Review of Akeelah and the Bee (2006) by Matt C — 21 Jun 2009

I didn't want to see this film originally, but I am glad I did. While I was about to become upset with Akeelah throwing the last word, everything worked out in the end which made me happy. Also, I am always frustrated with films that pit minorities or the poor against society and portray society as evil.

While I am very glad young black girls can rise above poverty and rough neighborhoods to succeed, far too many films try to encourage unity through showing minority groups triumphing over the established order as opposed to people of all varieties working together to accomplish some common goal.

It is unfortunate films similar to this (but not this one) actually increase societal tensions instead of decreasing them.