You don't have to spell "insecurity" to know that wilting-flower look when you see it. And no one will ask you to trace the etymology of "self-respect" when you see it blossoming on screen.

	Keke Palmer as Akeelah. Click photo for larger image. "Akeelah and the Bee" Rating: PG for some language Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Keke Palmer Director: Doug Atchison "Akeelah and the Bee" Web site Local youth in 'Akeelah' Family Film Guide report

"Akeelah and the Bee" is one of those rare films that communicates its message clearly and succinctly on multiple levels.

On the surface, it's a charming little story about an 11-year-old South Central Los Angeles girl with an unnatural ability to spell. It's not seen as the hippest of talents in her inner-city school, and her competition in intramural spelling bees brings on the mockery of family and friends. With the help of a strict but savvy academic adviser, Akeelah struggles to reach the prestigious National Spelling Bee.

Just under the skin, it's a sensitive low-budget, indie film about the insecurity and isolation of a lonely girl who doesn't fit into her school's social structure, and the insecurity and isolation of a lonely college professor burdened with a tragic loss. Linked by a common goal, the unlikely pair help each other to beat their demons, accept themselves and earn the respect of others.

On the street level, "Akeelah and the Bee" is a socially responsible slap upside the head to those who may use a perception of victimization and alienation by mainstream society, justified or not, as an excuse to not compete for intellectual, professional and social rewards. The girl's metaphorical struggle to reach the spelling bee -- her rejection by friends, her parent's stern warning to avoid setting herself up for failure, her insecurity over acceptance by affluent competitors -- alludes to the screenwriter's perception of an undeclared insecurity that too often prevents minorities from striving for mainstream goals and acceptance.

Writer-director Doug Atchison's boldly controversial social statement is subtly and seamlessly woven into a multifaceted story that is as delightful and uplifting as it is serious and thought-provoking.

Laurence Fishburne is flawless as a rigid intellectual wallowing in personal guilt and grief while reluctantly coaching an insolent young speller. As their relationship strengthens, her faith in his counsel finally frees him of his perceived failures. Fishburne articulates a slow, delicate but undeniable transformation of a carefully crafted character.

At 12, Keke Palmer has already built a notable career, including a stage tour of "The Lion King" and film roles in "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" and "Madea's Family Reunion." Her high-profile television appearances include roles on episodic series and the Emmy-nominated TV movie "The Wool Cap." Palmer is completely believable as a kid whose determination to be accepted by classmates is trumped by her self-determination and will to succeed in the bee.

In supporting roles, Angela Bassett is taut and restrained as Akeelah's nonsupportive mom, and Curtis Armstrong plays a middle school principal desperate to encourage intellectual achievement.

Despite the film's socially progressive undertones, "Akeelah and the Bee" never beats its audience over the head with the message. Nevertheless, its producers are determined to spread the word. In an unusual marketing arrangement, the Starbucks coffee company has taken a leading role in the film's promotion. "Akeelah" is featured on www.starbucks.com and advertised in the chain's cafes. Thousands of Starbucks employees attended special screenings and were coached on guerrilla marketing techniques to subtly promote the movie.