By Kirk Honeycutt: Unfortunately, bees just aren’t that funny. They talk funny now and then thanks to that force of comedy, Jerry Seinfeld, who co-wrote, co-produced and stars in his first animated feature. But they aren’t intriguing cartoon creatures. Nor is the odd story Seinfeld and his collaborators dreamed up very inspired. The film labors too hard for its comic moments and never discovers a cartoon logic that will allow bees and humans to interact.

When “Bee Movie” opens, honey will equal money for the first week, but repeat business, so vital for animated films, is not likely to be heavy. Seinfeld’s considerable and loyal following certainly will help.