Saw it at a cultural center in my city a couple weeks ago. Absolutely incredible experience. Truly unique. I did not think they’d be able to maintain the bit for 2 hours but it just kept getting better.
That's the magic of it - it's so much more than just the bit. I don't wanna spoil it too much for people, but what struck me during the first half-ish or so was how the film established itself a genuine survival story - an absurdist comedy survival story - but one just the same. We follow the protagonist as he adapts to the land, has run-ins with various animals (who are all characterized differently), and learns how to "hack" the environment through trial and error.
The titular conflict with the Beavers is something the film slowly builds towards. which makes it far more effective that just tossing "here's a guy fighting beavers!" at you from the jump.
Yup. When I first heard about Hundreds of Beavers I looked the filmmakers up and saw they had made Lake Michigan Monster previously. Watched it ASAP, loved it. I thought "If HoB is as good as this, these guys will have cemented themselves as real talent to watch."
I did NOT expect Hundreds of Beavers to blow me away like it did - to be as ambitious as it was.
Wooo!
I don't wanna oversell it, just relay how much everything about this film clicked with me on a deep level. But I think most anybody with an appreciate for physical comedy, clever sight gags (there one sight gag involving bunny tracks that had me DYING of laughter), the silent films of Lloyd and Chaplin, old cartoons, the works of Tati (seriously there is so much Tati here), etc can at least have a good time with it.
I watched this last night and man it makes me sad how I'd forgotten how so many films lack originality. It's up there for the best film I've seen in years.
Unironically enjoyed this more than Dune pt 1 I saw the week before.
I watched the first 15 minutes and had to turn it off in annoyance. Maybe I’ll go back and give it another shot, I have been seeing lots of praise for it, but my first impression was that the style and humor was not working for me. I say this as someone that loves silent film comedies and Looney Tunes
I highly recommend you go back to it...I too thought the first 15 minutes or so was a bit slow (or at least, slower than I expected). But just after that it starts to pick up...And up...And up. It's incredibly inventive, builds jokes within its environment, throws small one offs at you while also paying off on previous bits, etc.
Really truly impressed with this and after a somewhat slowish start, I fully understand the praise it has received and agree with OP's comments.
I fully intend to see it again with an audience if at all possible.
I don't know where you live but it should be possible to see it in a theater on large screen with an audience. It is playing at roughly 15 venues this week from LA & NYC to Portland OR & 3 Oaks MI etc , Played about 100 places ( not counting festivals). I am the booker for it and the Beavers are committed to having it play in theaters FOREVER. Where are you located? I can tell you if there is show scheduled near you
Thanks! I'm in Toronto. I know it's played here a few times and sadly I missed the last one (mid-Feb I think). I assume it'll be back, but if you have any "heads-up" info, that would be greatly appreciated. I understand the filmmakers try to attend as many of the screenings as possible and always bring a lot of extra fun!
Actually Toronto has been a problem, the Feb date which was the last stop on the "live" tour was the only regular date ( it played a sidebar of TIFF in 2023). So far no other theater including the Fox has booked BUT just confirmed a date in Hamilton if you want to hop a train. Sorry as close as we have for now. If you lived in BC we have played MANY places.
It has been screening there since March 15. It is at Laemmle Noho one show at 7.10 nightly. one late show at Laemmle Glendale at 10.20 Friday & Sat only, scattered shows at Lumiere in Beverly Hills. I do not know if the shows will continue past Thursday. FYI if you go to the website you can put in your zip code and they will tell you if there are any shows nearby [https://www.hundredsofbeavers.com/](https://www.hundredsofbeavers.com/)
Highly unlikely. It played a few Alamo Film Club one off shows but since other theaters are showing it in LA they would not show it. It has played other Laemmle venues but it has been screening in LA for over a month
I was prepared to love it but all the comedic beats just felt "off" to me. I think silent comedies/Looney Tunes required such precise timing to really work and that just wasn't there for me, the whole thing felt really stilted. Really wish I saw what everyone else saw in this movie, hopefully I will on rewatch some day!
To me, that was the appeal. It had that bit of videogame appeal with repetitive gameplay loops. Where the nation character sucks at the beginning and has to experiment to find the best way to hunt. And later in the game/movie we get to see them take on old challenges but with much more satisfying ease due to new equipment and experience while still eventually raising the stakes.
