The only problem I had with this film was that if I had a human bee, I’d dress him as a pirate to go beg for change on the street so we would have the proper funds for night after night of beer swilling, pizza eating, sleaze watching fun. Other than that gripe, “The Human Beeing” is an absolutely wonderful film that, rather than spoofing old 50’s monster films, embraces them, giving them a fierce noogie like you would your little brother.
Business at the Danasco Typing Company is looking up when mad scientist Dr. Charles Metzenbeamer successfully genetically mutates a human being with a worker bee, therefore creating the perfect employee for Danasco – an employee who toils endlessly and asks no questions. To help Mr. Hives blend in with his human co-workers, Dr. Metzenbeamer has dressed him in a suit and slapped a fake moustache and toupee on him. It works, nobody notices that Mr. Hives has an enormous bee head or is chained down to his desk to keep him from attacking everyone in the office. Stacey, a Danasco employee, takes a liking to Mr. Hives, but Dr. Metzenbeamer discourages any interaction with the worker bee, at least until he can squelch its killer instinct. But curiosity turns to obsession and Stacey finds herself neglecting her long-time boyfriend, Joe, to come face to face with a killer monstrosity. Of course, she realizes this once the moustache and toupee are dropped.
Extremely smart and brilliantly acted, “The Human Beeing” is one of the best short films I’ve ever seen, maybe even the best produced. The quick humor, boosted by excellent performances by the entire cast kept me giggling throughout. The special effects are no laughing matter, however as they are astonishing. The bee makeup just completely rocks the house and the little bit of CG that is used is down right creepy, helping create a hilariously surreal experience.
Kudos to the cast and crew of “The Human Beeing”. I anxiously await future projects from Tony Shea and company.
