Hundreds of beavers

Step into a world where beavers become more than just industrious animals building dams; they become the unlikely stars of an uproarious and offbeat adventure. In Hundreds of Beavers, filmmakers Mike Cheslik, known for his previous cinematic escapade Lake Michigan Monster, reunite to craft a unique spectacle that defies categorization and leaves audiences both bewildered and tickled. With a boundless devotion to the magic of cinema, Cheslik and Tews conjure a mesmerizing symphony of slapstick, silent film homage, and cartoon-like chaos that unfolds on the snow-covered canvas of 19th-century Great Lakes region.

As winter blankets the landscape in a hushed stillness, we're introduced to beleaguered Jean Kayak (Tews), a former applejack distillery owner who finds himself at odds with a mischievous band of beavers that vandalize his livelihood. This calamitous clash between man and nature propels Jean on an unexpected journey of survival, where he discovers hidden talents as a fur trapper. In a quest to win the heart of the merchant's daughter, he embarks on a whimsical mission to capture, quite literally, hundreds of beavers. What ensues is a sidesplitting tale of love, determination, and furry adversaries that beckons viewers to suspend disbelief and dive headfirst into a world of unbridled whimsy.

The film's black-and-white visuals, reminiscent of classic silent cinema, serve as the perfect canvas for Cheslik and Tews to weave their imaginative tapestry. Through a blend of live action, animation, and mascot-clad performers, Hundreds of Beavers takes on a Tex Avery-esque quality, with each fur-clad critter embodying a playful charm that borders on the surreal. Tews' commitment to physical comedy and deadpan delivery infuses the film with an infectious energy, while his endearing portrayal of Jean Kayak invokes a sense of endearing simplicity reminiscent of classic comedic heroes.

Beyond the laughs and antics lies a surprising layer of depth. Cheslik skillfully employs the narrative as a conduit for contemplation, subtly drawing attention to the environmental impact of human actions on the animal kingdom. The filmmakers ingeniously transform beavers from mere comedic fodder into sentient beings, capable of sharing their perspective through a poignant slide show that touches on historical truths and ecological concerns. This unexpected turn adds an unexpectedly profound touch to the whimsical proceedings, inviting audiences to reflect on the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.

At over 100 minutes, Hundreds of Beavers demands attention, but its relentless inventiveness and masterful pacing ensure that the journey never becomes tiresome. Cheslik's expert editing stitches together a symphony of gags and recurring motifs that elicit hearty chuckles while building towards a crescendo of hilarity. The film's commitment to its offbeat premise never wavers, and the result is a comedic odyssey that treads a fine line between brilliance and absurdity.

In the lineage of cinematic oddities and avant-garde gems, Hundreds of Beavers proudly takes its place, a testament to the audacious spirit of independent filmmaking. Cheslik and Tews showcase their prowess in crafting a cinematic universe that defies convention, combining influences from classic slapstick, animated shorts, and vintage adventure films into a kaleidoscopic experience that's both nostalgic and groundbreaking. By unapologetically embracing the quirkiness of their vision, the filmmakers create an endearing work of art that's bound to captivate audiences with its uncontainable charm and boundless enthusiasm.

Prepare to be whisked away on a wild escapade that's as heartwarming as it is sidesplittingly funny. Hundreds of Beavers stands as a love letter to the art of storytelling, an uproarious celebration of cinema's ability to transport us to worlds where the line between reality and imagination blurs. From its mischievous beavers to its resolute hero, this film is a triumph of creativity, an ode to the unbridled joy of cinema, and a reminder that sometimes the most unconventional journeys are the ones worth taking. So, dive into the delightfully bizarre world of Hundreds of Beavers and let the laughter and wonder wash over you, leaving you with a smile that lingers long after the credits roll.

Hundreds of beavers
Directed by Mike Cheslik
Produced by Kurt Ravenwood, Matt Sabljak, Ryland Brickson Cole Tews
Written by Mike Cheslik, Ryland Brickson Cole Tews
Starring  Olivia Graves, Doug Mancheski, Luis Rico, Wes Tank, Ryland Brickson Cole Tews
Music by De Wolfe Music, Chris Ryan, Wayne Tews
Cinematography : Quinn Hester
Edited by Mike Cheslik
Running time : 108 minutes

Viewed August 7, 2023 (Fantasia screener press)

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