Lots of stars in ‘Bees’

Movie: "The Secret Life of Bees"

When: Opening Friday at local theaters

Cast: Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Bettany

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

The story: In 1964 South Carolina, a 14-year-old flees her abusive father with her nanny (and only friend), finding refuge with three small-town sisters who run a beekeeping business.

The buzz: One Oscar-winner ("Dreamgirls' " Hudson) and two nominees ("Chicago's" Latifah and "Hotel Rwanda's" Okonedo) join Grammy-winner Keys and growing-up-fast Fanning for this adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd's novel from writer-director Prince-Bythewood, whose credits range from "Love & Basketball" (her award-winning 2000 debut) to such sitcoms as "Everybody Hates Chris," "Girlfriends" and "The Bernie Mac Show."

-- By CAROL CLING/REVIEW-JOURNAL