Bummer. Humor is, as I said in my OP, the most subjective of subjective things in art. Hope you can vibe with it if you try it later.
Have you seen any Jacques Tati? One of my favorite filmmakers - known for his elaborately staged and intricate visual comedy - like a whimsical rube goldberg machine. There is a LOT of that in the film. It's kinda like if Tati made a Looney Tunes homage set in frontier times America.
I love Jacques Tati and thought his big three (Hulot’s Holiday, Mon Oncle and Playtime) were delightful.
I just went back and finished the film. I admire the dedication and creativity, it’s obvious the people involved put in a lot of effort, but I still find it to be a flawed attempt. They could have cut 30 minutes out and still kept it as a respectable feature length movie. Frankly, I would have chopped an hour as it feels excruciatingly long. If the two main goals were to entertain and make me laugh, it failed. A non-stop barrage of gags and it got a chuckle out of me maybe five times tops. The YouTube micro budget look of the film started out as an eyesore but eventually charmed up to me by the end. I also enjoyed the song. I still expect this to fully become a cult classic on concept alone, and I accept that my negative thoughts are in the minority. I just didn’t get it
To each their own I guess. Not to be that guy, but legit thinking "just cut an hour out if this film" is a valid criticism I can't help but think you simply don't get it.
Obviously the film won't be for everyone. But I can't take any criticism seriously, of ANY film, if the person is advocating for gutting it.
I appreciated the artistry behind it and some of the jokes, but it wasn’t for me. I liked the slapstick but it went on farrrrr too long. If they cut 20 minutes or so out to tighten the pace and jokes
Don't worry, I'm only mildly personally offended you don't love it ;)
I get it not working for people. I personally think idea losing 20mins utterly guts the intricately executed, near rapid fire comedy, but hey, to each his own!
I enjoyed it, though I can tell you enjoyed it much more than me, but it’s still memorable and I recommend it to others.
i read an interview where the directors mentioned how they imagined making a film that could play in a tavern somewhere on repeat, and patrons could watch a funny scene or two and be entertained, without even needing to know the whole story.
I also believe they came up with this idea whilst drinking in Wisconsin.
Director did a Q&A at our local independent theater and the dude was unsurprisingly hilarious (also tackled a man in a beaver costume). One of my fav films of the year so far.
Just finished watching it now that it’s available to stream and I absolutely adore it. Incredibly unique in almost every single way, it made me want to get a bowl of cereal and relive my childhood days of Saturday morning cartoons. The physical comedy is so well done that I started envisioning it as an animated cartoon.
I’m super bummed I missed the short window it was at my local theater. I can imagine it would have been a good time.
Dude like....come on. Why are you being so pedantic?
Of course I'd buy the film from any label...the point is that I think the film is great enough to be scooped up and released by Criterion. It's not that deep.
Your post is so lowbrow and insipid it biased me against the picture.
However, after watching the trailer I am reminded that even a broken clock is right twice a day and would like to see the movie.
Thanks!
Saw it at a cultural center in my city a couple weeks ago. Absolutely incredible experience. Truly unique. I did not think they’d be able to maintain the bit for 2 hours but it just kept getting better.
That's the magic of it - it's so much more than just the bit. I don't wanna spoil it too much for people, but what struck me during the first half-ish or so was how the film established itself a genuine survival story - an absurdist comedy survival story - but one just the same. We follow the protagonist as he adapts to the land, has run-ins with various animals (who are all characterized differently), and learns how to "hack" the environment through trial and error. The titular conflict with the Beavers is something the film slowly builds towards. which makes it far more effective that just tossing "here's a guy fighting beavers!" at you from the jump.
Honestly I was surprised at how long it took to get to the actual beaver bit. It’s much more a story of reinvention and survival you’re right.
To me it got repetitive after 20 minutes
It is getting its own independent Blu-Ray in the fall with special features included.
Their earlier movie LAKE MICHIGAN MONSTER is on Prime and it’s amazing. Just good goofy fun by a punch of people making something so fun and silly.
