Zombies (2014)

Directed by: Jordan Rubin | 77 minutes | comedy, horror | Actors: Rachel Melvin, Cortney Palm, Lexi Atkins, Hutch Dano, Jake Weary, Peter Gilroy, Rex Linn, Brent Briscoe, Phyllis Katz, Robert R. Shafer, Bill Burr, John Mayer, Jordan Rubin

Some movie titles already indicate exactly what to expect. ‘Zombeavers’ is the perfect example of this. Without having seen this production, you already know if this is something for you. As a sophisticated film lover you are not waiting for a production about zombie beavers, while the connoisseur of horror pulp is immediately looking forward to the end result.

In ‘Zombeavers’ a barrel of chemical waste ends up in a river. Via the water flow, the substance ends up in a recreational lake and the beaver population changes into a bloodthirsty mob. A group of teenagers are the victims.

Debut director Jordan Rubin knows he’s canning hysterical nonsense and doesn’t hold back. ‘Zombeavers’ is a tribute to Peter Jackson’s ‘Braindead’ and Sam Riami’s old ‘Evil Dead’ films. Horror and humor go hand in hand and old-fashioned handicraft is chosen instead of GCI. Mutated beavers are often apathetic puppets that can be seen moving rather sparingly in action ‘thanks to’ the meager budget. The special effects are pretty gross. It is clearly visible that the local hobby shop has made a big splash thanks to this production.

Obviously the quality level of ‘Zombeavers’ is very low. The effects are not too good and the actresses are cast on their cup size. If you can see the fun of an amateur tribute to splatter classics, this movie is definitely for you. A very special transformation scene is the culmination of this production. It is obvious that Rubin is angling for cult status, but whether his film succeeds is doubtful. ‘Zombeavers’ tries too hard to be cult. Too many nods to genre classics are given and the associated marketing department is looking rather ostentatiously for a spot in the horror hall of fame. The fact that the characters are all annoying and don’t arouse any sympathy speaks against this film.

Until the evil beavers spring into action, ‘Zombeavers’ isn’t all that exciting. A few topless scenes should hold the attention, but that cheap trick masks the lack of substance. A few good jokes or at least empathetic characters would have taken this horror comedy to the next level. Now Rubin’s first pitch is only for diehard pulp fans and beaver freaks to enjoy.