Review: Zombeavers (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 immediately looks forward to the end result.

In “Zombeavers”, a barrel of chemical waste ends up in a river. Via the water flow, the stuff ends up in a recreational lake and the beaver population changes into a bloodthirsty mob. A group of teenagers is the victim of this.

First-time director Jordan Rubin knows he’s canning hysterical nonsense and doesn’t hold back. “Zombeavers” pays homage to Peter Jackson’s “Braindead” and Sam Riami’s old “Evil Dead” movies. Horror and humor go hand in hand and old-fashioned craftsmanship is chosen instead of GCI. Mutant beavers are often apathetic dolls that can be seen moving in action rather sparingly “thanks to” the meager budget. The special effects are really gross. It is clearly visible that the local hobby shop has entered a lot thanks to this production.

Of course, the quality level of “Zombeavers” is very low. The effects are not very good and the actresses are cast according to their cup size. If you’re into the fun of an amateurish ode to splatter classics then this movie is definitely for you. A very special transformation scene is the culmination of this production. It is abundantly clear that Rubin is angling for cult status, but whether his film succeeds in this is doubtful. “Zombeavers” tries too hard to be cult. Too many references to genre classics are given and the associated marketing department is looking rather flashy for a place in the horror hall of fame. The fact that the characters are all annoying and do not arouse any sympathy speaks to the disadvantage of this film.

Until the evil beavers jump into action, “Zombeavers” isn’t that exciting. A few topless scenes should keep the attention, but that cheap trick masks the lack of content. A few good jokes or at the very least digestible characters would have taken this horror comedy to the next level. Now Rubin’s first throw is only enjoyable for die-hard pulp fans and beaver freaks.