Based on the book of the same name (gee - didn't see that one coming Hollywood!) The Secret Life Of Bees is a story about the
need for love, family and ultimately - redemption. Set in South
Carolina during the turbulent Civil Rights era, the home of the
intelligent and independent honey-making Boatwright sisters (Queen
Latifah, Alicia Keys and Sophie Okonedo) is suddenly thrust into
upheaval with the arrival of 14 year old Lily Owens (a "blossoming" Dakota
Fanning) and her caretaker Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson).
It seems the two are on the run from family issues and... society in general.
Surrounded
by some good ol' fashioned southern love and a good dose of deep rooted
spirituality, Lily soon forms a maternal bond with each
of the women - who no doubt reconcile the absence
of her real mother (who she accidentally murdered at the age of
four).
Trying desperately to capture the old southern charm that made Fried Green Tomatoes a classic, The Secret Life Of Bees more often than not, seems to struggle to capitalise on it's opportunities to tug at the heart strings.
Sure, there are some great moments throughout - but it is a long, hard slog trying to get there.
Perhaps
the audience is meant to feel the same alienation and subsequent
acceptance that Lily is experiencing in real time - but if that isn't
the case - then the first three quarters of the film are luke warm at
best.
It's like being promised a sumptuous roast lunch that is
served at 3pm. By the time it finally hits the table, you've already
filled yourself up with bread - leaving the "big finish" kind of
underwhelming and unimpressive.
Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys
offer up some strong performances - especially Keyes whose beauty is
nothing short of stunning - while Queen Latifah tries valiantly,
but seems somewhat of her depth, taking on a role which clearly
should have been cast with someone much older (was Whoopi busy?) and
wiser.
The Secret Life Of Bees
is by no means a car wreck - by any stretch of the imagination (it's
destined to have plenty in the audience in tears) with some truly
touching and endearing moments, but ultimately this meal feels a little
undercooked. DVD Special Features
Considering the flick came
and left Australian cinemas within about 24 hours, it's not surprising
to see that minimal effort has gone into the DVD release.
Included
here are two audio commentaries, a few deleted scenes, plus four
featurettes of varying quality (and of interest level).
Conclusion:
Movie 50% Extras: 50%
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