Unlike VB's other movies, I had not seen a review for this film before I saw it. As soon as heard that the protagonist's name was Beenard, I knew I was in for a treat. As usual, the animation is unacceptable for this time and the subject matter is unoriginal. While all of VB's films have a coherent story, that means nothing. The one-time voice actress for Ash Ketchum voices Beenard, who wants to be a cook instead of a soldier, but his friend Beeauty wants to be a soldier- like we've never seen insect colonies as a metaphor for conformity before. Of course, the big problem with insect movies is that insects have to be humanized in impossible ways. There are 2 big-lipped alligator moments in the middle, and some characters barely have a reason to "bee" (pardon me) in this movie. That said, I kind of liked a scene at the end, after Beenard saves the hive with his cooking but is put on trial for abandoning his post as a soldier. Beenard argues that he defended the hive with his honey, so he didn't abandon his post. This does provide a good message and tell it well, but that doesn't stop me from giving it a 1-star review pretty much just for existing, though I think that Ratatoing is even worse .
