An inspirational drama, Akeelah and the Bee is the story of Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer), a precocious eleven-year-old girl from south Los Angeles with a gift for words. Despite the objections of her mother Tanya (Angela Bassett), Akeelah enters various spelling contests, for which she is tutored by the forthright Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne); her principal Mr. Welch (Curtis Armstrong) and the proud residents of her neighborhood. Akeelah’s aptitude earns her an opportunity to compete for a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and in turn unites her neighborhood who witness the courage and inspiration of one amazing little girl.
Jana notes: This film depicts real life for many American students. It is moving and heart-wrenching all at the same time.
Audience: Kids, Teens, Adults.
Rating: Enjoyable. Inspiring.
Message Take-away: What are you going to put your mind and efforts into?
To learn more or to purchase “Akeelah & The Bee”, click on the DVD image below.
