aburowad In the case of "Akeelah and the Bee", it's in South Los Angeles' Crenshaw Middle School. When Akeelah Anderson's father tragically killed, the 11 year-old turns to spelling as a means of grieving (her father was also an avid Scrabble player). But in South Los Angeles' Crenshaw Middle School, being too smart will get you labeled "brainiac" and quickly ostracized. Akeelah, who has a problem with attendance, is encouraged by her teacher Ms. Cross (Dalia Phillips) and Principal Mr. Welch to join the school's spelling bee where she, naturally, excels. Mr. Welch, eager to garner the school some positive press, brings along Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne), a former spelling champ-turned- professor now on sabbatical. Dr. Larabee recognizes Akeelah as a diamond in the rough, but must be convinced that she is willing to commit to her education. As the film deftly details, spelling bees are not just about memorizing but about learning the origins of words.The story is beautifully told and the acting is wonderful by a very talented cast, including Angela Bassett as Akeelah's mother. Bassett and Fishburne have appeared together before, most famously as the mercurial musical duo Ike and Tina Turner in the award-winning "What's Love Got to Do with It" (both were nominated for Academy Awards and Bassett should have won). The story wouldn't work this well without having the right actress play the part of Akeelah, and Keke Palmer is perfect in the role. For writer-director Doug Atchison, this was clearly a labor of love. This film rate an A

Bassam Abulela This movie is just outstanding, although I'm not an English native speaker, but I really enjoyed that movie so much, and I learned a lot of words also... Akeelah (Keke Palmer) was just amazing and she proved that she's a good actress ! I just remember that scene at the school in the very first competition, when Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) asked her to pronounce some super tough words and she did it. and also when he taught her how to deconstruct that long Latin word "Soliterraneous"... it was just amazing ! so Akeelah, can you pronounce "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" fast, and tell the definition of it ;)after all, it's really a must see movie, i give it 8/10

brandon_lee420 If you had to choose between "Bee Season and "Akeelah and the bee" I strongly recommend Akeelah. The story can be kind of predictable but it was very fun for kids and some adults. There are some jokes which will make you laugh out loud while others will just leave a smile on your face.Laurence Fishburne portrays the role of Dr. Larabee, coach of Akeelah, and he just plays the role very good. The movie can get very exciting at times and it will have you jumping out of your seat shouting at people who can't spell.The only spelling movie that I think can beat Akeelah will have to be spellbound but they're both quite good.

freakfire-1 A National spelling bee, a girl from south Los Angeles, and a retired Professor of English. What does that make for? A feel good movie about a girl who overcomes and wins, despite the drawbacks.The film has a certain Disney-esquire feel to it, without the Disney brand. Nor does it afford the names Disney can afford. However, this film might jump-start the career of Keke Palmer.It is kind of typical in the sense that the underdog student comes out on top over the big winning student. Yet they all become friends? I suppose to be a valuable insight for people, however it is not realistic.The student-retired-professor bond isn't that spectacular, but isn't great either. And in real life not often do whole communities get behind one student at the expense of another.Overall, its sub-par. Acting is OK, but its needs a lot of work. "D+"