Customer Reviews

Honeybee

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I caught this film at the Hollywood Black Film Festival last February, so I am probably one of the few people to catch this film on the big screen. It's not surprising that the film never received a significant theatrical release. Simply put, HONEYBEE is an unpretencious B-movie about a young woman trying to make it in boxing. Nothing more, nothing less.

From the looks of it, the film might have been pitched as a cross between ALI and GIRLFIGHT. Unfortunately, it stands up to neither of the films. This is from no fault of the actors. Accepting the rather petite Senait Ashenafi (who played Keesha Ward on TV's "General Hospital") as a boxer is pushing things a bit, but that detail aside, she does a credible job given the material she was given.

Pierre Perea is okay as Honeybee's trainer and Corinne Van Wyck plays a good B-movie villian. As always, James Avery ("The Fresh Prince of Bel Air") gives a reliable performance. The rest of the cast doesn't make much of an impact.

The main shortcoming of the film comes with Roderick Powell's script. Simply put, it lacks originality and depth. Everything you see in this film has been done better elsewhere. Powell also wrote and directed the equally campy, PREACHING TO THE SISTERS (a/k/a PREACHER PLAYER). Of the two films, HONEYBEE is marginally better, in large part due to its use of professional actors and the fact that this one was shot on film rather than grainy video.

Melvin James' direction is sluggish and stylistically indifferent. It isn't until the last reel of the film that the pace starts to pick up, but by then it is too late.

Despite subpar writing and directing, this is not to say that HONEYBEE lacks entertainment value. Even Ed Wood had his legion of fans. HONEYBEE is the type of film that you enjoy because it is bad. It's got many of the elements that make a "good" bad film. A plot that doesn't entirely make sense, the rogue boyfriend, the jealous female, just a smidgen of nudity (not from the lead, though) and even a little heart. So if you're not expecting an Academy Award calibre film, you might even enjoy this it.

Personally, I'm a fan of films with complex female lead characters like last year's IRIS, THE DEEP END, IN THE BEDROOM and MONSTER'S BALL. Films that make you think or provide insights into different people's lives. However, many do not share my point-of-view. They think that those films are dry and boring. For those, there are films like HONEYBEE.

The film is remarkably well-acted and believable, except perhaps for the ending. Although the boxing scenes are obviously staged, the impact of the film is quite authentic and insightful, particularly for a young female who may be thinking about the boxing world as an avenue to pursue. One scene is sexually graphic and may "put off" gifting this film to unsophisticated recipients. I'm and experienced granddad and bought the film for my 17-year-old granddaughter who is just beginning to spar.Honeybee

This movie is really good and i hope they make more female boxers films because it will be good.Honeybee (Sub)

If you purchased or rented this title because you thought you renting a quality film then I feel sorry. I too rented this so called 'waste of time' in hopes of being entertained but the quality of the production was almost unbearable. Honestly, the sound recording was terrible, the acting performances were that of a high school play and overall there was no stucture to the story that would allow someone to follow. This seems like it would have been better off being released by York which at least confesses it puts out bad black films for the 'ghetto'.

I'm very happy to see a movie that isn't a stereotypical black movie set in the hood. Very refreshing. I hope to see more movies like this, especially with strong black female lead characters. It was also a pleasant surprise to see James Avery from the Fresh Prince TV show in the movie. He did very well in an atypical dramatic role.

I saw Honeybee at a film festival in New York City and it is an excellent movie. The characters are interesting and the story is very entertaining. I'm glad to see a movie where black folks are doing something besides telling jokes or being the butt of jokes. In this movie, you actually get to see a black woman pursuing her dreams regardless of the odds against her.

...I saw this film several times and although it has it's flaws, this was an interesting film and is definitely worth adding to your straight to video collection. It had a short theatrical release because it truly is "the little film that could" Although, it is crippled by the same things that all low budget indy film are crippled with , like a limited budget, lesser talented actors, equipment, etc this film actually does look better and is much better directed than most all of it's counterparts out there. The director obviously made the most of what he had in order to be able to make this film out of almost nothing. That shows the mark of a true talent. James Avery's performance was great as usual and Corinne DeGroot lit up the screen with a tough and strong prescense as female boxing nemesis. I think any educated and informed consumer will enjoy this film for what it has to offer. Especially since it is not depicting black people in stereotypical roles. Expand your mind and look to be entertained and intrigued by this film and moreso by the potential of the people behind it. Kudos to Director, Melvin James. I'm looking for bigger and better thngs to come.

Honeybee is often overlooked during the award shows, but here is your chance to really see it shine. Its a story that appeals to young and old, the ability to overcome great obsticals in the face of adversity. With a plotline that will keep you guessing until the very end, I can't recommend this movie enough. It taps into a spiritual level in all of us. Honeybee is a spiritual glue that holds mankinds communal experiences together.
I don't want to give away too much, but when that girl and that guy did that thing, wow! I was really really blown away.
Run, don't walk to get this movie. But remember to bring a tissue, because Honeybee's heartrending soliliqy at the end leaves not a dry eye in the house.

This movie was the best I've seen in a long time. Hollywood watch out.. We have some new stars on the rise! The directing was the best I've seen in a long time. Everyone should put this on their top list of movies to see!

You know...I read alot of hype on this film and now it is obvious it was manufactured by the producer. The film screams that it is your typical bad black filmmaker trying to make an independent film. What the people behind the making of this wanna be copy cat female boxer film should be doing is all washing dishes for a living. The directing is awful with no talent being displayed in any area, the production design, lighting and casting also very bad and I truly feel [let down] ...I mean really! Spend more time on creating real stories that people of color can relate to is my advice, but chances are the people behind this film will not be around to make another stinker...and I hear that!