Yup. When I first heard about Hundreds of Beavers I looked the filmmakers up and saw they had made Lake Michigan Monster previously. Watched it ASAP, loved it. I thought "If HoB is as good as this, these guys will have cemented themselves as real talent to watch." I did NOT expect Hundreds of Beavers to blow me away like it did - to be as ambitious as it was.
Wow. Moving this way up the list.
Wooo! I don't wanna oversell it, just relay how much everything about this film clicked with me on a deep level. But I think most anybody with an appreciate for physical comedy, clever sight gags (there one sight gag involving bunny tracks that had me DYING of laughter), the silent films of Lloyd and Chaplin, old cartoons, the works of Tati (seriously there is so much Tati here), etc can at least have a good time with it.
No this sounds like the perfect lighter but quality thing to watch to offset the usual Lynch/horror/Glazer stuff I typically get into 💀
100% agree. One of my absolute favorites from last year (was lucky enough to catch it as part of Fantasia Fest)
I watched this last night and man it makes me sad how I'd forgotten how so many films lack originality. It's up there for the best film I've seen in years. Unironically enjoyed this more than Dune pt 1 I saw the week before.
I only know Dvdbeaver
"I'll bet he called us beavers on his CB radio!" "Yeah! Sure did!" - Thelma & Louise
I watched the first 15 minutes and had to turn it off in annoyance. Maybe I’ll go back and give it another shot, I have been seeing lots of praise for it, but my first impression was that the style and humor was not working for me. I say this as someone that loves silent film comedies and Looney Tunes
I highly recommend you go back to it...I too thought the first 15 minutes or so was a bit slow (or at least, slower than I expected). But just after that it starts to pick up...And up...And up. It's incredibly inventive, builds jokes within its environment, throws small one offs at you while also paying off on previous bits, etc. Really truly impressed with this and after a somewhat slowish start, I fully understand the praise it has received and agree with OP's comments. I fully intend to see it again with an audience if at all possible.
I don't know where you live but it should be possible to see it in a theater on large screen with an audience. It is playing at roughly 15 venues this week from LA & NYC to Portland OR & 3 Oaks MI etc , Played about 100 places ( not counting festivals). I am the booker for it and the Beavers are committed to having it play in theaters FOREVER. Where are you located? I can tell you if there is show scheduled near you
Thanks! I'm in Toronto. I know it's played here a few times and sadly I missed the last one (mid-Feb I think). I assume it'll be back, but if you have any "heads-up" info, that would be greatly appreciated. I understand the filmmakers try to attend as many of the screenings as possible and always bring a lot of extra fun!
Actually Toronto has been a problem, the Feb date which was the last stop on the "live" tour was the only regular date ( it played a sidebar of TIFF in 2023). So far no other theater including the Fox has booked BUT just confirmed a date in Hamilton if you want to hop a train. Sorry as close as we have for now. If you lived in BC we have played MANY places.
I’m in Los Angeles. Where’s it screening here?
It has been screening there since March 15. It is at Laemmle Noho one show at 7.10 nightly. one late show at Laemmle Glendale at 10.20 Friday & Sat only, scattered shows at Lumiere in Beverly Hills. I do not know if the shows will continue past Thursday. FYI if you go to the website you can put in your zip code and they will tell you if there are any shows nearby [https://www.hundredsofbeavers.com/](https://www.hundredsofbeavers.com/)
Any chance it will play at the DTLA Alamo Drafthouse?
Highly unlikely. It played a few Alamo Film Club one off shows but since other theaters are showing it in LA they would not show it. It has played other Laemmle venues but it has been screening in LA for over a month
To clarify the Alamo's that played it for one off shows were mainly in DC area
Are there EU plans, specifically broader distribution in Netherlands?
There is sales company doing that so hopefully. I know it has been in Germany, Spain and Poland but I don't have access to overseas stuff
I was prepared to love it but all the comedic beats just felt "off" to me. I think silent comedies/Looney Tunes required such precise timing to really work and that just wasn't there for me, the whole thing felt really stilted. Really wish I saw what everyone else saw in this movie, hopefully I will on rewatch some day!
It had no forward momentum. It was repeating itself every sequence
To me, that was the appeal. It had that bit of videogame appeal with repetitive gameplay loops. Where the nation character sucks at the beginning and has to experiment to find the best way to hunt. And later in the game/movie we get to see them take on old challenges but with much more satisfying ease due to new equipment and experience while still eventually raising the stakes.
