Akeelah and the Bee
Recommended. Age: 8+. A Catholic review of this movie for parents.
Our review
Akeelah is an 11-year-old girl in Los Angeles who is very good at spelling. With help from a strict coach, her family and her neighbors, she makes it all the way to the national spelling bee. She learns to believe in herself and to be kind to her rival. This is a big-hearted film about hard work, humility and a whole neighborhood rallying behind one child. Its high point is Akeelah choosing to give up a win for her friend. The one age is 8, set by Common Sense Media (8+); the USCCB classification is A-I, Lumen rates it Kids & Up, and the PG carries no age. Expect one s-word blurted by a middle schooler, a few crude words, a bullying shove, talk of a brother killed by a stray shooting, a coach drinking alone, and a mother who smokes.
For parents
Best for eight and up, set by Common Sense Media (8+). The USCCB rates it A-I, general patronage. There is one s-word, a few uses of ass and hell, and a boy called a turd juggler. Akeelah forges her dead father's signature to keep competing, and her mother is right to be angry. Talk about that: good goals do not make a lie right. Dr. Larabee has her read a quote by Marianne Williamson saying we were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. Explain that our gifts come from God and are meant to serve Him and others. Ask: why did Akeelah try to let Dylan win? How did her neighbors help her? What gift has God given you?