graduated from school and soon becomes disappointed when he learns that his only option for employment is making honey. He decides to make a trip outside the hive to explore the world, and meets a florist named Vanessa (Renee Zellweger) who saves his life. As he learns more about the world, (while his friendship with Vanessa blossoms), he discovers the honey that bees spend all their life manufacturing is sold in human stores. He decides the only fair action is to sue the humans to get all the honey back. When the bees win, they are no longer obligated to produce honey. Only one problem: flowers can't bloom without the bees help. In the end, Barry learns a valuable lesson: everything in life happens for a reason.
This is a very cute and kid-friendly movie. However, I would suggest not going into the theater with too much of an expectation in the area of facts. The plot didn't always make sense, and for the most part it was so far from reality I didn't really feel "drawn in" to the movie. The all star cast was a memorable highlight, and the music was very fitting. This would be a wonderful movie for your kid brother/sister.
Grade: C+
Fred Clause
Jenna:
Vince Vaughn plays Fred, the older brother of Santa Clause, (played by Paul Giamatti). When Fred runs into a bit of financial trouble, he reluctantly turns to his younger brother for help. Santa agrees to loan Fred the money if he will repay the debt by working at his North Pole workshop. Fred, however, isn't as productive as Santa has hoped and winds up almost destroying the entire workshop operation. Fred eventually has to come to terms with the fact that he has lived behind his little brother's shadow all of his life or he will end up breaking the patience of jolly old Saint Nicholas.
This movie's plotline was like many other holiday flicks in that Christmas almost ends up being canceled due to one key character's flaw. This one character must overcome his faults to save Christmas for the entire world. The most memorable aspect of Fred Clause was all the celebrity cameos that popped up in unexpected places. John Michael Higgins, Rachel Weisz, Kathy Bates, Miranda Richardson, Ludacris, and Kevin Spacey are just a few. I suggest this as a fun movie out with your family during the holidays!
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