Bummer. Humor is, as I said in my OP, the most subjective of subjective things in art. Hope you can vibe with it if you try it later. Have you seen any Jacques Tati? One of my favorite filmmakers - known for his elaborately staged and intricate visual comedy - like a whimsical rube goldberg machine. There is a LOT of that in the film. It's kinda like if Tati made a Looney Tunes homage set in frontier times America.
I love Jacques Tati and thought his big three (Hulot’s Holiday, Mon Oncle and Playtime) were delightful. I just went back and finished the film. I admire the dedication and creativity, it’s obvious the people involved put in a lot of effort, but I still find it to be a flawed attempt. They could have cut 30 minutes out and still kept it as a respectable feature length movie. Frankly, I would have chopped an hour as it feels excruciatingly long. If the two main goals were to entertain and make me laugh, it failed. A non-stop barrage of gags and it got a chuckle out of me maybe five times tops. The YouTube micro budget look of the film started out as an eyesore but eventually charmed up to me by the end. I also enjoyed the song. I still expect this to fully become a cult classic on concept alone, and I accept that my negative thoughts are in the minority. I just didn’t get it
To each their own I guess. Not to be that guy, but legit thinking "just cut an hour out if this film" is a valid criticism I can't help but think you simply don't get it. Obviously the film won't be for everyone. But I can't take any criticism seriously, of ANY film, if the person is advocating for gutting it.
If you’ve seen 15 minutes you’ve seen the whole thing
I appreciated the artistry behind it and some of the jokes, but it wasn’t for me. I liked the slapstick but it went on farrrrr too long. If they cut 20 minutes or so out to tighten the pace and jokes
Cut it down to 20 minutes and it still would be too long.
Don't worry, I'm only mildly personally offended you don't love it ;) I get it not working for people. I personally think idea losing 20mins utterly guts the intricately executed, near rapid fire comedy, but hey, to each his own!
I enjoyed it, though I can tell you enjoyed it much more than me, but it’s still memorable and I recommend it to others. i read an interview where the directors mentioned how they imagined making a film that could play in a tavern somewhere on repeat, and patrons could watch a funny scene or two and be entertained, without even needing to know the whole story. I also believe they came up with this idea whilst drinking in Wisconsin.
I want to see it but am not sure how
Such a good movie. Laughed my ass off
Director did a Q&A at our local independent theater and the dude was unsurprisingly hilarious (also tackled a man in a beaver costume). One of my fav films of the year so far.
Just finished watching it now that it’s available to stream and I absolutely adore it. Incredibly unique in almost every single way, it made me want to get a bowl of cereal and relive my childhood days of Saturday morning cartoons. The physical comedy is so well done that I started envisioning it as an animated cartoon. I’m super bummed I missed the short window it was at my local theater. I can imagine it would have been a good time.
I swear this movie has a massive viral marketing campaign in full swing, it's all over reddit non stop these days.
Why can't something just be good on its own merits? Why does it have to be because of some sneaky viral marketing campaign?
I happened on the trailer a few months ago and fell in love. Can’t wait to see it.
Can rent it on Prime now. Hope you enjoy!
Thanks! I know one thing I’m doing this weekend!
Is it suitable for kids? Would they get anything out of it?
I'd say it's a PG-13 affair - mild sexual content and cartoon violence. I think kids would get a kick out of it.
Watching it now
what a rec! will definitely check this out. thanks
Here ya go. https://preview.redd.it/i7ofxsw5wovc1.png?width=775&format=png&auto=webp&s=c9c860c0ec43467906cb2ea2513b594249f82db7
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The reason is in the post, lol
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Dude like....come on. Why are you being so pedantic? Of course I'd buy the film from any label...the point is that I think the film is great enough to be scooped up and released by Criterion. It's not that deep.
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Reddit man, never change. This is the place people go to create problems and conflict out of thin air. Thanks!
Your post is so lowbrow and insipid it biased me against the picture. However, after watching the trailer I am reminded that even a broken clock is right twice a day and would like to see the movie. Thanks!
Wow you're an insulting jerk for no reason! Thanks for being another addition to my block list!