This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Maybe There Is Such a Thing as Overkill
Despite the huge marketing campaign by Starbucks Entertainment and the not-too-terrible reviews, Akeelah and the Bee debuted in 8th place with an anemic $6.3 million at the boxoffice. Kind of disappointing for the feel-good film to finish behind the number one film, RV (Robin Williams' take on Vacation), and Stick It, which, LAist guesses, does for gymnasts what Bring it On did for the cheerleaders of America.
So note to Starbucks: Whispers sometimes do roar. And sometimes subtlety--not bright yellow and green neon flashcards--works great.